Hello, Welcome to My User Page

If earlier chroniclers of human affairs had failed to bear witness in praise of history, it might perhaps have been necessary for me to urge all readers to seek out and pay special attention to writings such as these; for certainly mankind possesses no better guide to conduct than the knowledge of the past.

-Polybius (c. 203–120 BC)

The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and warnings; fine things to make as models, base things, rotten through and through, to avoid.

-Livy (59 BC – AD 17)

My Introduction

My name is Eric Connor, but you can call me Pericles of Athens. I'm an American of Irish, English, Swedish, Italian, and Slovenian descent. I chose this username because Pericles is one of my favorite ancient Athenian statesmen and strategos. Currently I have a BA in History from George Mason University. I'm mostly interested in the History of China and Chinese art. However, I enjoy reading of history and art in general, from all time periods and places. I'm an avid guitar player, and on and off I play in a band with friends (and used to play nightclubs around my area). Although I like all types of music to an extent, metal is my thing, especially thrash metal bands like Testament and Anthrax. I also like Hardcore metal acts like Sick of It All and Madball. When it comes to Hip Hop, Wu Tang Clan does it best. For a greater understanding of who I am and what my staple sense of humor is, go to "Random Thoughts" and "Musical Preferences" below under the section Miscellaneous Stuff. To view pictures that I have uploaded to wikimedia commons, click here for my gallery. For a list of my minor edits to articles, as well as a list of all my DYK's (Did You Know?) featured on wikipedia's main page, click here.

To get things off on a good start for this user page, here is an excellent poem by the ancient Chinese poet Tao Qian (365-427 AD).

The pangs of hunger drove me from my home;
with no idea of where to go
I travelled on for miles
until I reached a village,
knocked on the nearest door,
blurted out some clumsy words.

The owner understood my need
his warmth dispelled my shame
that I'd come empty-handed.

We played and sang till sunset,
the wine-cups often tilted,
with the pleasure of new-found friends
we chanted and composed verses.

I remember the story of the washerwoman.
Ashamed that I lack the skills of general Chinese,
how can I show my gratitude?
I can only repay him in the world to come.

Favorite Wiki Quote, History of gunpowder

A passage of the Chinese text Guixin Zazhi (1295 AD), reporting an enormous and catastrophic explosion at the gunpowder arsenal found at Weiyang in 1280 AD:

Formerly the artisan positions were all held by southerners (i.e. the Chinese). But they engaged in peculation, so they had to be dismissed, and all their jobs were given to northerners (probably Mongols, or Chinese who had served them). Unfortunately, these men understood nothing of the handling of chemical substances. Suddenly, one day, while sulphur was being ground fine, it burst into flame, then the (stored) fire lances caught fire, and flashed hither and thither like frightened snakes. (At first) the workers thought it was funny, laughing and joking, but after a short time the fire got into the bomb store, and then there was a noise like a volcanic eruption and the holwing of a storm at sea. The whole city was terrified, thinking that an army was approaching...Even at a distance of a hundred li tiles shook and houses trembled...The disturbance lasted a whole day and night. After order had been restored an inspection was made, and it was found that a hundred men of the guards had been blown to bits, beams and pillars had been cleft asunder or carried away by the force of the explosion to a distance of over ten li. The smooth ground was scooped into craters and trenches more than ten feet deep. Above two hundred families living in the neighborhood were victims of this unexpected disaster.
Needham, Volume 5, Part 7, 209-210.

My Contributions to Wikipedia

Along the River During Qingming Festival, 18th century remake of a 12th century original by Chinese artist Zhang Zeduan, located in the National Palace Museum, Taiwan. Just scroll to the left in order to see the entire image, it is worth it.

Mission Statement

My main goal here is to improve all Chinese-history related articles on Wikipedia.org, since many are lacking in quality and even existence. Along with the many articles I have edited here on English wikipedia, I also have a goal of improving China-History related images for all wikipedias, not just English, to enjoy and employ in articles. Therefore, I have created my very own user profile for Wikimedia Commons, where I have created many pictures that can be used for all branches of wiki. Have a look, but don't blame me if you trap yourself there for about an hour staring at old art and artifacts (if you're into that sort of thing). I also maintain my own freewebs.com site dedicated to the History of Science and Technology in China.

This user is a member of WikiProject Chinese history.

Awards and DYKs

For a list of all my did you knows featured on wiki's main page, click here for my sub-page.

The Golden Wiki Award

Few editors write DYKs. Fewer write GAs. And fewer still write FAs. I myself have been an editor here for almost two years and I've only managed to write one GA and two or three DYKs. Many of our colleagues never even achieve that. But not only do you write all three types of articles, you do it on a regular basis, and in one of the most neglected sections of the encyclopedia. Your contributions are of a professional level of excellence, both comprehensive and concise, yet fascinating and engrossing. Your collection of Song Dynasty articles remains one of the most remarkable accomplishments in Wikipedia's history. Only the featured topic on the Solar system, crafted by many editors over a long stretch of time, rivals this feat.

And yet you never lose your cool or your edge. Always friendly and diplomatic, you've proved refreshingly receptive and thoughtful towards suggestions for improvement and article critique. Your ability to consistently produce consistently fantastic content, escaping the drama and hubbub other prolific editors seem to find themselves in, while maintaining a level of scholarship that makes a fellow history major go "Damn...", you've become an example for other Wikipedians, including this one, to follow.

I often hear people criticize Wikipedia's content - its systemic biases, its tragic imbalance towards video games and entertainment, its inaccuracies and mistakes. In these cases, I'm proud to be able to point to your contributions and prove them wrong. For this, not to mention everything else I've mentioned, you most clearly deserve this award. Hemlock Martinis (talk) 17:48, 17 March 2008 (UTC)

		The Featured Article Medal
		I award the prestigious Featured Article Medal to Eric for promoting several articles to the Featured Article status. Masterpiece2000 (talk) 14:34, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

		The Buddhism Barnstar
		For creating Wikiproject Tibet's first featured article, I award you this Buddha Barnstar. Gimme danger (talk) 16:33, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

		The Tibetan Award of Excellence and Compassion
		For your outstanding work at writing a brilliant article to FA standard and giving us the gift of the first Tibetan FA on wikipedia.. Hereby I present you this coveted award. The Bald One is proud of you, Much deserved. ♦Blofeld of SPECTRE♦ ^$1,000,000? 20:35, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

		The Good Article Medal of Merit
		For outstanding contributions: As of today's date, PericlesofAthens has taken six articles to WP:GA, one of which has gone on to WP:FA. Good on you! Ling.Nut 01:58, 11 June 2007 (UTC)

		The Original Barnstar
		Wow, great work on the List of Chinese inventions page. Keep up the good work. - tholly ^--Turnip-- 18:27, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

		The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
		I award you this barnstar in recognition of your [tireless] contributions to Song Dynasty, most notably for being the driving force behind its promotion to GA status. Well done! Cliff smith 23:10, 2 May 2007 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		Awarded to Pericles for his superb work on olde Chinese history....Blnguyen (bananabucket) 07:41, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

		The Epic Barnstar
		On the behalf of WP:CHINA, I award you this barnstar for your quality contributions to various Chinese history-related articles, and the effort in bringing them to higher status! (AQu01rius • Talk) 04:05, 7 May 2007 (UTC)

		The Good Article Medal of Merit
		I, VanTucky, award you PericlesofAthens, this barnstar for your excellent work on multiple Good Articles related to the Tang and Song Dynasties. VanTucky ^(talk) 04:18, 9 August 2007 (UTC)

		The Excellent Userpage Award
		Your Userpage is like, 99.999999999% perfect! That is why I am giving you this award. * --RayquazaDialgaWeird2210 (talk) 16:52, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

		Zhonghua Barnstar of Merit
		For researching and essentially single-handedly building the professional quality researched Han Dynasty article and subsequent topics. Cheers! Scapler (talk) 18:34, 3 May 2009 (UTC)
		_{this WikiAward was given to PericlesofAthens by Cheers! Scapler (talk) on 18:34, 3 May 2009 (UTC)}

Articles nominated (and passed) for Featured Article Status
Featured Article Status [edit] Augustus, Choe Bu, Economy of the Han Dynasty, Giovanni Villani, Government of the Han Dynasty, Han Dynasty, List of Chinese inventions, Ming Dynasty, Shen Kuo, Society of the Song Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Technology of the Song Dynasty, Tibet during the Ming Dynasty, Zhang Heng

Articles nominated (and passed) for Good Article Status

Good Article Status

Architecture of the Song Dynasty, Culture of the Song Dynasty, Economy of the Han Dynasty, Economy of the Song Dynasty, Fernão Pires de Andrade, Government of the Han Dynasty, Han Dynasty, History of the Han Dynasty, History of the Song Dynasty, Huolongjing, Nuova Cronica, Qianling Mausoleum, Rebellion of Cao Qin, Science and technology of the Han Dynasty, Shen Kuo, Society and culture of the Han Dynasty, Society of the Song Dynasty, Song Dynasty, Su Song, Tang Dynasty, Technology of the Song Dynasty, Zhang Heng

Articles Edited/Expanded

Articles Edited and Expanded

A-O 11th century, Antonio de Morga, Armillary sphere, Augustus, Bao Qingtian, Cai Lun, Cavalry, Chang'an, Chao Cuo, Chinese astronomy, Chinese literature, Choe Bu, Compass, Diplomacy, Economy of the Han Dynasty, Economy of the Song Dynasty, Fernão Pires de Andrade, Flamethrower, Foreign relations of Imperial China, Gazetteer, Giovanni Villani, Government of the Han Dynasty, Grand Canal of China, Greek fire, Gunpowder warfare, Han Dynasty, Heian period, Horse collar, History of cartography, History of ferrous metallurgy, History of firearms, History of geography, History of geometry, History of gunpowder, History of painting, History of the Han Dynasty, History of the Ming Dynasty, History of the Song Dynasty, Inoculation, Land mine, Leprosy, List of Chinese discoveries, List of Chinese inventions, List of Emperors of the Han Dynasty, Liu Ji, Liuhe Pagoda, Ma Jun, Mineralogy, Ming Dynasty, Naval history of China, Naval warfare, Nuova Cronica, Odometer

P-Z Pagoda of Fogong Temple, Paper, Pei Xiu, Pontoon bridge, Qianling Mausoleum, Rafael Perestrello, Science and technology of the Han Dynasty, Science in the Middle Ages, Siege, Shang Dynasty, Shen Kuo, Society and culture of the Han Dynasty, Solar eclipse, Song Dynasty, Song Yingxing, South Pointing Chariot, Southern and Northern Dynasties, Su Shi, Su Song, Sylvester II, Tang Dynasty, Tibet during the Ming Dynasty, Timeline of Chinese history, Tong Guan, Trip hammer, Wang Chong, Wang Zhen (official), War elephant, Wheelbarrow, Xu Guangqi, Yang Hui, Yi Xing, Zhang Sixun, Zhang Heng

Articles that I've Created

Articles I've Created

A-O Anselmus de Boodt, Beisi Pagoda, Category:Economic history of Italy, Category:Historical controversies, Category:Italian merchants, Category:Korean historians, Category:Korean travel writers, Category:Social history of China, Category:State of Chu, Category:State of Qi, Chao Cuo, Chinese exploration, Choe Bu, Dream Pool Essays, Du Shi, Economy of the Han Dynasty, Fawang Temple, Field mill (carriage), Field mill (disambiguation), Four occupations, Fragrant Hills Pagoda, Guoqing Temple, History of the Han Dynasty, Hua Sui, Huolongjing, Iron Pagoda, Jia Dan, Jiao Yu, Jiaohe Ruins, Kenneth R. Bartlett, Liaodi Pagoda, Lin Tinggui, Lingxiao Pagoda, Lingyan Temple, List of Chinese discoveries, Nathan Sivin, Nuova Cronica,

P-Z Pagoda of Bailin Temple, Pagoda of Cishou Temple, Pagoda of Fugong Temple, Pagoda of Tianning Temple (Beijing), Pagoda of Tianning Temple (Changzhou), Pizhi Pagoda, Puning Temple, Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Qianling Mausoleum, Qizu Pagoda, Rafael Perestrello, Rebellion of Cao Qin, Return to the Field (rhapsody), Sarira Stupa of Tayuan Temple, Science and technology of the Han Dynasty, Society and culture of the Han Dynasty, Sunshu Ao, Tibet during the Ming Dynasty, Wei Pu, Wujing Zongyao, Wuzhun Shifan, Xie Huan, Ximen Bao, Xumi Pagoda, Yan Zhitui, Yu Hao, Zhang Han (disambiguation), Zhang Han (general), Zhang Han (official), Zhangjiashan Han bamboo texts, Zhou Jichang, Zhu Yu (author)

Articles Created in Foreign Languages
Foreign Language Articles [edit] Shen Kuo (French Wikipedia), Shen Kuo (Spanish Wikipedia), Shen Kuo (Italian Wikipedia)

Articles created for Song Dynasty and Han Dynasty

Song Dynasty Articles

Architecture of the Song Dynasty, Culture of the Song Dynasty, Economy of the Song Dynasty, History of the Song Dynasty, List of Song Emperors, Society of the Song Dynasty, Technology of the Song Dynasty

^The navbox shown above was created by User:Hemlock Martinis; thanks dude!

Han Dynasty Articles

Economy of the Han Dynasty, History of the Han Dynasty, Science and technology of the Han Dynasty, Society and culture of the Han Dynasty (note: Government of the Han Dynasty was not created by me, although I did rewrite it, expand it, and bring it to featured status)

Again, this navbox is the creation of User:Hemlock Martinis; thanks once again!

Minor Edits
Minor Edits [edit] Click here to see all of my minor edits, including additional pictures inserted into articles and edits to individual years.

Picture's I've Taken
Pictures I've Taken [edit] For my gallery of pictures I've taken from the Freer Gallery of Art and from book sources, click here.

Miscellaneous stuff at the end of my user page

Random Thoughts, Humor, and Insanity

You know you're not really Peter Pan, don't you? This is only a dream. When you wake up, you'll just be Peter Banning - a cold, selfish man who drinks too much, who's obsessed with success, and runs and hides from his wife and children.

^ A line from Captain James Hook (Dustin Hoffman); Hook was my favorite movie when I was a kid, but...not so much now. Lol.

As a drug user, you get used to things like seeing your dead grandmother crawling up your leg with a knife in her teeth, but nobody should be asked to handle this trip.

^ A line from Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) while he enters the Bazooka Circus, high on ether; Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is my favorite movie as an adult. Hells yeah, giggidy giggidy.

I think it is good to pause here and just state for the record that The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! is my favorite comedy of all time, though. Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein comes in at a very, very close second in my opinion.

“

I do love food. I love eating late at night too. You know, you're not suppose to eat late at night, but then again you're not suppose to drink booze in the morning. And apparently you're never supposed to smoke crack...Well whatever! I'm not training for the Olympics! I'm sorry but after an entire hour of work, what if I want to unwind with a burger and a crack pipe. If I do that every night does that make me some sort of crackhead?

"This guy's a crackhead!" "That's why he's so pale!"

”

^Jim Gaffigan, favorite comedian (although I'll admit George Carlin was the most talented, and even this can be easily challenged by Bill Hicks and Richard Pryor)

Are you Sancho? No, you are not Sancho. I...am Sancho.

^ Hah. I love that line, from Trey Parker and Matt Stone's Orgazmo.

What else should I be
All apologies
What else should I say
Everyone is gay
What else could I write
I don't have the right
What else should I be
All apologies

^Nirvana, All Apologies, lyrics by Kurt Cobain, favorite lyricist

“

Two others remianed open-mouthed a whole minute, then dashed into the little cabin, to rush out incontinently and stand darting scared glances, with Winchesters at 'ready' in their hands. What we could see was just the steamer we were on, her outlines blurred as though she had been on the point of dissolving and a misty strip of water perhaps two feet broad around her—and that was all. The rest of the world was nowhere as far as our eyes and ears were concerned. Just nowhere. Gone, disappeared, swept off without leaving a whisper or a shadow behind.

”

Tell me, and be honest, do I look fat in this meerkat coat?

“

The approach to this Kurtz grubbing for ivory in the wretched bush was beset by as many dangers as though he had been an enchanted princess sleeping in a fabulous castle.

”

^Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness (40, 42), one of my favorite writers, although Chinua Achebe was just in his assessment that Conrad was a "bloody racist"

“

For heroes have the whole earth for their tomb; and in lands far from their own, where the column with its epitaph declares it, there is enshrined in every breast a record unwritten with no tablet to preserve it, except that of the heart.

”

^Pericles' Funeral Oration as recorded by Thucydides, Pericles, favorite orator

I distinguish between maniacs and crazy people. A maniac will beat 9 people to death with a steel dildo. A crazy person will beat 9 people to death with a steel dildo, but he'll be wearing a Bugs Bunny suit at the time.

^ From George Carlin's Back in Town (1996). RIP George, you were a good man.

Holy shit! It's the Satanic Falcon!

^ Philip Anselmo from Pantera, having fun on the road.

I could use one of these right about now. German beer rules. Ever tried Kölsch? I swear on my left testicle that there's nothin smoother.

Life is a beautiful struggle, people search through the rubble for a suitable hustle, some people using their noodle, some people using their muscle, some people put it all together, make it fit like a puzzle, say it with me now...

^I Try, by Talib Kweli.

I have mad respect for Tony Iommi from Black Sabbath, rock on brother.

When it comes to drinking games, beer pong is the best, while the game speed-quarters comes in at a close 2nd.

Hey guys! Can't we all just get along?

^Probably someone who totally got blown away shortly after saying this.

Is there some sort of astronomical scale to measure how funny Vincent Price is in the movie Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine?

Italian food has to be my favorite of all the ethnic types of foods.

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert crack me up. I saw Jon Stewart live giving a stand up comedy performance with Mike Birbiglia in Maryland last summer. That was cool.

And to pay homage to the past, Strangers with Candy rules! You may disagree, and to that I would say, "Talk your monkey ass off." Quoting Principal Blackman, of course.

Kazakhstan, the greatest country in the world! All other countries are run by little girls. Kazakhstan, number one, maker of potassium; all other nations have inferior potassium.

^I believe this needs no introduction, and if you are unfamiliar with it, you were probably born before 1940. Lol.

I hate to do this to you, city of Baltimore, Maryland, but this video is just too damn funny: my favorite video found online at youtube.com is this hilarious 80s car commercial spoof. Warning: foul and adult language! But funny. In a way it totally reminds me of Will Farrel in the movie Anchorman, when he says "Go **** yourself, San Diego." Hah.

My favorite response to any wiki talk page ever is here.

Mandarin Chinese profanity is hilarious!

And on a final note, I am truly embarrassed that the health care system of the tiny, resource-lacking nation of Cuba is able to provide universal health care when the most powerful nation on earth, the United States of America, does not.

My Musical Preferences

Metal, Hardcore, and Punk

Scott Ian playing live, guitarist from Anthrax.

Hip Hop

Cypress Hill, Da Lench Mob, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, KRS-One, Talib Kweli, MC Ren, NWA, Onyx, Psycho Realm, Biggie Smalls, Westside Connection, Wu Tang Clan, etc.

Blues and Jazz

Ray Charles, Miles Davis, B. B. King, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Coltrane, etc.

Hard Rock, Alternative, and Grunge

AC/DC, Alice in Chains, Guns N' Roses, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Queens of the Stone Age, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, Sublime (band), Toadies, Tool (band), Van Halen, Twisted Sister, Jane's Addiction, etc.

Classic Rock

Creedence Clearwater Revival, Eric Clapton, Cream (band), The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, etc.

Other

A Perfect Circle, Beethoven, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Minibosses, Mozart, Paco de Lucia, Primus, Radio Head, etc.

This user is a member of the
Three Kingdoms WikiProject.

This user is a contact for the
Military history WikiProject.