This document outlines an assignment for a history course to write a 3-4 paragraph essay about ancient mysteries. Students must choose from several topics about unexplained events or structures from ancient civilizations. They are to summarize at least two scholarly theories about the mystery and argue which theory is most plausible. The essay must be 250-500 words long, cite at least 3 sources using APA style, and address specific learning outcomes like explaining how culture contributes to historical changes.

1. Assignment 1: Essay – Exploring Ancient Mysteries
Due Week 4 and worth 100 points
Choose one (1) of the topics below and develop a three to four
(3-4) paragraph essay (of at least 250-500 words) which
adequately address the topic you have chosen.
Topic Choices
There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids at
Giza were constructed. Most experts agree that they were
constructed as burial monuments for pharaohs, but “how” these
ancient people constructed monuments of such great size
without modern machinery is a mystery which is still being
debated.
No one can say for certain what happened to the great urban
Mayan civilization, but theories abound and include varied
possible alternatives to explain the relatively abrupt and
mysterious disappearance of the Mayan civilization.
Tutankhamen died young, at approximately eighteen (18) years
of age. However, his cause of death has been the subject of
quite varied scholarly theories and conclusions. Did he die of an
injury, of illness, of murder, or something else?.
Minoan Crete was a major civilization in its time, but several
theories have been advanced to explain its demise, including
speculations associating it with mythical Atlantis. What were
the causes of Minoan Civilization's decline?
Great Zimbabwe is an enormous complex of structures in East
Africa. Since the builders and occupants left no written records,
several theories have developed as to the identity of its builders
and the functions of the structures. Which theory makes the
most sense?
The monumental size and complexity of the Tomb of
Shihuangdi is astounding, yet its location and construction
details were to be kept secret. What was the emperor’s purpose
for such an elaborate, secret burial place?
Other topic choice recommended and approved by the professor
and supported by the grading rubric.

2. Write a three to four (3-4) paragraph paper in which you:
Clearly state the “mystery” and provide a brief summary of at
least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could
explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-
fetched, include the source or promoter of each theory – such as
a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc.
After summarizing at least two (2) scholarly theories, identify
one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and provide at least
two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is
the best one to explain the mystery. This will involve some
critical reasoning skills on your part.
Use at least two (2) sources plus the class textbook. (Three [3]
sources total as the minimum) Note: Wikipedia and other
similar Websites do not qualify as academic resources. You are
highly encouraged to use the Resource Center tab at the top of
your Blackboard page.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size
12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references
must follow APA style format. Both in-text citations and a
References list are required. Citations and references must
follow APA style format. Check with your professor for any
additional instructions. (
Note:
Students can find APA style materials located in the course
shell for guidance).
Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the
student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the
date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in
the required assignment page length. For our purposes, you may
omit any abstract page.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this
assignment are:
Explain how key social, cultural, and artistic contributions
contribute to historical changes.
Explain the importance of situating a society’s cultural and

3. artistic expressions within a historical context.
Examine the influences of intellectual, religious, political, and
socio-economic forces on social, cultural, and artistic
expressions.
Identify major historical developments in world cultures during
the eras of antiquity to the Renaissance
Use technology and information resources to research issues in
the study of world cultures.
Write clearly and concisely about world cultures using proper
writing mechanics.