Assyria

How does the history of Assyria offer support for both geographic determinism and a deuteronomic view? Which approach better explains the course of Assyrian history? Why?

Assyrian history offers support for both geographic determinism and deuteronomic history. Due to Assyria's location near the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, Trade and communication was easier, but it was also easier to attack other countries. In the Bible God said that if the Jews continued in their evil ways they would be taken captive by their enemies, and forced into exile. The Assyrians, when they took over a land would torture their captives and send them into exile. So I think that the deuteronomic view is best supported by the History of the Assyrians.

Phoenicians

Who were the Phoenicians and what did they attribute to the civilizations of the Ancient Near East?

The Phoenicians were descendants of the Canaanites who inhabited the coast of modern Lebanon. They invented the Alphabet, which is a much easier writing system than cuneiform and heiroglyphics, the Phoenicians are known for their wood, ivory, and purple dyes, and they are known for being the first civilization to conduct trade across the Mediterranean Sea.

Historical Reputation

Should Ramses II have been so concerned about his reputation in history? Is historical reputation important for leaders today?

I do not think that Ramses II should have been so concerned about his reputation in history. Ramses II's reputation was based on lies. He falsely claimed achievements that were not his own, such  as designs for building, and even a victory at the battle of Kadesh-Barnea. I don't think that a person should become obsessed with their reputation, but they should pay attention to it, The same goes for leaders today. Not obsession, but attention.

Early Egypt

Are the similarities between Early Egypt and Sumer so great that the two civilizations ought to be regarded as influencing each other?

 I do not think that these two civilizations can be regarded as influencing each other because they are two very different civilizations. Yes, both Sumer And Egypt had writing systems, but they are two very different forms or writing. Also Egypt was very isolated, they were surrounded by mountains, deserts, and the Mediterranean Sea. So there was not much of a chance that Sumerian influence would have made it to Egypt.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of absolute monarchy as a form of government?

I think that the only time that absolute monarchy is a good thing is when there is a very good, just ruler (like Jesus) who will do exactly what is right for all. If the ruler is good, then all of their decrees will be made and put into effect immediately, and everything would be great. Unfortunately if the ruler was corrupt, then no one would have the power to say anything against the king, or to stop him. If absolute monarchy was to succeed, a perfect ruler would be needed.

The Torah and the Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi does in some ways resemble the Torah. Both law codes are believed to be handed down to the leader from God or the chief god. Also both, the Torah and the Code of Hammurabi were meant to achieve justice, and they both displayed the idea of Lex Talionis, the Law of the Claw. In other words " Let the punishment fit the crime." When a crime was committed the law tried to get the punishment as close to the crime as possible in order to avoid further crime.

On the other hand the Torah emphasized monotheism, with the focus on one god and one god only. The Code of Hammurabi however expresses the idea of polytheism. As for punishments the Torah does have punishments but also the wrongdoer must repay the person he wronged, while in the Code of Hammurabi either the wrongdoer is severely punished, or they must repay, but not both.

The Code of Hammurabi

2). Respect Nature, it just might save you one day, then again it might not. This code is talking about settling an argument by letting the river judge whether you are guilty or not, if you float you live and you get the house and belongings of your accuser, if you don't you die. This shows just how important nature is because a river is taking the place of a judge, almost like it is a higher authority.

5). Justice was very important because if a judge incorrectly records a case, he would have to pay a fine 12 times over and he would be removed from his seat as judge publicly and permanently.

9). Stealing is a crime punishable by death, If a man loses a possession and that possession is later sold by a merchant, the judge would determine whether or not the merchant is a thief. If he was then he would be put to death.

26). Loyalty is rewarded, cowardice is not. If a man has been drafted into the army, but instead hires a mercenary to go for him, the man will be put to death and the hired mercenary will inherit all of his property.

32). Soldiers were valued, If a soldier were to be captured in war, and was bought by a merchant, the soldier if he was able could buy his own freedom. if the soldier was not able, then his community temple could buy his freedom, if not the temple, then the court, although his previous belongings would not be included in his purchase of freedom. Those would be sold separately.