Saint Barbara

Saint Barbara lived between 200-400 ad in what is now known as Turkey. Her father was a emperor and a devoted pagan worshiper, and tried to instill the pagan traditions and beliefs into her by building her a magnificent tower to live in so she could learn these lessons. In secret she was baptized and became a Christian. Then when her father was building her a bathhouse by her tower she requested it have three windows to honor the trinity and a cross engraved in the marble walls.  When Saint Barbara's father saw this he became enraged. He ordered for her to be tortured until she accepts the pagan ways of life and stops being a Christian. Through all of this, she is strong and sticks to her beliefs. Then, when she was tossed into a prison cell, she prayed to God for the strength to keep her faith. As she was praying she felt a heavenly joy fill her as her wounds instantly started healing. After more torturing, she was still loyal to her beliefs and her father then decided that he would execute her. Saint Barbara was then beheaded, along with another christian girl. Then as soon as they killed them, the Emperor and other Executioner were struck down by lightning and killed. Saint Barbara then became the patron saint of protection from sudden death or harm, such as death in battle and especially protection against fire and lightning. Also, she is known for being one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and a Wonder Worker who protected people from harm.Today there are many ways in which people honor her sacrifice and protection. One example is the Ancient and Honorable Orders of Saint Barbara military award which is awarded to people in the Army and Marie Corps. In addition, on December 4th many people hold feasts in her honor. Overall, Saint Barbara is remembered as a saint because of her loyal devotion to her faith.
Sources

• "St. Barbara (Patron of Protection from Harm) : Apostle.com - Catholic Gifts." Apostle.com: Exquisite Religious Catholic Gifts & Jewelry. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://apostle.com/st.-barbara-patron-of-protection-from-harm?chapter=1>.
• Hand., The Lord's. "St. Barbara - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=166>.
• "Life of Saint Barbara." Welcome to Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church! Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.saintbarbara.org/about/frp_stbarb.cfm>.
• Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 26 Jan. 2011. <http://www.suite101.com/content/st-barbara-patron-saint-of-arty-a38895>.
  

Roman Civilization

In my opinion, the Roman Empire was more advanced than both the Byzantine and Greek Empires. The Romans were brilliant engineers, building magnificent buildings and roads that would be extremely influential for centuries to come. For example, the Apennine Way is still used today as a road and the Pantheon has inspired architects who have built many buildings, including many government buildings all over the world. The Romans also invented the incredibly  important aqua duct that revolutionized water transport, as well as help keep their cities clean. Also, their architecture was very advanced, they used both the columns and arches while building things, using both Etruscan and Greek influence. The Romans also had a strong government, with powerful Emperors and the wise Senators who led the Empire successfully  for many years. They also developed a democratic republic, which is a major form of government today. In addition, their art was also very advanced, the sculptures and painters created magnificent pieces of art. The Romans also had an extraordinary military. Their soldiers were specially trained and well equipped with deadly weapons. Also, their battle tactics were genius, demonstrating the intelligence of this great empire, and helping them expand  it to cover parts of north Africa, much of Europe, and parts of Asia.  They also had strong defenses to protect their people and the territories that they commanded. The Roman Empire also cared a lot about its citizens and worked hard to keep them all happy. Emperors built great stadiums for entertainment and gave out food to its citizens. Overall, the Roman Empire was very advanced and a magnificent empire.