How did the Romans manage to effectively combine their whole empire into one unit?

The Romans effectively combined their whole empire into one unit through their roads. They connected people from all parts of the empire. The roads also helped the roman empire by allowing the spread of ideas and products throughout Rome, so people weren't isolated. The army also helped unite Rome. Julius Ceasar allowed people from all over become Roman citizens if they served in the army. This allowed for Rome to have a large population, and a sense of security and national pride.

How would an Athenian of the 5th Century BCE criticize our present-day representative democracy? (or.... how would they approve of it?)

An Athenian of the 5th Century BCE would aprove of our democracy. Both democracys revolve around the same concept, that the people should govern themselves and everyone should have a say. In athenian democracy they didn't allow people to rule for very long to make sure no one had too much power, so they would like our system of checks and balances, which insures the same thing. However they would probably not like how hard it is to partake in government. In athens, any white male over the age of 18, common or not, could participate. Today in order to participate in government at all, you have to campaigne, which takes so much money and resourses that only rich people can participate.

Mayan values exemplified in modern society

Mayan civilazation has had a major affect on modern day society. Things we encounter everyday have been influenced by Mayan ideas and we usually aren't even aware of it. For example; sports. The Mayan's were the first to create an organized team game involving a ball. Today, we have many sports that involve this concept, such as basketball and soccer. Also present in our everyday lives is Mayan food. Mayans ate mostly corn, squash, beans and turkey; all ingredients we still eat today. Lastly, Mayan mythology has had an effect on us as well. The Mayans had a complex calender they used to predict events that are happening today; like solar and lunar eclipses. Also Mayans had a myth that in 2012 the world would dramatically change. People in general as well as scientists have been fascinated by this myth, and it is an issue people are tallking about today. A movie about it called 2012 is also coming out soon. Everyday basic things like food, sports, movies, and much more have all been influenced by mayan civilization.

Chinese Schools of Thought

Out of the four main schools of Chinese thought, the most effective way to rule people is confusionism. Unlike legalism, it does not say people should have no opinions just follow rules, and unlike Daoism is does not say there should be no form of government at all. Instead it is a good balance of the two. It creates order in society through laws, values and social hierarchy; while still respecting and valuing the people. Confucius believed the ideal ruler "was to be a shining example of fatherly benevolence and the subjects were to behave as filial children." This shows that confusionism cared about the common people, because the ruler was supposed to act like a father to them. It also shows that they valued order, because the common people still had to obey their leader, and know their place in society.

What is the most effective way for a leader to maintain order?

The best way for a ruler to maintain order is to respect the people, act as one of them instead of powerful above them and be willing to negotiate with them rather than dictate them. Ill use parents as an example. There are two kinds of parents, ones that enforce rules on the basis of "because I said so,' and ones that try to negotiate with their kids, still enforcing rules but taking in their opinions at the same time. Kids respond much better to parents who show respect to them rather than act like a dictator. Parents might have temporary control of their kid if they enforce harsh punishment without negotiation all the time, but the kid is more likely to rebel. If the kid feels respected and listened to, they will comply with them much more just because they respect them in return and will want to listen to them. So it is a much more effective way to maintain order by showing respect, integrity and concern for peoples opinions as a leader. This same scenario applies to the larger scale of a government or a ruler. If they respect the people, and take input from them in making decisions, people will be much more willing to follow that ruler and their will be order in their kingdom.

Jared Diamonds Thesis

After much research Jared Diamond came to the conclusion that it is geographical luck and circumstance that enabled some civilazations such as the Europeans, to advance and take over other civilizations, such as the Native Americans. The civilizations that prospered were ones that lived in areas where food could be produced to support larger communities, and animals that could be easily domesticated and used to do work were available. I agree with Jared Diamonds thesis. If I relate it to my life, being born into a well off middle class family that cares about me and values education, I am much more likely to do well then someone born into poverty, with an unstable family and hardships to worry about instead of worrying about getting a good education. So there is a much higher probability that i will do well because of luck and circumstance.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Agriculture

The advantages of agriculture definitely outweigh the disadvantages. Although it creates more work it allows people to control their food source. If you have a farm you will always know what you're next meal will be and where it is coming from. Also farming can allow people to set up homes and communities, because they don't have to move according to where they can find food. In addition, you can feed more people from a farm then you could by just gathering wild plants. All these advantages make agriculture worth the extra work.