Discussions postings should include either a concise summary of information from the textbook or an analysis of the topic under study.

Questions.

1. How did geography, culture, and climate play a role in the development of different religious outlooks in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Israel? How were the political and social structures of each civilization tied to its religious views? Chapter 1

2. How did the Greek view of the relationship between man and nature influence their conception of the Gods? How was this view expressed in Greek philosophy and the arts? Chapter 2 & 3

3. Did the emergence and growth of Christianity contribute to the decay of "Roman virtue"? Consider the ways Christianity came into conflict with the Roman State Religion. Take a look at the letter from Pliny to Trajan at Peter Kirby's collection of Early Christian Writings (http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/pliny.html). It may help you understand the issue of Roman persecution of the Christians.Chapter 4 & 5

4. How did the Europe under the rule of the Charlemagne differ from Europe during the time of Constantine, and what did the title of "emperor" mean during each period? Chapter 6 & 7

Reference book: Donald Kagan, Steven Ozment, Frank Turner and Alison Frank, The Western Heritage, Volume 1. (Boston: Pearson Education) 2012. Chapter 1- 7.