Aspects of Anthropology and History I Love

[medievallass]

I have been thinking for a little while now, really since coming to PSU, that in history and anthropology I there are certain aspects that I find fascinating, perhaps more so than periods. I know anthropology wise I would like to specialize in achaeology (I dream of digging) but social history and arcaeology are very similar in decipline and interest, that even then, I find myself having favorites. Attending my African History Before 1800 ce class today really got me thinking about it. I thought for keeping track of things I would make a list of things I like. I may add to it later.  ;)

The list of things in Archaeology and History that I love!

The Medieval Period- especially... Anglo-Saxon England in early times, and in the period of Alfred the Great, The Black Death, and the Thirteenth Century

The Late Roman Period to Medieval cusp

Military - Especially what it was like to be a soldier, cavalry (all sorts, but especially Late Roman/medieval cusp and Mongols/other nomad groups), warbands, battles: like Hastings, WWI, Russo-Japanese War (much the same reasons for interest in WWI)

African History- Especially before 1800's and below the north. Mysterious to me, new, and not  covered very often.

Chagatai Khanate- mysterious, intriguing, while studying the Mongols over the past term and now this one not much on this Khanate.

Byzantine Empire- Is interesting in many ways, the last of the Roman Empire, the Eastern Church, relations with Western medieval in the west and vikings, and lack of coverage in history education. 

Slavery- I feel kind of like a sicko for having this an interest, but it seems like a big part of a lot of human experience. Also it is really different in that these are human beings, but they are treated as something apart. My interest lies mostly with the slavery in earlier cultures, in antiquity and the middle ages.

Comments

[tabula-x-rasa.livejournal.com]

The way history pings people in different ways is always interesting! You seem to be covering a lot of areas; very cool.

[medievallass.livejournal.com]

Thanks Tabula ^_^. I think we share some of these interests don't we? I'm always curious, when I meet other anthropology and history students, what is it that interests them the most? I'm curious about what everyone is doing really. It's a silly struggle, but I have to resist compulsively asking other students what their majors are and why. :D

Hayley x

[tabula-x-rasa.livejournal.com]

Yep. My interests are Ancient Egypt and Middle Eastern history and Islamic art, especially the Medieval period. I have to admit, I find the European side of the Medieval period really confusing, but the Arab side-- no problem. I've also done a lot of study of the paleolithic period, especially in Africa.

I thought it was common practice to grill other students on their majors? ;) I don't think most people mind talking about it. And I don't blame you at all for wanting to know. :D

[medievallass.livejournal.com]

That is way cool stuff I'm enjoying getting more of the non-European side of the Medieval period this year. If I remember correctly we meet on the archaeo student community, do you dig? Sorry if you told me and I've forgotten. I guess I should ask people about their majors more often, it'll probably a good ice breaker!

Hayley *hugs*