Lost Letters of Pergamum
Emilee Holden
Dr. Bandy
Lost Letters of Pergamum Assignment
13th February, 2013
The Lost Letters of Pergamum
Ancient Customs
Form of Letters: * The form of ancient lettering is seen in every new script written from the characters, they are very formal at first, and being sure not to offend the people they are directing their words to, while still maintaining a respectful tone even if it is a disagreeing one. What I enjoyed about the works were the quick friendships that were formed through simple letter writing, it seemed more personalized than anything you might see today.
Life of Noblemen, Peasants, and Slaves: * The book says a lot about the differences in classes and status in society, but in my opinion, the very best example of this is when Antipas writes from the point of view of Simon ben Joseph. This small digest gave a very real look into the hard life of peasants and slaves as compared to the almost frivolous lives of noblemen. While in the cities, these noblemen are involved in petty politics that eventually decide the lives of the ones below them. For the peasants and slaves, this vicious cycle never ends. Their children and grandchildren suffer the same hard life that the parents endured in an attempt to make life better for the next generation.
Greek and Roman gods: * The Greek and Roman gods were a center of the lives of the noblemen, providing them with topics for conversation and reasons to donate money for the “good of Rome” in the form of temples and statues in their honor. Although it would seem that the Romans are fiercely committed to their religion, it is obvious in scenes like the dinner services at the house of Kalandion that they do this only for political gain or attention.
Roman Calendar: * The Roman calendar is a bit difficult to understand. There are many references to the first of the month, like calends, and to certain days, like the ides, that are different from modern expressions. It is based on the life
Dr. Bandy
Lost Letters of Pergamum Assignment
13th February, 2013
The Lost Letters of Pergamum
Ancient Customs
Form of Letters: * The form of ancient lettering is seen in every new script written from the characters, they are very formal at first, and being sure not to offend the people they are directing their words to, while still maintaining a respectful tone even if it is a disagreeing one. What I enjoyed about the works were the quick friendships that were formed through simple letter writing, it seemed more personalized than anything you might see today.
Life of Noblemen, Peasants, and Slaves: * The book says a lot about the differences in classes and status in society, but in my opinion, the very best example of this is when Antipas writes from the point of view of Simon ben Joseph. This small digest gave a very real look into the hard life of peasants and slaves as compared to the almost frivolous lives of noblemen. While in the cities, these noblemen are involved in petty politics that eventually decide the lives of the ones below them. For the peasants and slaves, this vicious cycle never ends. Their children and grandchildren suffer the same hard life that the parents endured in an attempt to make life better for the next generation.
Greek and Roman gods: * The Greek and Roman gods were a center of the lives of the noblemen, providing them with topics for conversation and reasons to donate money for the “good of Rome” in the form of temples and statues in their honor. Although it would seem that the Romans are fiercely committed to their religion, it is obvious in scenes like the dinner services at the house of Kalandion that they do this only for political gain or attention.
Roman Calendar: * The Roman calendar is a bit difficult to understand. There are many references to the first of the month, like calends, and to certain days, like the ides, that are different from modern expressions. It is based on the life