We take travel and the hospitality industry almost as a given – whether it be travel by air, rail or road as well as the service industry of providing fro accommodations. Where and how did this all arise in terms of history and historical records?
Indeed many historians and anthologists consider travel for trade and commerce to be a common well established history in the histories of civilization’s in mankind. Civilizations of great power, long duration and extensive dominions were by and large known for their sophisticated levels of commerce. Along with travel for commerce grew travel for pleasure or enjoyment itself. The ancient societies of Greece m Egypt and Rome openly encouraged pleasure travel by providing necessary ways and means. With such support, travel contributed to the success of each of these great empires.
The ever increasing specialization of labor within ancient civilizations fostered the growth of travel. As ancient communities grew in size, the tasks and roles of the population became ever more specialized and skilled. This made it possible for communities to develop an array of products that increased in quality in each generation. Craft persons honed their skills and passed them along to family members or others willing to learn. Such division of skills meant that people needed to exchange goods to survive. For example a craftsmen or craftsperson busy producing pottery products would not have time to plant and harvest crops for food. This scarcity of time required by craft persons to obtain the necessities through barter and trade with a person who specialized in planting and harvesting crops.
This exchange of products and currency required travel. Caravans and trade expeditions moved people, products and even ideas between entirely different cultures. The oceans provided the great major routes of travel for the cultures centered in the Mediterranean – particularly the Greeks, Egyptian and Roman empires. Toads too, supported the swift deployment of military power as well as facilitating the exchange of good over what might be considered previously vast distances. Indeed over time, what were foot trails along the Mediterranean or even in the Manitoba prairie became major overland trade routes. As these routes were maintained and improved, they became the basis for extensive road systems.
Based upon the history and quality of these road systems, it can be assumed that historically travel became a most important part of commerce, government as well as cultural exchanges during the rule of the Roman Empire. Now the stage was set for what became the service industries of the hospitality trade to be developed. In the later years of the Ronan Empire, the road system began to include inns, stables for animals. Travel became even more predictable and easy to accomplish with the introduction of simple maps and mapping technologies.
What resulted was that onwards travel as well as travel and transportation technologies improved to support commerce and trade over long and longer distances. This included travel for all types – whether it was for trade and commerce, communications, military travel and even simple basic travel for pleasure and enjoyment/ it can be said that war itself increased the growth of travel. The victors would establish communication routes back to the home business office. Travel would thus blossom with those in power and their new citizens as people and trade would increase and even blossom with these realms.
Thus the basis of our travel, hospitality service industries – be they travel means themselves – be they air, road, ship or railway, the promotion and the development of the food and lodging service industries all can said to be the result of trade and commence between people and groups of people all seeking different and better quality good and ultimately man’s trade and commerce.
By: Morris E. R.J. . Brown
Posts Tagged ‘Ancient Civilizations’
The Advantages of Learning Chinese
December 3rd, 2009From Chinese movies to Chinese foods and to Chinese people all over the globe, China has surely expanded in importance. Aside from being a country with rich history, China also has beautiful and scenic spots and sumptuous foods. Everywhere you go, you see a lot of Chinese people, Chinese stores, Chinese restaurants and even Chinese schools. When you hear them talk and you do not understand their language, you may think that it sounds like gibberish. However, once you get to learn their native tongue, you will appreciate the country and its culture.
The Language of a Quarter of the Earth’s Population
The country of China has been very well known in almost every corner of the world. They are considered as great businessmen, plus, they are also known as very frugal people. In the United States, Chinese communities are scattered all over the country. It is the language of almost a quarter of the population of the whole world. This is a reason enough for you to learn the country’s language. Though it may sound complicated, but with great patience and discipline, you will be able to learn it in no time.
Understand and Experience a Diverse Culture and Tradition
If you learn the Chinese language, you will be able to experience the wonderful traditions and festivals of the country without wondering why they are celebrating it. Additionally, you will also be able to know more about their culture and their history. The writing system of China is unique, which requires great comprehension and logic. The country’s grammatical structure is associated with their way of thinking. If you have knowledge over the language and how it is written, you will also gain information on one of the ancient civilizations of the world. When you allow yourself to learn China’s language, you will be provided with a unique glimpse of this large and enticing country.
Join One of the Largest Global Markets
The economy of China is considered as among the world’s fastest growing. The global market of the country is regarded to have high potential. Various job fields offer great opportunities to people who know how to speak the Chinese language. If you are proficient with the language, you will have a great opportunity within the following fields:
- information technology
- foreign language education
- international relations
- business
- tourism
- government
These job opportunities are just some of the several jobs that are being offered to people who are good with the Chinese language. Among the other foreign languages which are being offered in colleges and universities, this certain language has the highest rate of enrollees.
Learn Chinese Online
If you want to learn the language, you have several options and, among one of these is over the Internet. There are some sites which offer foreign languages online for free. A professional teacher will teach you how to speak, write and read the language of China.
By: James Dunn
The History Of Hypnosis Revealed
October 16th, 2009When it comes to exploring the history of hypnotism, you will find both scientific and unscientific pit stops throughout time. There is also an artistic aspect that warrants attention regarding the subject. As you study the records associated with this unique mental journey, an assortment of characters illustrate the power that hypnosis has possessed throughout the years.
To truly appreciate the longevity of hypnosis, it is vital to take a look at its use throughout ancient civilizations. While there is evidence showcasing the use of hypnosis rituals during pre-historic times, you may find one of the first intriguing visual accounts through hieroglyphics decorating the early 3000 BC tombs of ancient Egyptians. It is believed that hypnotism was utilized within various “sleep temples,” which had connections to healing or religion.
Throughout ancient history, a wide range of ancient proof surrounds the fact that hypnotism was understood and practiced during numerous medicinal practices and rituals. Celtic druids to ancient Greeks to Chinese religious leaders have all shown a respect for hypnotism, as the accomplishment was also prevalent throughout Africa, Persia and South America. It is even thought that details regarding the practice of hypnosis can be found throughout the pages of the Jewish Scriptures and the Hindu Vedas.
Surrounded by spiritualism, magic and divine power, hypnotism was met with plenty of opposition for those who questioned this mysterious practice and technique. During the early years, hypnosis was a popular exercise associated with shamans, witch doctors, as well as high priests. With each passing year, there have been thousands of influences upon hypnosis, as scientific, as well as unscientific approaches contributed to the advancement of this captivating entity.
Hypnosis in the 1700s
During the 1700s, one of the most well known figures in hypnosis history is an Austrian by the name of Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815). Throughout the 18th century, he led the way in the usage of trace, which earned him the nickname, “Father of Hypnosis.” It is also through his name that we find the term, “mesmerism.”
At the urging of Mozart, Mesmer purchased a space where he could perform magical “cures” on people. While many praised his healing powers, which were often accompanied with lights and other gimmicks, there were others who dismissed his results as a figment of the imagination. One notable critic was none other than Benjamin Franklin.
Hypnosis During the 1800s
In France, one of the first scientific explorations regarding hypnosis took place with the help of Abbe Castodi de Faria. He investigated the ins and outs of the practice as it related to trances and willing participants. Faria is also credited with establishing what is known as the “fixed-gaze method,” which became a rage throughout stage hypnotism shows.
Also during this time, without the effort of John Elliotson of England, the use of magnetism and hypnosis may have never found its way in easing the pain of surgery. As for the concept of autosuggestion, the thoughts and teachings of Emile Coue brought this to the public. Coue contended that all hypnosis was influenced by self-hypnotic techniques.
But during the 1800s, it was the work of Dr. James Braid that really catapulted hypnosis. Through his studies, suggestibility, as it related to trance, was thought to be an individual occurrence. Using vocal suggestion, he was able to explore the influence that hypnotists had on their subjects. Braid is also honored for discovering “waking hypnosis.”
Entering the 20th Century
The history of hypnotism travels throughout a vast record in time. It was used to treat trauma victims during both World Wars. Dentists utilized its power as hypnotic-anesthesia. In 1955, the British Medical Association began to consider hypnotherapy as a legitimate medical treatment. Three years later, the American Medical Association (AMA) agreed. Following these acknowledgements throughout the medical world, a host of professional associations for hypnotists started to pop up across the globe. To date, the National Guild of Hypnotists is still the oldest and largest of its kind.
During the 20th century, many researchers, doctors and other medical figures began to take interest in learning more about hypnosis. Important strides on the subject were then made by the likes of John Kappas, Ormond McGill, Milton Erickson and Dave Elman.
To explore the history of hypnosis, one will encounter a wealth of personalities who have shaped the way people viewed and accepted the field. Well-known characters, such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Thomas Edison, Winston S. Churchill and Albert Einstein have also shown interest in hypnosis or self-hypnosis.
By: Cliff Mee
