2011年6月1日 星期三


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2011年5月24日 星期二

Problems & Solutions

Problems of Historical Relics
Destruction of Historical Relics
During the 5000 years of human history, human beings of different time have left a significant amount of histroical relics and ruins. Scholars study these ruins to complete the puzzle of human's history. However, most of the historical relics have suffered severe damages from both natural and human causes. The damages stop the historians dead in the track for further research. It is unfortunate to see the secret of our past and of our ancestor's life being bombed in war, or slowly eroding by the wash of rain.

One major cause for the destruction of historical relics are human. Human influence has been a major problem in many of the destruction of historical sites, both by society and individual. Society influence is one of the motive for humans to destroy these precious relics. For example, Mossulini and his Facist government has done some severe damages on the Colosseum of Rome during the World War 2. Damages done by the individual human beings is also a cause for the destruction of relics. For example, during the 18th century, farmers living in the countryside of England often takes the stones from the Hadrian Walls and various Roman fort in the surrounding to build or fix their own house.

Another major cause of destruction is the nature, the natural proccess of weathering has cause many historical relics to disappear or become unrecognizable and lost it's value. Plants growing on the ruins also cause some damages. Also, natural disasters, such as earthquake, can cause some serious damages and further destroy the relics. The washing of rain and the blowing of wind will slowly weather away the buildings and ruins and there is no stoping of the proccess.

Possible Solutions of Preservation
Despite all these damages already done by humans, people are starting to realize the importance of these historical relics and some have already taken actions in preserving these relics. For example, British lawyer, John Clatyon, has took actions in preserving the Hadrian Walls by purchasing lands surrounding the walls in order to prevent farmer from taking the stones during the 1830s.

Here is something you can try if you wish to preserve some historical relics that you feel important:
  • Contact local authorities or the UNESCO for them to survey the site and declare a preservation area for the site.
  • Get some friends with you, and patrol around the site for signs of people damaging the site.
  • Purchase the land like what John Clayton has done
  • Utilize various media and spread the message of preserving historical sites.
  • Persuade your friend into preserving historical sites, show them the importance of these relics.

2011年5月20日 星期五

Roman Influence

How do the Romans Influence Your World?
     The Roman Empire used to be one of the greatest empire in the ancient world, as well as in Western history. The Romans have achieve many things that others can't. The range of the empire stretch from Europe all the way to Asia and Africa. The Roman Empire was so prosperous and influencial. Even years after it's destruction, the influences of the Empire can still be seen in many part of the world until today.﻿
      One of the main influence of the Roman Empire is religion. The Roman used to worship ancient Greek gods and goddess with Roman names. However, the idea of Christianity is also growing. The Romans used to oppress Christians under the command of the Emperor. When the Roman emperor Constantine I adopted Christianity and expand rights to worship Christianity, it became one of the most wide spread religion in the world. This spreading of Christianity later proved to be a great influence that can change the world's history. Now, Christianity is the most wide-spread religion in the world. Most US citizens nowaday are Christian, as well as in most European countries.
      Roman architecture is also a great influence on modern day buildings. Elements of modern city planning can be traced to Roman concepts. The Romans engaged in extensive city-building activities as they consolidated their empire. Roman military and colonial towns were laid out in a variation of highly planned grid. Developments in the architecture of fortification, relating to compact space and fast maneuverability, and the discovery of perspective, focusing the description on the eye of the viewer, led to radial focus in city plans and the development of ideal town plans. Many European cities, like London and Paris , sprang from these Roman origins. In Washington DC , building designs were derived from Roman styles. Roman theaters have also had some influences on the development of theaters in modern society.

      Another great influence by the Romans are the spreading of Latin language. Latin language is consider to be the basis of most Western languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, and French. ﻿Various Latin roots form the foundation of many English words. 

     One important area of influence was Roman law. The first law code in Roman history was the Law of the Twelve Tables, the precursor to the development of Roman law. Roman law developed the division between public law, in which the state is directly involved, such as with issues of treason and taxation, and private law, concerned with disputes between people, such as over contracts. This system was the basis for Civil law. Roman law also influenced the development of private international law. Romans had indictments and jury trials that is similar to today's practices. Many defense techniques can also be traced back to Roman procedures. The idea of “innocent until proven guilty,” also came from ancient Roman ideas. Also, the purpose of written law as a way to protect individuals from one another and from the power of the state is an Roman idea.
     The Romans also has various influences in our daily lives. For example, many kitchen tools you use in your kithcen such as knives and spoons are, in fact, used by the Romans back in their time. Also, the idea of highways is another great idea adopted by the Romans.
      In conclusion, the Roman Empire lasted for a very long time. It's various achievments is something that can't not be ignore. The Roman Empire has built the basis of the Western world, and it's influences has help form the world today in different areas.

2011年3月13日 星期日

The Zulu War

Anglo-Zulu War

The Zulu People and Zululand
Zulu warrior

The small kingdom grew to dominate much of Southern Africa, but when it came into conflict with the British Empire in the 1870s during the Anglo-Zulu War, it was defeated despite early Zulu victories in the war. The area was subsequently absorbed into the Colony of Natal and later became part of the Union of South Africa.                                                                                                                           (From Wikipedia)
Historical Background
Cetshwayo, the king of Zulu

Bartle Frere was relegated to a minor post in Cape Town.
(From Wikipedia)

Such was the political background when Cetshwayo became absolute ruler of the Zulus upon his father's death in 1873. As ruler, Cetshwayo set about reviving the military methods of his uncle Shaka as far as possible, and even succeeded in equipping his regiments with firearms. It is believed that he caused the Xhosa people in the Transkei to revolt, and he aided Sikukuni in his struggle with the Transvaal. The activities of the missionaries were unwelcome to Cetshwayo. Though he did not harm the missionaries themselves, several converts were killed. The missionaries, for their part, were a source of hostile reports. For example, Bishop Schreuder (of the Norwegian Missionary Society) described Cetshwayo as "an able man, but for cold, selfish pride, cruelty and untruthfulness, worse than any of his predecessors."

Battle of Rocke's Drift
In 1874 Lord Carnarvon, who had successfully brought about federation in Canada, thought that a similar scheme might work in South Africa. Sir Bartle Frere was sent to South Africa as high commissioner to bring it about. One of the obstacles to such a scheme was the presence of the independent states of the South African Republic and the Kingdom of Zululand.

In September 1876 the massacre of a large number of girls (who had married men of their own age instead of men from an older regiment, as ordered by Cetshwayo) provoked a strong protest from the government of Natal, and the occupying governments were usually inclined to look patronisingly upon the affairs of the subjugated African nations. The tension between Cetshwayo and the Transvaal over border disputes continued. Sir Theophilus Shepstone, whom Cetshwayo regarded as his friend, had supported him in the border dispute, but in 1877 he led a small force into the Transvaal and persuaded the Boers to give up their independence. Shepstone became administrator of the Transvaal, and in that role saw the border dispute from the other side.                                                                                                   (From Wikipedia)
British Involvement
Battle of Isandlwana
The pretext for the war had its origins in border disputes between the Zulu leader, Cetshwayo, and the Boers in the Transvaal region. Following a commission enquiry on the border dispute which reported in favour of the Zulu nation in July 1878, Sir Henry Bartle Frere, who found the award "one-sided and unfair to the Boers," delivered an ultimatum to Cetshwayo. Cetshwayo had not responded by the end of the year, so a concession was granted by the British until 11 January 1879, after which a state of war was deemed to exist.

Cetshwayo returned no answer, and in January 1879 a British force under Lieutenant General Frederick Augustus Thesiger, 2nd Baron Chelmsford invaded Zululand, without authorisation by the British Government. Lord Chelmsford had under him a force of 5,000 British and 8,200 Africans; 3,000 of the latter were employed in guarding the frontier of Natal; another force of 1,400 British and 400 Africans were stationed in the Utrecht district. Three columns were to invade Zululand, from the Lower Tugela, Rorke's Drift, and Utrecht respectively, their objective being Ulundi, the royal capital.

Battle of Intombe
Cetshwayo's army numbered fully 40,000 men. The entry of all three columns was unopposed. On 22 January the centre column (1,600 British, 2,500 Africans), which had advanced from Rorke's Drift, was encamped near Isandlwana; on the morning of that day Lord Chelmsford split his forces and moved out to support a reconnoitring party. After he had left the camp in charge of Colonel Anthony Durnford, was surprised by a Zulu army nearly 20,000 strong. Chelmsford's refusal to set up the British camp defensively and ignoring information that the Zulus were close at hand were decisions that all were later to regret. The ensuing Battle of Isandlwana was the greatest victory that the Zulu kingdom would enjoy during the war. In its aftermath, a party of some 4,000 Zulu reserves mounted a raid on the nearby British army border post of Rorke's Drift and were driven off after 10 hours of ferocious fighting.



During this time (12 March) an escort of stores marching to Luneberg, was killed at the Battle of Intombe, and all the stores were lost. The first troops arrived at Durban on 7 March. On the 29th a column, under Lord Chelmsford, consisting of 3,400 British and 2,300 African soldiers, marched to the relief of Eshowe, entrenched camps being formed each night.
Battle of Kambula
Chelmsford told Sir Evelyn Wood's troops (Staffordshire Volunteers and Boers, 675 men in total) to attack the Zulu stronghold in Hlobane. Lieutenant Colonel Redvers Buller, led the attack on Hlobane on 28 March. However, the Zulu main army of 26,000 men arrived to help their besieged tribesmen and the British soldiers were scattered. Besides the loss of the African contingent (those not killed deserted) there were 100 casualties among the 400 British engaged.

The next day 25,000 Zulu warriors attacked Wood's camp (2,068 men) in Kambula, apparently without Cetshwayo's permission. The British held them off in the Battle of Kambula and after five hours of heavy attacks the Zulus withdrew. British losses amounted to 29, while the Zulus lost approximately 2,000. While Woods was thus engaged, Chelmsford's column was marching on Eshowe. On 2 April this force was attacked en route at Gingindlovu, the Zulu being repulsed. Their losses were heavy, estimated at 1,200 while the British only suffered two dead and 52 wounded. The next day they relieved Pearson's men. They evacuated Eshowe on 5 April, after which the Zulu forces burned it down. 
(From Wikipedia)

Battle of Ulundi

Battle of Ulundi
After this battle the Zulu army dispersed, most of the leading chiefs tendered their submission, and Cetshwayo became a fugitive. On 28 August the king was captured and sent to Cape Town (It is said that scouts spotted the water-carriers of the king, distinctive because the water was carried above, not upon, their heads). His deposition was formally announced to the Zulu, and Wolseley drew up a new scheme for the government of the country. The dynasty of Shaka was deposed, and the Zulu country portioned among eleven Zulu chiefs, including Usibepu, John Dunn, a white adventurer, and Hlubi, a Basuto chief who had done good service in the war.

2011年3月11日 星期五

Livingston & Stanley

 David Livingston
Henry Stanley﻿

David Livingston (1813-1873)
(from Wikipedia)

Henry Morton Stanley (1841-1904)
(from Wikipedia)

The map of Livingston and Stanley's Journey