S1x12 "Mark of the Ancients"

In this essay, Michael tells the story of a teacher traveling the land and telling his student about “the ancients.” As the student struggles to identify any physical sign of where the ancients lived or died, the teacher reminds the student that this absence of evidence is the point. What commentary does this short piece of prose offer a modern reader? Considering both an environmental and spiritual analysis, this week’s discussion focuses on human legacy and the “mark” we can leave. In addition to analyzing the piece itself, stay tuned for an in-depth discussion about the artwork Michael frequently commissioned depicting himself as a king, or royal figure. What might have been Michael's motivation for doing this and how can we interpret these images today?