Hannibal’s Crossing of the Alps

Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps is one of history’s most remarkable military achievements even to this day. There are many accounts of the crossing of the Alps and what happened during those weeks and we can only speculate and use the sources and information that has lived through the decay of time. Our main primary sources that historians use to piece together the crossing of the Alps are by two of Rome’s most famous historians, Polybius and Livy.Polybius was a very rounded and mostly non-biased historian who got out of his way to travel to his locations to document facts and information which he used in his text and who lived during the time of the First and Second Punic Wars. On the other hand we have Livy who was a very pro-Roman historian who had documented his facts based on other historians who were before him as he lived almost 200 years after the Punic wars.When we compare the two accounts by both historians we tend to believe and rely more on the accoun ts made by Polybius as we know him as a reliable and fairly non-biased source whereas Livy was very biased towards Rome and based his information off of other historians. Although we see Polybius as the more reliable source, Livy does come up with some points that concern the crossing that are quite conflicting with the information presented to us by Polybius. By analysing both of these accounts we can get a better understanding of the crossing of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps.Polybius who was a very reliable historian who we know lived around 200-118 BC during the time of the two Punic Wars provided a very detailed account of both Punic wars and Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps. Polybius is known for his determination to get actual factual evidence and firsthand knowledge of events that occurred. He resided in Rome for most of his life and occasionally undertaking long journeys throughout the Mediterranean to get knowledge on historical sites and interview primary so urces who were actually at the events.Polybius’s works (The Histories) documents the events between 264 and 146 BC which mainly involved the rise of the Roman Empire and the effort in which they went to subdue their rival Carthage. Polybius documents the First and Second Punic wars with incredible detail and is our main source for the wars, although Livy also provides some very important facts and information. Titus Livius Patavinus (59 BC – AD 17) (more commonly known as Livy) we know as to be a very pro- Roman historian who can be seen as very biased towards the Romans and paints them in an honourable and almighty glow within his texts.Some of his texts we can see as just plain lies and so we are reluctant to solely use Livy’s information to base our research and understanding around. Livy wrote a complete history of Rome from its very foundations all the way up to the reign of Augustus in Livy’s own time but the only surviving work of his is the  "History of Rome†. During the reign of Augustus Livy wrote his texts emphasizing the accomplishments and triumphs of Rome, and wrote everything with a pro-Roman view to promote a new type of government which was implemented by the emperor Augustus.With that being said a lot of Livy’s texts and accounts mislead to reader into taking a Roman view and often cut out pieces of information which would downgrade the view on Rome, and so we have come to rely more on Polybius’s accounts than Livy’s, although Livy does also provide many accounts and descriptions of events that are unavailable elsewhere and so his texts and reports are still highly valued is one of the main sources we have. Both Polybius’s and Livy’s accounts of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps can be seen to have many similarities and so we can determine that the same source and information has been used.Although there are many similarities between the two there are also some dif ferences which can be seen throughout both texts. For example when Hannibal is crossing the Alps and he soon finds his path blocked by a pile of rocks Livy states that he uses Vinegar and Fire to break through the rock. Polybius says nothing of the subject and up to this day there has been no evidence of rock that has been carbonized at the site in which Livy had stated. Livy’s accounts of the crossing were very much the same as Polybius’s although we can see in some parts of Livy’s work that his Roman bias has written the work for him.When Hannibal was making a speech to his men after their crossing of the Rhone Polybius wrote that Hannibal spoke of their past achievements and that the hardest part of their journey was already over, but according to Livy Hannibal told his men that they were going to be fighting against the most powerful and grandest city in the world. This was not the case in Hannibal’s time and so we can clearly see that Livy had just c reated a false fact and account just to paint Rome in a brighter light.Livy’s biased for Rome is something that constantly alters Livy’s accounts. Much of Hannibal’s ascent and crossing of the Alps documented by Polybius and Livy are very similar with only a few minor alterations in the accounts of some events which took place. The main reason why the accounts of some events are different is mainly because of Livy’s biased and attitude towards Rome which makes him document the account and alter it in such a way that it paints Rome in a sense of glory and success.Another main reason which dictates the differences of the accounts is that Polybius who lived during the time of these events could go to places and get a firsthand experience and knowledge of the event by interviewing the people involved and taking notes on the actual location whereas Livy who lived a long time after the crossing had to rely on other peoples accounts and could not get firsthand k nowledge on a lot of the events.The crossing of the Alps is a fairly well documented event during the Second Punic war and one that is the most remarkable. Polybius and Livy both have very detailed accounts of the crossing and we rely on this information to piece together Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps. Although some of the facts of the crossing remain disputed and unknown we have sufficient information between both sources to have a good understanding of the crossing.Both historians give a lot of information on the crossing although we tend to use Polybius’s account as it is more reliable and he had firsthand experience and knowledge whereas we know Livy to be a very pro-Roman and did not live during the event but many years later. Both accounts of the crossing have proved to be very useful for our understanding of Hannibal’s crossing of the Alps.

Research, define, and discuss what strategic philanthropy is and why Essay

Research, define, and discuss what strategic philanthropy is and why it is beneficial to organizations, as well as give one example - Essay Example It is also a creative planning process that does not just entail volunteerism and generalized charity giving, it is instead a system that requires monitoring, tracking, and strategic assessment to determine whether a philanthropy effort can be qualified a success (Putnam 2008). What does this mean? Take for example the business REDF, which is a company provider that offers technical assistance in order to help community members achieve workforce development. REDF goes a step beyond just general philanthropy: the organization has developed a total management tracking system to determine whether its workforce programs have made long-term differences in the lives of those who sought the technical support services (Brest, 2010). This is the main difference between strategic and general philanthropy, it seeks the long-term benefits either to the organization or to society as a means of building a more positive future and knowing whether the effort is worth the investment or the cost. Strategic philanthropy is beneficial to the organization because it can give consumers, business leaders, or general community citizens a more positive view about the responsibility and values of a company. Some individuals in society believe that businesses should share their wealth and expertise with others less fortunate, and strategic philanthropy efforts can influence their purchasing decision-making behavior toward the firm. A positive consumer or social attitude about a business can help the organization achieve more long-term profitability or gain better contracts with like-minded business leaders in many different industries. It can, in some instances, even improve relationships with government members who are already responsible for securing the welfare of their constituents, thus allowing for political endorsements in favor of the organization. It should be said, then, that strategic philanthropy is a vital component

Psychology Experiment on learning by doing vs learning by viewing Essay

Psychology Experiment on learning by doing vs learning by viewing - Essay Example study that targets the determination of the learning theories and techniques specifically the comparative analysis of the experiments and empirical data related to the educational psychology of the techniques such as learning by doing and learning by viewing. The results of the studies that had been chosen are then analyzed and reviewed. I. One of the studies that became the focus of the research and review undertaken is the research conducted by Stull and Mayer on the comparative analysis of the two types of learning process through the comparison of the graphic organizers in materials that are studied. The main objective of the study is to be able to determine which of the said methods are more effective in achievement of understanding of the learners (Stull and Mayer 808). The main hypothesis of the study undertaken is determination if the graphic organizers that are established by the students are more effective in retaining studied concept more than the prepared ones. The said hypothesis had been tested by conducting three (3) set-ups for experimentation, thus, the main methodology used is experimental research. The set-ups differed in the number of the author-provided graphic organizers and the items that students are needed to construct graphic organizers for. The first set up can be considered the most complex, and complexity decreases towards the third set-up. The complexity level had been the independent variable which was measured through the number of items provided. The 1st set-up which is of the highest complexity is composed of 27 author-provided organizers and also items that students need to construct their own. On the 2nd and 3rd set-ups 18 and 10 of each type are made respectively. Basically, the variables had been designed and defined on the basis of the cognitive theory of learning. This can be attributed to the fact that the skills that are required in the analysis, understanding and construction of graphic organizers in

Corporate environmental management (Business Subject) Assignment - 2

Corporate environmental management (Business Subject) - Assignment Example Although the history and evolution of a concept might seem unimportant, it could help us predict the future trend and flaws that will appear. If it can be remembered the 1972 conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, Sweden, attended by 113 states and representatives from 19 international organizations, was the 1st truly international conference devoted exclusively to environmental issues. There a group of 27 experts articulated the link between environment and development stating although in individual instances there were conflicts between environment and economic priorities, they were two sides of the same coin (Reinhardt & Vietor, 1969). Another result of the Stockholm conference was the creation of the United Nations Environmental Programme {UNEP} which has the mission to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and people to improve their future generations? It should be noted that the term corporate environment management is a means by which companies and government departments act to realize their impacts on the environment and therefore work to improve their performance in this area through encouraging their suppliers, customers and partners to act the same way. You will discover that in the world the Hong Kong Government has undertaken initiatives since 1994 to improve its green management. The private sector has also been urged to follow suit (Darabaris, 2007) . My opinion is that the Starkist managers made a right decision because it was a move aimed at ensuring sustainability as advocated for by the Brundtland commission. Sustainable utilization of the environment is one of the issues that are currently making headlines on environment issues. In the day to use of environment to meet the daily needs there is need to take into account future generation, what is described as

Supply chain management - IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Supply chain management - IKEA - Essay Example This means that from management, everyone in the company is motivated to do their best in their department to ensure that the company produces the best products possible. For example, the company makes sure that it employs the best people who will ensure quality in the company’s products. Irrespective of the position being hired, the company ensures that it hires people with the best qualification and credentials. The human resource department ensures that it does back ground checks before hiring any employee to make sure that the credentials and qualifications they use to apply for job vacancies are true, and they possess the skills that they claim they have. This ensures that everyone in the supply chain of the IKEA company is a professional hence they will go about their duties as professionals which results in the success that the company experiences. Another supply chain management strategy that should be used in order for a company to maximize its profits is the Just in Time manufacturing (JIT) supply chain management concept. This is a strategy whereby a business establishment tries to increase their return on investment of the company (Inter IKEA Systems, 2012). The business organization does this by minimizing in processes associated with carrying cost and inventory. Carrying cost is the whole cost a business establishment incurs in its attempt of holding inventory. This cost includes rent salaries and other financial costs such as opportunity cost. Inventory is a term used to refer to any good or service that a company has (Cousins & Lawson, 2008). These goods and services are specifically stored for the purpose of reselling them. When one considers the two definitions and considers the IKEA... Another supply chain management strategy that should be used in order for a company to maximize its profits is the Just in Time manufacturing (JIT) supply chain management concept. This is a strategy whereby a business establishment tries to increase their return on investment of the company (Inter IKEA Systems, 2012). The business organization does this by minimizing in processes associated with carrying cost and inventory. Carrying cost is the whole cost a business establishment incurs in its attempt of holding inventory. This cost includes rent salaries and other financial costs such as opportunity cost.   Inventory is a term used to refer to any good or service that a company has (Cousins   & Lawson, 2008). These goods and services are specifically stored for the purpose of reselling them. When one considers the two definitions and considers the IKEA Company, then one will arrive at the conclusion that the IKEA Company has implemented this strategy in their business operation s. When one considers the company, it has various stores in different countries. Hence, the company minimizes all its inventory and carrying cost. The company does this by making sure that it sells all its stock, and if any inventory is left in one branch then it is transferred to a branch that is in need of such inventory. This minimizes the company’s total stock since the company does not buy equipment that is unnecessary since such equipments can be gotten from other branches that the company holds.

International Project Management Assignment 2 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Project Management 2 - Assignment Example The member of these cultures are intrinsically not team players (Pheng and Leong 308). As such, it is incumbent upon project managers to develop the skills necessary for successfully interacting with individuals whose behavioral traits are affected by distinct cultural primacies. In the context of the global marketplace, project managers require efficient communication skills, competent leadership skills, suitable interpersonal skills, adaptability, and technical and functional powers (Pheng and Leong 308). Cross cultural management includes communications, dispute resolutions, organizational and national culture, and negotiations. Culture consists of an intricate whole that is comprised of arts, beliefs, customs, knowledge and morals. It also includes the competencies and customs assimilated by individuals as members of society. Thus, culture denotes a distinctive way of life of a group of people, as a comprehensive motif for existing (Pheng and Leong 307). Asian societies attach considerable importance to human relationships and the avoidance of confrontation. This is in marked contrast to the Americans, who do not deem personal relationships to be of greater significance, whilst conducting business. It is the proclivity of the Americans to swiftly and directly focus upon the subject matter or issue at stake (Pheng and Leong 308). This holds out the possibility of causing personal and public discomfiture to the people of other cultures. Lack of proper communication can develop into major issues. For instance, an American manager had stated that her Chinese staff would not inform her if they failed to understand her. These employees would agree to anything that she said, without having the least idea regarding what she was stating. In another incident, an American manager stated that their firm’s quality engineer was not proficient in English. This

Why Cruise, why cruise line is used Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Why Cruise, why cruise line is used - Essay Example dual cruise ships for targeted customers in order to heighten the quality of services and manage stiff competition that has left only â€Å"a few numbers of large corporations† in the market (Fabbi 2013, p.3). An example of a cruise ship with customized mission is one which stays for about one month in the seas, traversing vast waters with tourists whose main objective is amusement on board (Klein, 2005). Customized cruise ships provide interesting experiences when tourists need them the most. The right time to look for the best cruise ship and the unique services which one would like to enjoy is shortly before or during the holiday season. These are the times when the wild oceanic sceneries are out for sightseeing by individuals who are out of occupational commitments. Cruise ships are especially important form of amusement and adventure during winters when the air is virgin and crisp. With a clearly formed cruise ship case statement, customers would know beforehand, the beautiful landscapes, sea water experiences and other related activities they would enjoy during the trip. Taking a voyage with like-minded persons to experience the fresh air that a cruise ship has promised its patrons would be the best experience for tourists and the cruise ship crews whose schedule would remain unchanged by conflicting interests during the trip. As Klein (2005, p.4) has suggested that â€Å"customers perceive cruises as all-inclusive†, a well-informed audience that is aware of ships offering customised services would go a long way in aiding quicker customer decisions regarding which ship to take; and what sea routes one should follow to enjoy maximum experience. These experiences would be viable for specific cruise ships offering such services as well. As Mancini (2010) has said, disembarking at remote, but safe islands in a summer would enable many snorkelers in a customised ship for amusement the view of clear waters and sights of tropical fish species as well as coral