...Polybius. The Histories: The Constitution of the Mid-Republic Often, when talking about Ancient Rome, images of a vast empire, flourishing cities, loyal citizens, and the most powerful and wealthy state of its time come to mind. While there are many factors that can be accredited to the success of this once grand nation, the most prominent, and impactful still today, would be that of the government—the Roman Republic. Much credit to the success of the Empire lies with the creation of this government that, to this day, is still viewed as ideal. Why though was the Roman government able to produce long periods of prosperity and unity? Perhaps a more detailed look how the government was able to operate functionally and efficiently for long spans of time lies within the Roman Constitution. Probably the first...
Words: 689 - Pages: 3
...A STUDY OF FULVIA by Allison Jean Weir A thesis submitted to the Department of Classics In conformity with the requirements for The degree of Master of Arts Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada December 2007 copyright © Allison Jean Weir 2007 Abstract Who was Fulvia? Was she the politically aggressive and dominating wife of Mark Antony as Cicero and Plutarch describe her? Or was she a loyal mother and wife, as Asconius and Appian suggest? These contrasting accounts in the ancient sources warrant further investigation. This thesis seeks to explore the nature of Fulvia’s role in history to the extent that the evidence permits. Fulvia is most famous for her activities during Antony’s consulship (44 BC) and his brother Lucius Antonius’ struggle against C. Octavian in the Perusine War (41-40 BC). But there is a discrepancy among the authors as to what extent she was actually involved. Cicero, Octavian and Antony, who were all key players in events, provide their own particular versions of what occurred. Later authors, such as Appian and Dio, may have been influenced by these earlier, hostile accounts of Fulvia. This is the first study in English to make use of all the available evidence, both literary and material, pertaining to Fulvia. Modern scholarship has a tendency to concentrate almost exclusively on events towards the end of Fulvia’s life, in particular the Perusine War, about which the evidence is much more abundant in later sources such as Appian and...
Words: 50344 - Pages: 202
...Julius Caesar One of the most influential political and military leaders in global history, Gaius Julius Caesar helped establish the vast empire ruled by Rome. Gaius Julius Caser was born in the year of 100 BC into a patrician family. At the time of his birth, Rome was still a republic and the empire was only really just beginning. The senators ruled, motivated by the greed of power in the hope of becoming, either, a consul or a praetor, the two senior posts which carried emporium, the legal right to command an army. From these posts it was possible to, with the help of an army at your command, conquer new territories and in turn, gain triumph and the pleasure of knowing that your name will be remembered forever in statues and inscribed monuments, paid for by the spoils of war. To obtain distinction for himself and his family, Caesar sought election to public office. In 86 BC, Caesar was appointed flamen dialis with the help of his uncle by marriage, Gaius Marius. (Billows). In 84 BC Caesar married Cornelia, daughter of Lucious Cornelius Cinna. (Billows). In 82 BC Caesar was ordered to divorce his wife by Lucious Cornelius Sulla, an enemy of the radicals. (Billows). Caesar traveled to Rhodes in 78 BC to study rhetoric and did not return until 73 BC. (Billows). During his journey to Rhodes pirates managed to capture him. Caesar convinced his captors to raise his ransom, which increased his prestige. He then raised a naval force, overcame his captors, and had them crucified...
Words: 2127 - Pages: 9
...authors depict the life and accomplishments of Julius Caesar differently. After reading the article, “Julius Caesar” by Thomas K. Grose and an excerpt from Making of the West: Peoples and Cultures: A Concise History, multiple similarities and differences become visible. Following a thorough examination of both texts, it is apparent that Thomas K. Grose does a more efficient job presenting the material on the famous legend Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar is definitely a man of many honorable achievements. Noted as one of the greatest conquerors in all of history, he extended the Roman Empire by adding Gaul, Portugal and part of Spain. Thomas K. Grose refers to Caesar as "a superb political strategist and often a wise law-maker”.One hundred years prior to Julius Caesar, the Roman Empire was prospering at great rates. Unfortunately, by the time Caesar became involved with the empire, it was a complete mess. The Roman Empire was filled with food shortages, unstable housing, and joblessness. In an attempt to restore the empire, Caesar implemented a dictatorship. At age sixteen, Julius made his first smart political move. He dedicated his life to the daughter of Cinna, who was in charge of the Populist Party. When Caesar was nineteen, Cinna passed away and Sulla who was a tyrannical leader took over. Sulla ordered Caesar to divorce his wife but Caesar refused. While hiding from Sulla in the mountains, Caesar developed into a determined young man who yearned for authority. At the age of...
Words: 1264 - Pages: 6
...Julius Caesar Scrapbook Brutus By Carleigh Gifford For Mr. Young English Tuesday, November 8th, 2011 Act 1 Dear Diary, Caesar has returned from his victorious battle against Pompei. All of the commoners of Rome welcome Caesar back with great joy because they love him. On the other hand, I heard that the tribunes were very unhappy that Caesar was back and that they were destroying all of the decorations that were made to honour him. When Caesar entered with all of his friends, he was warned by the soothsayer to beware of the ides of March. After hearing the crowd go wild, Casca informed Cassius and I that Caesar was offered the crown three times and refused it all three times. This confused me a little bit because I know how much Caesar wanted to be emperor of Rome. I want to put some thought into my decision to make sure I do the right thing. This evening, the weather was very strange and violent. Everyone thought that it was a bad sign, but Cassius truly believed that it was to scare off Caesar and that no one else should take it as seriously. I can’t sleep, because I can’t get what Cassius had said to me, off my mind. Is killing Caesar really for the good of Rome? Brutus Act 2 Dear Diary, Today I have decided to agree with Cassius that killing Caesar would be the right thing to do. I’m only agreeing to this because I truly believe that murdering Caesar would be for the good of Rome. If the conspirators and I don’t kill him...
Words: 1680 - Pages: 7
...END OF THE REPUBLIC End of the Republic William J. Byers Grand Canyon University: HIS-318 April 28, 2013 End of the Republic Freeman (1996) describes the period before the first Roman triumvirate as a time that corruption weighed on Romans in general. Cicero had emerged as a skilled orator that both served Rome in the fight against injustice, but also became viewed by the senior senate as someone who was able to undermine the old institutions of power through skill and manipulation. The public corruption had begun to expose the weaknesses of the current form of government and opened many minds to the sentiment that some individuals could be trusted with governance more than the current leaders who could be manipulated by the aristocracy. This paper will compare key players like Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus in their rise to power, as well as their importance in the events leading to the end of the republic government. The role of Mark Antony and Egyptian Queen Cleopatra will be examined in the events leading up to the battle that ended the republic and began the empire. Finally, the Roman Empire’s expansion north into Gaul, Germania, and Britain will be examined. Around 60bce, leaders like Pompey had had very successful campaigns outside of Italy that provided wealth and influence that held both military and diplomatic appeal. This was precisely the case with Pompey having gained wealth and the loyalty of a large army. Having operated independently from...
Words: 1124 - Pages: 5
...Compare and contrast Antony and Brutus. In the play Julius Caesar there are two main characters, Brutus and Mark Anthony. These characters have major differences between them. They are both opposites to each other. Brutus was an honest but naive man while Mark Antony was a persuasive, deceptive, and ambitious man. Antony used the art of deception to control people such as in his funeral speech for Julius. Antony used his words to turn the crowd against Brutus which made Brutus go up for his speech against an angry crowd yelling at him as the murderer. Antony speaks with passion like when he cried over Caesars dead body. He used his words and emotions to sway the other peoples thinkings so they would lean towards his side. With this method, Anthony gained more followers because the people of Rome followed listened to him as he spoke with passion. Antony is acting upon his revenge against the conspirators because they murdered his good friend who he was loyal to. Brutus is an honest but naive man who believed in the protection of the people of rome. Brutus’ action were the result of his love for the people, although drastic he only has his people in mind. Brutus’ intentions were pure but the actions he used were not. Throughout the play Brutus seemed naive about everything because he believed that every man was as honest as him. Brutus believed that Caesar was pure evil although he was clearly not, this proved Brutus’ naivety. Brutus and Anthony have many outstanding...
Words: 405 - Pages: 2
...injustice was, unknowingly by Caesar, aimed at himself and also caused because of his own actions with the Soothsayer. When the Soothsayer warns Caesar of the ides of March, he arrogantly replies,”He is a dreamer, let us leave him. Pass.”(1.2.24). It could be argued that this ultimately is the cause of Caesar's death since he was warned long ahead of time. Caesar's arrogance clouds his logical thinking and keeps him from seeing the danger that the ides of March hold. A second happening of justice comes also in Act I, Scene II, when Cassius notices Caesar's increasing ambition and strengthening pride which in turn causes him to begin to coordinate the overthrow of Caesar. In doing this, he shows how much he cares for the good of the Republic and of the people of Rome and how he wants to protect the people from Caesar becoming too powerful as a dictator of Rome. This act also shows an injustice toward Caesar since Cassius is betraying his oaths to Caesar as the Emperor (although it is no longer rightfully Caesar's position since he forcefully kept his position as an absolute dictator even though his allotted time was up)....
Words: 856 - Pages: 4
...China The Classical Era was home to several civilizations; Greece, Rome, China and India, each with its own unique religion, philosophy, social order and gender roles. These Classical societies laid the foundation for future civilizations and in some cases their influence is still felt today. Women in this era were not equal to their male counterparts; however each Classical civilization had its own ideas about gender roles and the ways in which families should be developed. Women in Classical Greece played into society in their gender roles and the stability of society. Wives of the artisan class were to care for all things within their homes including managing the family budget, cooking and cleaning. Greece holds a sharp contrast to Roman, Chinese and Indian women in that the upper class elite women had the ability to become educated. Often families with wealth sent their daughters to get a proper formal education, while women in agricultural areas wove wool and took care of all matters of the home. As stated in “Aristotle: On a Good Wife” (Aristotle, The Politics & Economics of Aristotle), Aristotle describes the ways in which men and women of the Greek Classical Era should behave. Men in the family unit were to rule over their wives like a “divine” law. They also had to take great care in the way in which they shaped their wives, always in a discreet and mannerly way. Child rearing was the responsibility of both parents, as Aristotle believed children needed positive role...
Words: 1458 - Pages: 6
...reactions of the people. The brutal assassination of Julius Caesar by Brutus and the Conspirators serves as a cause for chaos in Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s murder, the people are informed of why the task was necessary to be done. But when Antony takes stage, he stirs up the people, generating chaos in Rome when the people realize the brutal acts of the murderers need to be punished. Romans now have anger stirred within them, and they gain a passionate desire to exile or kill the Conspirators, and also “mutiny.” Chaos can drive a country to its demise if the people are angry at the politicians who run the empire. This is a fear that is generated as a result from the assassination, but not the only one. Caesar’s assassination also creates the fear of war. Antony is completely disgusted with the Conspirators’ vile actions and expresses his full desire to avenge Caesar’s death in his soliloquy, as he wished to “Cry Havoc! And let slip the dogs of war (III.i.273).” Romans, after Antony’s speech, find the Conspirators’ actions outrageous. As a function of these views, the Romans’ indirectly banish the Conspirators’ out of Rome, and even waging war in order to assure their deaths and downfalls. The war will definitely cause trouble in the people’s daily life. The war will instill fear within the people, giving them the mindset of staying inside rather than possibly be killed...
Words: 825 - Pages: 4
...determination to receive honor risked his life, but it also gained him many achievement that he has been remembered for for hundreds and hundreds of years. In the end, that same desire for honor cost him his life. Julius Caesar deserved the honor he received though. He was a self-made man who earned his respect and admiration by his own talents, wisdom, and strengths. (“Portrait”) William Shakespeare described him as a “General, Statesman, Dictator – the most famous Roman of them all” (“Julius Caesar”). Julius Caesar’s political statute, his military leadership, and his tragic assassination all reflected his desire to make a change in his country and his perseverance to achieve his goal. One area of Julius Caesar’s life where he persevered to make a change in Rome was his political statute. Julius Caesar was born in one hundred B.C. (“Portrait”). He was born into a patrician family (Crew). His father was a great politician and taught Julius as much as he could. Julius Caesar’s first job was a speaker in the Roman courts. He was very successful and eventually was elected to the office of praetor, or commanding officer of the army, which was the second ranked political office of his time (Crew). He was so popular among his peers that he was elected in his first election, which was a rarity in those days (Crew). Caesar changed history because of his many political talents. His perseverance and versatile talents made him liked and heard by people in power (“Portrait”). He was...
Words: 1496 - Pages: 6
...Brutus makes good decisions and everyone likes him people would agree with their reasons for assassinating Caesar. In this play Caesars right hand man is mark Antony. Mark Antony witnesses the assassination of Caesar and is overwhelmed with sadness. And instead of Brutus killing him too he trusts him and says: Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar's body. You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, And say you do't by our permission; Else shall you not have any hand at all 1475 About his funeral: and you shall speak In the same pulpit whereto I am going, After my speech is ended. Act III, Scene I This is a very poor choice because Mark Antony takes this chance and makes the Romans believe that Caesar was a great leader and that he left a will just for them. This outrages the crowd and makes them want to kill the assassinators. So the conspirators including Brutus had to leave and this is what leads to his downfall making him a tragic...
Words: 320 - Pages: 2
... Greeks Romans Government Cities of Greece began as poleis, independent and self governing. Democracy was invented in Athens. Women, children and slaves were not allowed to contribute. Tyrants took over after the fall of the Kings. Government was known as a Republic until Julius Caesar began his rule in 48BC. The people were divided: Patricians (wealthy), Plebeians (common working class) and slaves (had no rights). Women and slaves were not allowed to vote. Tribunes were elected to ensure fair treatment. Art      Religious Beliefs Worshiped many Gods and Goddesses, mythology. There wasn’t any scriptures to guide the people. The relationship between humans and the Gods was based on the exchange of gifts. The most common ritual was an animal sacrifice of oxen, goats or sheep. Zeus was the father of the Gods. Hera, his sister and wife, was the queen of the Gods.   Zeus Hera Worshiped many of the same Gods and Goddesses the Greeks did but they were name and faceless. They were a combination of several different religious beliefs. Roman religion expanded within the Imperial system and then included the Emperors. Julius Cesar was the first, stating that he was a descendent of Aeneas.  Julius Cesar Architecture Temple of Hera   Once built of wood, this temple’s...
Words: 390 - Pages: 2
...Unit 1 IP Introduction to Humanities By Amber Brooker Abstract In this essay, I created a chart to compare and contrast elements of early Greek and Roman cultures. Greek/Roman Comparing Chart Category | Greek | Roman | Art | Greek Temple Architecture was an important form of art in Early Greece. The Greeks developed three architectural systems called Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Each one was distinctive in its style and design. Greek Pottery was another important form of art in Early Greece. The paintings on the pottery found from early Greece has survived for centuries and these pieces give a glimpse into the culture and lives of Early Greece. Sculptures were important too, they consisted of small figurines and life-size statutes. Sculptures were created using marble, limestone, stone, and other materials. The sculptures created told stories of Heroes, Gods, Mythical Creatures, Important Events, and the culture of Greece | Roman Statues were developed from copying the art from the Greeks. Statues were made of gods and important leaders. Their statues showed a great sense of skill and originality. Roman sculptures were designed for the purpose of telling the significant history of the culture. Besides the sculptures, statues, and paintings in Rome, Mosaics were also popular. Mosaics were made with geometric shapes of stone and placed in different shapes to create the desired look. | Geography | Greece is a peninsula that is composed of even smaller peninsulas...
Words: 775 - Pages: 4
...4.5 billion B.C. Planet Earth formed. 3 billion B.C. First signs of primeval life (bacteria and blue-green algae) appear in oceans. 600 million B.C. Earliest date to which fossils can be traced. 4.4 million B.C. Earliest known hominid fossils (Ardipithecus ramidus) found in Aramis, Ethiopia, 1994. 4.2 million B.C. Australopithecus anamensis found in Lake Turkana, Kenya, 1995. 3.2 million B.C. Australopithecus afarenis (nicknamed “Lucy”) found in Ethiopia, 1974. 2.5 million B.C. Homo habilis (“Skillful Man”). First brain expansion; is believed to have used stone tools. 1.8 million B.C. Homo erectus (“Upright Man”). Brain size twice that of Australopithecine species. 1.7 million B.C. Homo erectus leaves Africa. 100,000 B.C. First modern Homo sapiens in South Africa. 70,000 B.C. Neanderthal man (use of fire and advanced tools). 35,000 B.C. Neanderthal man replaced by later groups of Homo sapiens (i.e., Cro-Magnon man, etc.). 18,000 B.C. Cro-Magnons replaced by later cultures. 15,000 B.C. Migrations across Bering Straits into the Americas. 10,000 B.C. Semi-permanent agricultural settlements in Old World. 10,000–4,000 B.C. Development of settlements into cities and development of skills such as the wheel, pottery, and improved methods of cultivation in Mesopotamia and elsewhere. 5500–3000 B.C. Predynastic Egyptian cultures develop (5500–3100 B.C.); begin using agriculture (c. 5000 B.C.). Earliest known civilization arises in Sumer (4500–4000 B.C.)...
Words: 1435 - Pages: 6
