Franciscan friar, explorer, and interpreter. Benedykt Polak ((Latin: Benedictus Polonus) accompanied Giovanni da Pian del Carpine in his epic journey as a delegate of Pope Innocent IV to the Great Khan Güyük of the Mongol Empire in 1245-1247 (the first formal Papal mission to the Mongols). He was the author of the earliest important Western account of Central Asia – the chronicle De Itinere Fratrum Minorum ad Tartaros (“On the travel of Franciscan friars to the Tatars”). His other work Historia Tartarorum (“The history of the Tatars”), which contains a very important description of the Battle of Legnica (1241), was published in 1965 by the academics of Yale University. An astute observer, Polak was the first European to try to chronicle the history of Tatars, and the account of his travels rendered Europe with the first glimmer of insight into Tatar customs and beliefs. Moreover, while some scholars argue the Age of Discovery began in 1492, others point towards earlier dates such as the journey of Polak …show more content…
Jan Długosz was a priest, chronicler, diplomat, who worked as secretary to the Bishop of Cracow, Zbigniew Oleśnicki, and tutor to the sons of King Kazimierz IV of Poland. He is best known for his Annales seu cronici incliti regni Poloniae (“Annals or Chronicles of the famous Kingdom of Poland”), a magnum opus which not only covers events in Central Europe, but also in Southeastern Europe, from the 10th century until 1480 (when Długosz died). Długosz is regarded as the medieval Herodotus and father of Polish historiography. A skilled writer, he was highly knowledgeable about a wide range of subjects and was not content to repeat the statements made by other chroniclers, but he examined for himself the oldest Polish, Bohemian, Hungarian, Ruthenian, and German documents, so as to write with great care his chronicles. Today, Długosz’s valuable works offer abundant and reliable material not only for Polish, but also for general
Zenkovsky, Serge A. "Vladimir Christianizes Russia." Medieval Russia's Epics, Chronicles, and Tales. New York: Dutton, 1963. 65-71. Print.
The Mongols, or as the Western Europeans called them, the Tartars, were a nomadic, militant people that dominated the battlefield during the pre-industrial time period (“Tartars” 7). Over the span of the 13th century, from the Central Asian steppes in the east to the Arabian lands to the west, the Tartars subdued the unfortunate inhabitants and expanded their empire vastly. To the fear and dismay of the Western Europeans, the Tartars desired to triumph over all of Eurasia; therefore, the Western Europeans were to be conquered next. News of the imminent Tartarian attack rapidly spread through West Europe like a wildfire, and the powerful Holy Roman Church contended to prepare a strategy against the onslaught. In the year 1245, Pope Innocent IV, the head of the Church at the time, sent a group of Friars led by Giovanni da Pian del Carpini to gather some knowledge about the Tartars. It was a dreaded mission, one that would probably end in a terrible death, since the Tartars were a cruel people towards outsiders. Nevertheless, Carpini valiantly ventured into the unknown darkness, and returned to his homeland with valuable information about the Tartars. Through the insight he gained during his travels, he wrote his account of the Tartars in a report called the “Historia Mongalorum” (“Tartars” 19), which is known today as “The Story of the Mongols Whom We Call the Tartars”.
Carpini’s History of the Tartars is a well organized and meticulous report on the Mongol Empire that is told from the perspective of Giovanni Carpini. As an overweight sixty year old friar, Carpini was an unlikely candidate to make the trek to the unexplored Mongol Empire, however because of his ability to mingle with the peasantry with ease, he was chosen to carry out this task. Through his determination to not only evangelize but also to spy on the Mongols, Carpini was able to write History of the Tartars with great detail and accuracy. Only because of Giovanni Carpini work, do we know as much about the Mongols as we do today.
In Book XIX of Homer's The Odyssey, Odysseus, posing as a poor beggar, has a discussion with Penelope regarding Odysseus himself, and how the "two" met. Readers may question why Penelope does not recognize her own husband. Later on, one sees that at least Eurycleia distinguishes Odysseus. Penelope reveals a dream she has had to Odysseus, asking for an explanation. This Book of The Odyssey brings forth an envisage regarding the death of the suitors that is soon to come.
The Odyssey - Scylla and Charybdis & nbsp; One of the most difficult tasks as a parent is to teach your child life lessons. Many have tried, and many have failed. But over the ages, the most successful ideas have come in the form of a story or tale. Aesops Fables, nursery rhymes, and other tales of caution are used even today to teach this common knowledge one must have. In the Greek civilization, thousands of years ago, many children were taught through these fun and interesting stories.
The problem with Marco Polo’s account is that there are one hundred and forty different versions. This means that it took over one hundred years for the account to become a part of Europe’s history. In addition, many people added on to Marco Polo’s account to influence views. Fo...
In conclusion, although Froissart Chronicles is written based on the historical events that occurred during the Hundred Years’ War period, the reports of these events can be erroneous and inaccurate, which is a main characteristic of medieval historical writing. Hence, historians must view
Greek Values and Homer's Odyssey. & nbsp; & nbsp; & nbsp; "Look death in the face with joyful hope, and consider this a lasting truth: the righteous man has nothing to fear, neither in life, nor in death, and the Gods will not forsake him. " -Socrates, a Greek philosopher and contemplative thinker. The above quote is the basis for Greek belief, demonstrating the respectable Greek citizen. It displays courage and obedience to the Gods in which the Greek world revolves around. Greeks have many traditions and ways of life.
Documents in the History of Early Modern Europe. Ed. Ken MacMillan. Calgary: University of Calgary, 2011 Pp. 42-45
Greek life in most people’s eyes is considered to be joining a sisterhood or brotherhood such as a sorority or a fraternity. Greek life is an extremely large part in numerous universities. More than half of the students are actually members of a Greek organization. Some may say that Greek life is not for them, but they truly do not know all of the advantages that come from being a member of a Greek organization. Do they realize how several of our nation’s leaders were members of Greek life probably not, since most of them were? One should join Greek life, not only for abundant friendships gained, but because of advantages, for example leadership skills and along with the countless networking
In society today, Going Greek is a controversial topic. One of the main questions on every freshman's mind when he or she first arrives at school is "Should I rush a fraternity or a sorority?” This is a particularly tough decision for most people, and there are many determining factors to consider. While evaluating the Greek system as a whole, one must consider the reasons that make becoming part of the Greek system so worthwhile. Joining the Greek system is a unparalleled experience because it gives individuals a second family that helps to make a home away from home, it gives students an easy way to become a major part of campus life, and it provides young adults with a a good foundation as an individuals entering alumni status.
"When in Rome, live as the Romans do; when elsewhere, live as they live elsewhere." Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a Roman or Greek? Well, Ancient Greece and Rome have influenced American society throughout the Roman Republic, Greek architecture, and Greek Olympics. There are many interesting facts you should know about Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome! Did you know that the first Olympic Games were held in 776 B.C. at the Greek city of Olympia? Or that the Colosseum received millions of visitors every year, and is the most famous tourist attraction of Rome? You can learn many things about how American society has been influenced by the Ancient Romans and Greeks.
Throughout the ancient world, religions and ideologies have developed into forms and practices that influence the very essence of civilizations. Religions could pose as a form of foundation for the beliefs, ideas, social organizations, and economic structures of a certain group of people. They provided a means of justification and form of unity between people and they helped establish and infuse new ideas into a culture. Religions were used as source to explain the misconcepted beliefs in nature and science as well as natural phenomina and it was also used to provide a source of motivation, control, and stability in a civilization.
There are many Greek foods that are very good and delightful to eat. There are many things to learn about this country. Like the daily eating patterns, the food customs, the table set up, and more! Learning about Greece can be very educational and fun at the same time.
History is shaped by the historian’s perspective on different events and oftentimes is written to relay various messages to those in which the reading aims at reaching. Herodotus is a prime example of a historian passing on important events in Greece’s history with the purpose of spreading the concept of the good values the people of Greece should be conducting themselves with. Herodotus was referred to by many historians as the “father of history” and often wrote his records based off of the stories that he heard in his travels. Because Herodotus was known to ramble in his wri...