The Invention of the Saddle Stirrup

It seems like such a simple idea. Why not add two pieces to the saddle, hanging down on either side, for your feet to rest in while you ride a horse? After all, humans seem to have domesticated the horse around 4500 BCE. The saddle was invented at least as early as 800 BCE, yet the first proper stirrup probably came about roughly 1,000 years later, around 200-300 CE. Nobody knows who first invented the stirrup, or even in which part of Asia the inventor lived. Indeed, this is a highly controversial topic among scholars of horsemanship, ancient and medieval warfare, and the history of technology. Although ordinary people likely do not rank the stirrup as one of historys greatest inventions, up there with paper, gunpowder and pre-sliced bread, military historians consider it a truly key development in the arts of war and conquest. Was the stirrup invented once, with the technology then spreading to riders everywhere? Or did riders in different areas come up with the idea independently? In either case, when did this happen? Unfortunately, since early stirrups were likely made of biodegradable materials such as leather, bone, and wood, we may never have precise answers to these questions. First Known Examples of Stirrups So what do we know? Ancient Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huangdis terracotta army (c. 210 BCE) includes a number of horses, but their saddles do not have stirrups. In sculptures from ancient India, c. 200 BCE, bare-footed riders use big-toe stirrups. These early stirrups consisted simply of a small loop of leather, in which the rider could brace each big toe to provide a bit of stability. Suitable for riders in hot climates, however, the big-toe stirrup would have been no use for booted riders in the steppes of Central Asia or western China. Interestingly, there is also a small Kushan engraving in carnelian that shows a rider using hook-style or platform stirrups; these are L-shaped pieces of wood or horn that do not encircle the foot like modern stirrups, but rather provide a sort of foot-rest. This intriguing engraving seems to indicate that Central Asian riders may have been using stirrups circa 100 CE, but it is the only known depiction of that region, so more evidence is needed to conclude that stirrups were indeed in use in Central Asia from such an early age. Modern-style Stirrups The earliest known representation of modern-style enclosed stirrups comes from a ceramic horse figurine that was buried in a First Jin Dynasty Chinese tomb near Nanjing in 322 CE. The stirrups are triangular in shape and appear on both sides of the horse, but since this is a stylized figure, it is impossible to determine other details about the construction of the stirrups. Fortunately, a grave near Anyang, China from approximately the same date yielded an actual example of a stirrup. The deceased was buried with full equipage for a horse, including a gold-plated bronze stirrup, which was circular in shape. Yet another tomb from the Jin era in China also contained a truly unique pair of stirrups. These are more triangular in shape, made of leather bound around a wooden core, then covered with lacquer. The stirrups were then painted with clouds in red. This decorative motif brings to mind the Heavenly Horse design found later in both China and Korea. The first stirrups for which we have a direct date are from the tomb of Feng Sufu, who died in 415 CE. He was a prince of Northern Yan, just north of the Koguryeo Kingdom of Korea. Fengs stirrups are quite complex. The rounded top of each stirrup was made from a bent piece of mulberry wood, which was covered with gilded bronze sheets on the outer surfaces, and iron plates covered with lacquer on the inside, where Fengs feet would have gone. These stirrups are of typical Koguryeo Korean design. Fifth-century tumuli from Korea proper also yield stirrups, including those at Pokchong-dong and Pan-gyeje. They also appear in wall murals and figurines from the Koguryeo and Silla dynasties. Japan also adopted the stirrup in the fifth century, according to tomb art. By the eighth century, the Nara period, Japanese stirrups were open-sided cups rather than rings, designed to prevent the riders feet from becoming entangled if he or she fell off (or was shot off) of the horse. Stirrups Reach Europe Meanwhile, European riders made do without stirrups until the eighth century. The introduction of this idea (which earlier generations of European historians credited to the Franks, rather than Asia), allowed for the development of heavy cavalry. Without the stirrups, European knights could not have gotten onto their horses wearing heavy armor, nor could they have jousted. Indeed, the Middle Ages in Europe would have been quite different without this simple little Asian invention. Remaining Questions: So where does this leave us? So many questions and previous assumptions remain up in the air, given this somewhat scanty evidence. How did the Parthians of ancient Persia (247 BCE - 224 CE) turn in their saddles and fire off a parthian (parting) shot from their bows, if they did not have stirrups? (Evidently, they used highly arched saddles for extra stability, but this still seems incredible.) Did Attila the Hun really introduce the stirrup into Europe? Or were the Huns able to strike fear into the hearts of all Eurasia with their horsemanship and shooting skills, even while riding without stirrups? There is no evidence that the Huns actually used this technology. Did ancient trade routes, now little remembered, ensure that this technology spread rapidly across Central Asia and into the Middle East? Did new refinements and innovations in stirrup design wash back and forth between Persia, India, China and even Japan, or was this a secret that only gradually infiltrated Eurasian culture? Until new evidence is unearthed, we will simply have to wonder. Sources Azzaroli, Augusto. An Early History of Horsemanship, Leiden: E.J. Brill Company, 1985.Chamberlin, J. Edward. Horse: How the Horse Has Shaped Civilizations, Random House Digital, 2007.Dien, Albert E. The Stirrup and Its Effect on Chinese Military History, Ars Orientalis, Vol 16 (1986), 33-56.Sinor, Denis. The Inner Asian Warriors, Journal of the American Oriental Society, Vol. 101, No. 2 (Apr. - June, 1983), 133-144.

United States Federal Bureau Of Investigation Defines...

Terrorism has been creating havoc across the globe for the entirety of recorded history. Today, with the invention of the Internet and different computer programs, these radical groups that enact these deadly attacks are able to change the way they operate through the use of technological advances to further their onslaught on humanity. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation defines terrorism as â€Å"the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.† (International vs. Domestic Terrorism). Every person on the planet can be affected by terrorism, regardless of religion, gender, or race. Throughout history radical groups who become obsessed with their own opinions and beliefs try to force others to believe in their views through displays of violence and terror. Contrary to modern beliefs that terrorists are only r adical Islam groups like Al Qaeda and Isis, but in reality almost every group of people from Christians to even environmentalists have enacted radical terrorist attacks. Terrorism, like technology, is not exclusive to industrialized nations or countries but is available to anyone with the right resources. These technologies are used throughout the world to connect average people to others and is almost always used for good. Terrorist organizations take advantage of new found communicationsShow MoreRelatedDifficulties Of Defining Terrorism And Terrorism807 Words   |  4 PagesDefining Terrorism Marissa P Rice Strayer University Abstract The purpose of this paper is to discuss the difficulties defining terrorism. I will focus on four government agencies definitions of terrorism. I will then choose two to compare and contrast. Then I will choose one definition of the four agencies that I believe most accurately defines terrorism. 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Branches of Psychology free essay sample

Abnormal psychology is the area that looks at psychopathology and abnormal behavior. 2. Behavioral Psychology (Behaviorism) )Is a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. 3. Biopsychology It is focused on the study of how the brain influences behavior is often known as biopsychology. 4. Cognitive Psychology Focuses on internal states, such as motivation, problem solving, decision-making, thinking and attention. 5. Comparative Psychology Comparative psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with the study of animal behavior. 6. Cross-Cultural Psychology Branch of psychology that looks at how cultural factors influence human behavior. 7. Developmental PsychologyThis branch of psychology looks at development throughout the lifespan, from childhood to adulthood. 8. Educational PsychologyBranch of psychology concerned with schools, teaching psychology, educational issues and student concerns. 9. Experimental PsychologyBranch of psychology that utilizes scientific methods to research the brain and behavior. 10. Forensic PsychologyForensic psychology is a specialty area that deals with issues related to psychology and the law 11. We will write a custom essay sample on Branches of Psychology or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Health PsychologyIt is focused on how biology, psychology, behavior and social factors influence health and illness. 12. Personality PsychologyIt is focused on the patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behavior that make a person unique. 13. Social PsychologySocial psychology seeks to explain and understand social behavior and looks at diverse topics. 4. Sports psychology Is a interdisciplinary science that draws on knowledge from the fields of Kinesiology (human kinetic) and Psychology. Mathematical psychology   Is an approach to  psychological  research that is based on mathematical modeling(mathematical concept and language) 16. Clinical psychology Clinical psychology also promotes adoption, adjustment and personal development. 17. Evolutionary psychology This looks at how human behavior has been affected by psychological adjustments during evolution. 8. NeuropsychologyStudy the structure and function of the brain in relation to clear behaviors and psychological processes. 19. Occupational psychology Study the performance of people at work. 20. Integral psychology  Branch of psychology that presents an all-encompassing holistic rather than an exclusivist or reductive approach 21. International  or  global psychology Is an emerging branch of  psychology  that focuses on the worldwide enterprise of psychology in terms of communication and networking. 22. Legal psychologyBranch of psychology  involves  empirical,  psychological  research of the law, legal institutions, and people who come into contact with the law. 23. Media psychology Seeks an understanding of how people perceive, interpret, use, and respond to a media-rich world. 24. Systems psychology Branch of both  theoretical psychology  and  applied psychology  that studies  human behaviour  and  experiencein  complex systems. 25. Theoretical psychology  It is concerned with theoretical and philosophical aspects of the discipline of  psychology.

Teaching ICT at School Reasons, Concerns and Solutions

Abstract Purpose Over the past few years, the significance of information and computer technologies has multiplied several times. New media has opened a pool of opportunities in every single field, increasing the pace of globalization and contributing to business development.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Teaching ICT at School: Reasons, Concerns and Solutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Methods The given study is going to provide the themes that should be taught in ICT classes in schools so that students could be able to use the latest technologies to their advantage in studying, learn about the mechanism of their cognitive process and become lifelong learners. Results The introduction of the ICT principles into the education system will help teachers acquire new skills more efficiently. In the course of the research, an overview of the key ICT themes was done. Discussion The results have shown that, among the ICT themes that should be viewed as the school material, digital literacy, informational systems and human communication in ICT should be listed. Introduction: Nature of the Problem There is no secret that with the advent of information technologies, the landscape of communication, business and media has changed radically. Information technology has leaked into very single area and aspect of people’s lives, and it has become crucial to learn to use these changes to people’s advantage; for instance, ICT teaching can shed some light on mobile learning (El-Hussein Cronge, 2010). However, introducing ICT into the school curriculum is fraught with numerous difficulties. Statement of Purpose, Scope and General Method The purpose of the given paper is to define the themes of ICT that should be taught to students at school, as well as the methods for teaching the aforementioned themes. Seeing how the given topic is rather broad, the scope of the paper will concern the themes that can be taught to high school and college students. As for the research method, the principle of grounded theory is going to be used in order to design the basic patterns for teaching ICT. The principle of grounded theory is going to be the key method. Hypothesis Because of the opportunities in terms of technology and communication that ICT opens in front of teachers and students, it is most reasonable to use ICT as the means to accomplish such goals as the shift from an old to a relatively new teaching paradigm (EACEA, 2009, 14), more opportunities for teacher education (UNESCO, 2005, 55 55) and professional development (EACEA, 2009, 14), more efficient classroom management (EACEA, 2009, 14), better cooperation between schools (EACEA, 2009, 14) and availability of the necessary equipment (EACEA, 2009, 14). The given goals can be achieved by introducing such topics as research and e-awareness, communication, control and science, modeling and simulation and handling da ta.Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Methods As it has been stressed above, the principles of the grounded research were used in the course of defining the key ICT themes to be taught in schools. The key characteristics of a good ICT lesson are going to be defined and most reasonable and efficient strategies for teaching ICT are going to be distinguished. Finally, the challenges regarding ICT teaching at schools will be outlines, and basic means of addressing these challenges will be provided. Results Results and Original Hypothesis An efficient use of interactive materials is a good method of introducing students to the opportunities provided by the ICT, (Eurydice, 2011, 10). The given approach is crucial in that it allows for demonstrating students the benefits of the ICT in a very graphic way. More to the point, the given method helps students apply the acquired skills to pract ice immediately after these skills were learned, as it was done in Malaysian schools in 2002 (Chan, 2002, 2). The third option that teachers have in terms of methods of teaching ICT to students in schools is to utilize such strategies as project-based learning, personalized learning, individualized, or student-centered, learning, scientific investigations and online learning (Eurydice, 2011, 43). The given methods are equally important, since, though having seemingly different characteristics, they are all targeted at the same goal, i.e., developing students’ independence in the use of ICT. The issue regarding classroom management should also be brought up. As ESEA report says, classroom management process becomes considerably easier with the introduction of the ICT technologies, which allows both students and teachers to focus on the class activities and, therefore, creates the most appropriate learning and teaching environment. Trends Discussion ICT helps students in their meta-cognition process. Phelps and Graham’s study shows that the integration of ICT into meta-cognition process led to rather fruitful results in fourteen schools (Phelps Graham, 2008, 129). At certain points, the goals of ICT studying and meta-cognition cross – both are aimed at helping students recognize the necessity to engage in lifelong learning and choose the best method for self-learning. As Shannon (2008) put it, it is possible â€Å"to become a self-directed learner using metacognition† (Shannon, 2008, 14). Seeing how ICT allows for encouraging self-learning in students (Eurydice, 2011, 43), it seems reasonable to use meta-cognition strategies as the basis for teaching ICT in schools.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Teaching ICT at School: Reasons, Concerns and Solutions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition, ICT clearly affects the teachers’ competence and profe ssionalism as well. ICT provides a plethora of opportunities for professional growth, including fast acquisition of new information, cooperation with other experts and availability of a number of training programs. The last but definitely not the least, such function of ICT as a better control over the technological aspect of the lesson helps teachers focus on the communication with students rather than managing equipment. Finally, more efficient time management is also an obvious advantage. Discussion It would be wrong to claim that there are no tangible problems concerning teaching ICT in schools. To start with, the changes to the curriculum that the inclusion of ICT classes demand is most likely trigger considerable organizational issues, especially regarding time management. According to the data provided above, in most cases, the introduction of the ICT studies came at the cost of other subjects. Therefore, when providing students with a chance to learn using the ICT technology , one must make the required changes to the curriculum and the rest of the classes. To solve the aforementioned issue, it will be most reasonable to apply the principle of online teaching mentioned above. The given approach allows for students to have a more flexible schedule and to choose the time management system that they prefer and that suits them best. Thus, the following themes must be presented in the ICT curriculum: Research and e-awareness; Communication; Control and science; Modeling and simulation; Handling data. Of all the themes mentioned above, the issue regarding research and e-awareness seems the most important one. It allows for both motivating students for learning more and becoming independent in their research. Therefore, the given theme must be the course priority. Conclusion With the advent of information and computing technologies, people’s social, personal and, most importantly, academic life has changed greatly. While the new options opened for stu dents seem rather alluring, including ICT into the school curriculum might be quite a problem.Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In order to avoid the possible issues, it is necessary to choose the strategy that will allow teachers to supervise students instead of babysitting them in their ICT exploration. Thus, students will have an opportunity to both learn to use ICT efficiently and to become lifelong learners. Reference List Chan, F. M. (2002). ICT in Malaysian schools: Policy and strategies. Web. EACEA (2009). Study of the impact of technology in primary schools. Web. El-Hussein, M. O. M., Cronje, J. C. (2010). Defining mobile learning in the higher education Landscape. Educational Technology Society, 13(3), 12–21. Eurydice (2011). Key Data on Learning and Innovation through ICT at School in Europe 2011. Web. Phelps, R. Graham, A. (2008). Developing technology together, together: A whole-school metacognitive approach to ICT teacher professional development. Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 24(4), 125–133. UNESCO (2005). ICTs for secondary education. Web. This assessment on Teaching ICT at School: Reasons, Concerns and Solutions was written and submitted by user Aryana P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.