http://the-ascended.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] the-ascended.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2005-10-25 04:50 pm

Greco-Roman Archaeology

"Okay, class, we're continuing with our pre-Roman cultures.

Today, we're looking at the city of Cerveteri, which was originally known as Caere. It was on a defensible site, above a coastal plain. The first evidence of settlement of the site come from finds of urns at two areas (Cava della Pozzolana and Sorbo) from the 8th and 9th centuries BC. Trade with the Greeks at Etrusco became increasingly common in the middle of the 8th century BC with standardised urns and pottery common in graves of the time. The town became Etruria's main trading centre during the 7th century BC, as well as increasing trade with other Greek colonies in Southern Italy and Sicily, and with the Corinthians. Locally manufactured products began to imitate imported Greek pottery.

Burials of the time became increasingly grand and jewelry and other products were of particularly fine manufacture, illustrating the continuing good fortunes of the city. At the height of its prosperity in the 6th century BC, the people of Caere (with the Carthaginians emerged debateably victorious from clashes with the Phocaean Greeks. Following the "Battle of the Sardinian Sea", captured prisoners were stoned to death in the city, apparently resulting in a plague. In recompense, athletic contests were held every year in the city to honour the dead who were later buried.

Following this historical violent outburst by the people of the city, trade once again flourished through the 5th century BC, partly in spite of the difficulties affecting Etruria during the period. Arguably, this is due to the paricularly good relations with Rome, a traditional ally.

In 253 BC, Caere allied to the Tarquinii lost a war with Rome and with it some of its territory, including the coastal area and ports so important for trade. With this loss, the area lost its wealth and power completely by the first century AD.


Now, homework. I want you to either pick Magna Graecia or the Latins, which are the two other pre-Roman civilizations. I'll chose one from each option to give a brief report to the class on Thursday, so we can go on and actually get to the beginning of the Roman civilization. Any questions?

Re: After Class

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2005-10-25 07:08 pm (UTC)(link)
"You might want to at least call and make sure she's there next time," Sam chuckled. "I'm glad. I'm glad you can finally say it out loud, and I'm glad that you're getting this second chance together. There aren't many of those in life, y'know. Take care of this one."

Re: After Class

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2005-10-25 07:22 pm (UTC)(link)
"I heard about the one drink, Daniel. Have you considered just sticking to caffeine?" She smiled.

"Then you won't waste it. I have faith that she'll forgive you and you should have seen her face when she first saw the roses and you'll live happily ever after, if a bit scandalously because she'll look like a college student and you'll be a dirty old man."

She hugged him close. "We've got her back, Daniel. The Asgard took care of it--both times. Thor's Hammer wasn't pretty, but it did the job."

Re: After Class

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2005-10-25 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam laughed, but tried to cover it with a sip of coffee. She promptly sputtered coffee everywhere in amusement.

"Yes, it is. Going to look odd, I mean." Sam grinned. "And I don't think she's letting you go anywhere either."

She took one last slug of her coffee and threw the cup in the trash. "Well, since you've been singularly unhelpful, I guess I'm off to the library to figure out some kind of code thing for class."

Re: After Class

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2005-10-25 07:49 pm (UTC)(link)
"You too. Don't be a stranger, okay?" She hugged him again, briefly, then walked out most of the way out of the room. She stopped in the doorway and turned around. "You're still in for the glitter and wings thing, right?"

Re: After Class

[identity profile] carter-i-am.livejournal.com 2005-10-25 07:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Sam winked, then turned around and walked out, giving a small wave as she did.