Shields Remind us of what we Stand for! Shields have been used for centuries during times of war. During ancient Greek times, shields would have images that reminded them who they were and what they were fighting for. A shield represents defense more than attack. Having images of what made these warriors who they were was what gave them reason to fight and defend. Because a shield generally signifies defense, it is significant that the purpose for their defense is stated on the shield. Aeneas was believed to be the son of Anchises and the goddess Venus; who got him a shield forged with a great deal of symbolism and prophecy of things to come. On the shield, “were seen Italia’s story and triumphant Rome, wrought by the Lord of Fire, who was not blind to lore inspired and prophesying song, fore-reading things to come.” (Williams, Theodore. The Aeneid of Virgil. Book 8. Boston and New York Houghton Mifflin company, The Riverside Press Cambridge, 1908.) This was so impo...
Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely Ancient Greece is a great example of the positive and negative effects of autocracy. The power structures of ancient Greece provide us with insights as to the why and the what that caused them to act the way they did. However, no matter how good a monarchy may seem, it is extremely difficult to have a righteous leader without divine intervention and assistance. There is simply no monarchical structure that can be built to stand the test of time, and human history proves it. No matter how good our intentions are, “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority…they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” (Smith, Joseph. The Doctrine and Covenants. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 2013.) It is for this reason that men cannot be trusted to rule as individuals and that there needs to be structures in place to ensure that the ...