Premium Essay

Roman

In:

Submitted By hindiako
Words 437
Pages 2
What caused the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire is a very extensive topic because there were a multitude of continuous events that led to the demise of one of the world’s most legendary empires. Although there are many theories to the downfall of the Western Roman Empire the main cause was the internal corruption of the Empire and then the closely followed invasions on an internally weakened society. Through out the years historians have been examining every detail about the Western Roman Empire and most come to the conclusion that many things led to the decline and decay of the grand empire. One of the many things was that being in the political spotlight was very risky and often times political figures and emperors met their death because of bands of people who didn’t like what they were doing. An additional thing that fueled the decay of the empire was the epidemics. Diseases like the plague would wipe out mass populations of people. Equally important was that the Western Roman Empire was of such colossal size that it had a hard time connecting its people. Along with having such an expansive Empire came the issue of excluding people in political matters (document 1). An additional issue that aided the demise was the economic factors, not all historians believed that all the factors were just morally and culturally based. Slavery is one the biggest economic factors that “shot the empire in the foot”. Slavery is what kept the rich from the poor. The rich that established latifundia (gigantic profitable estates) got richer and the peasant farmers couldn’t stay with the competition and either had to join up as a sharecropper or move to the city, which added to the unemployment (Document 3) (by peasants moving to the city the cities get increasingly crowded and epidemics spring up more often). An additional

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Roman

...Roman Pompeii This image of a painter shows both a framed painting and a painted statue (believed to be Priapus). Since the framed painting is complete, it is unclear why it is held by the boy. It is too far away to be easily accessible and too dissimilar from the statue to be its model. The framed painting seems to be made of glass, as the background shines through. Note that a picture frame has been painted around the fresco itself. Augustus of Prima Porta Augustus of Prima Porta is a 2.03m high marble statue of Augustus Caesar which was discovered on April 20, 1863 in the Villa of Livia at Prima Porta, near Rome. The Colosseum also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre , is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy. Built of concrete and sand, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology. Greek Hades abducting Persephone The story of her abduction by Hades against her will is traditionally referred to as the Rape of Persephone. Poseidon One of the twelve Olympian deities of the pantheon in Greek mythology. His main domain was the ocean, and he is called the "God of the Sea". Parthenon Is a former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their...

Words: 252 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Romans

...The Romans established a form of government, a republic, that was copied by countries for centuries. It all began when the Romans overthrew their Etruscan conquerors in 509 B.C.E. Once free, the Romans established a republic, a government in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. Every citizen is expected to play an active role in governing the state. The Roman concept of the citizen evolved during the Roman Republic and changed significantly during the later Roman Empire. After the Romans freed themselves from the Etruscans, they established a republic, and all males over 15 who were descended from the original tribes of Rome became citizens. Citizens of Rome distinguished themselves from slaves and other noncitizens by wearing a toga, most of them white. During the Empire, each emperor wore a purple toga to distinguish himself as the princeps, or “first citizen” Citizenship varied greatly. The full citizen could vote, marry freeborn persons, and practice commerce. Some citizens were not allowed to vote or hold public office, but maintained the other rights. A third type of citizen could vote and practice commerce, but could not hold office or marry freeborn women. In the late Republic, male slaves who were granted their freedom could become full citizens. Around 90 B.C.E., non-Roman allies of the Republic gained the rights of citizenship, and by 212 C.E., under the Edict of Caracalla, all free people of the Roman Empire could become citizens. The...

Words: 722 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Roman

...Roman Portraiture The Romans practiced the art of capturing an image of a person, otherwise known as Roman portraiture, which is a significant period in the field of portrait art. This practice continued for almost five centuries starting from Ancient Rome. It can be seen that during this period, portraits spoke a lot about a specific person thus it became an integral part of society. The way one was depicted through portraiture became very important for the Romans as it reflected not only them but their history as well. They executed this in various forms of media. Its most popular mediums were coins and sculptures but they were also done in paintings, glass, and gems. These were done in various materials such as for example; the sculptures were made with the use of marble, terracotta and even bronze. With portraiture being done through various mediums, it can be noted how it had both uses for the public such as it appearing on coins and of course for their own private uses or display. Roman portraiture constantly had changing styles, which can be characterized by a stylistic cycle. It can be seen that it had an alternating shift from realistic to idealistic elements. Emperors and public officials portrayed themselves in a way that would benefit their endeavors by switching from one style to the other. For example, since one’s military prowess and devotion to public service were attributes that were highly looked after, public officials would have their portraits made...

Words: 1227 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Roman Theatre

...The characteristics of Roman theatres to those of earlier Greek theatres are due in large part to the influence of Ancient Greece on the Roman triumvir Pompey. Indeed, much of the architectural influence on the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides. Roman theatres derive their basic design from the Theatre of Pompey, the first permanent Roman theatre. Roman theatres were built in all areas of the empire from medieval-day Spain, to the Middle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.[1] There exist similarities between the theatres and amphitheatres of ancient Rome/Italy. They were constructed out of the same material, Roman concrete, and provided a place for the public to go and see numerous events throughout the Empire. However, they are two entirely different structures, with specific layouts that lend to the different events they held. Amphitheatres did not need superior acoustics, unlike those provided by the structure of a Roman theatre. While amphitheatres would feature races and gladiatorial events, theatres hosted events such as plays, pantomimes, choral events, and orations. Their design, with its semicircular form, enhances the natural...

Words: 657 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Romans I

...R. BIBL425-01 Topic: While Romans is by far Paul’s most systematic letter, it was written to the Roman church in order to address specific concerns. Discuss the occasion, date, recipients, and purpose of Romans. Consider the following: Who founded the church in Rome? What was the situation like in Rome during this time? Who wrote Romans? From where was it written? Some believe that Romans is one of the most interesting and engaging books in the Bible precisely because it shapes the way we think about so much of the universe we live in. Moo “says he is convinced that the contemporary church desperately needs to grapple with what is going on in Romans. (Moo 2000, pg 16)[1] It is his goal to help Christians to understand this wonderful book and bring its eternal message into our own situations, and to show how the truth that Romans teaches affects our practice of our faith. (Moo 2000, pg 16)[2] Who founded the church in Rome? Some believe that Peter founded the first church in Rome, but this view is unlikely since Peter is never spoke of by Paul in the book of Romans and there is no evidence throughout the Bible. No one person could be attributed the founding father of the church in Rome nor its exact date. Paul Achtemeier states, “a congregation apparently existed in Rome before 49 AD, (Achtemeier 2010)[3] when the Emperor Claudius banned Jews, including Jewish Christians, from Rome. (Acts 18:2) Who wrote Romans? Paul wrote Romans using Tertius as his amanuensis...

Words: 560 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Roman Numeral

...Roman Numerals Sample VB Application This program converts an integer in the range of 1 through 3999 to its equivalent in Roman numerals. It also converts a Roman numeral string to its decimal equivalent. The rules for Roman numerals are as follows: • The basic symbols are I (= 1), V (= 5), X (= 10), L (= 50), C (= 100), D (= 500), and M (= 1000). • If a letter is immediately followed by one of equal or lesser value, the two numbers are added; thus, XX = 20, XV = 15, VI = 6. • If a letter is immediately followed by one of greater value, the first is subtracted from the second; thus IV = 4, XL = 40, CM = 900. • A bar over a letter multiplies it by 1000; thus, an X with a bar over it = 10,000. Such numbers will not be addressed by this project. Examples: The numbers from 1 to 10 are: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X. XLVII = 47, CXVI = 116, MCXX = 1120, MCMXIV = 1914. Note that a given symbol appears no more than three times consecutively in a number. This is why 4 is written as "IV" instead of "IIII", and 40 is written as "XL" instead of "XXXX". Probably the most challenging part of converting a Roman Numerals number to decimal is not the conversion itself, but rather validating the input. Basic validation would include converting keystroke input to uppercase and allowing only the characters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to be entered. Beyond that, the following rules should be applied: • D, L, or V may each only appear at most one time in the string ...

Words: 484 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Roman Law

...Original text - Definition of Roman law “Between 753 b.c. and a.d. 1453, the legal principles, procedures, and institutions of Roman law dominated Western, and parts of Eastern, civilization. The legal systems of western Europe, with the exception of Great Britain, are based on Roman law and are called civil-law systems. Even the common-law tradition found in the English-speaking world has been influenced by it. In the United States, the Common Law has been paramount, but Roman law has influenced the law of the state of Louisiana, a former French territory that adopted a French civil-law code. Roman law began as an attempt to codify a set of legal principles for all citizens. In 450 b.c. the Twelve Tables were erected in the Roman Forum. Set forth in tablets of wood or bronze, the law was put on public display, where it could be invoked by persons seeking remedies for their problems. Though the texts of the tablets have not survived, historians believe they dealt with legal procedures, torts, and Family Law issues. From 753 to 31 b.c., the Roman republic developed the jus civile, or Civil Law. This law was based on both custom and legislation and applied only to Roman citizens. By the third century b.c., the Romans developed the jus gentium, rules of International Law that were applied to interactions between Romans and foreigners. Over time the jus gentium became a massive compendium of law produced by magistrates and governors. Romans divided the law into jus scriptum...

Words: 2733 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Roman Roads

...Roman Roads It is often said that "all roads lead to Rome," and in fact, they once did. The road system of the Ancient Romans was one of the greatest engineering accomplishments of its time, with over 50,000 miles of paved road radiating from their center at the miliarius aurem in the Forum in the city of Rome. Although the Roman road system was originally built to facilitate the movement of troops throughout the empire, it was inevitably used for other purposes by civilians then and now. ROMAN ENGINEERING Of course, the roads were used for trade, as were the waterways surrounding and connecting parts of the Roman Empire to itself and the rest of the known world. The Romans had exceptional nautical technology for their time; however their network of roads, even with the perils of land travel, was unparalleled in convenience and was often the only choice for travel or shipping goods. The Romans were the first ancient civilization to build paved roads, which did not prevent travel during or after inclement weather. Indeed, mud or gravel would hinder, if not completely halt many vehicles pulled by animals or other people, not to mention discourage travelers on foot. Roman engineers, however, did not stop with just paving Roman roads. Roads were crowned—that is, they were higher in the middle than on the sides to allow water to run off—and they often had gutters for drainage along the shoulders. Probably the mostincredible engineering feat concerning the Roman road system,...

Words: 1797 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Greeks and Romans

...Greeks and Romans HUM 100 August 2nd, 2011 Greeks and Romans Greeks and Romans The Greeks and Romans are two civilizations that are constantly compared thought out history. People tend to compare their beliefs, views on life, politics, religion just to name a few. The Greeks and Romans were two very powerful entities throughout history. Rich in history, science and the arts. One constant comparison between the Greeks and Romans are their gods. Although they each have different names for their gods, they are quite similar. Greeks views on the individual or the individual and society were that they understood themselves to belong to a common Greek genos their first and foremost loyalty was to their city and country and didn’t see anything wrong with fighting with other Greek city states. The most famous of these was the Peloponnesian war. Which was a civil war between Sparta and Athens. Many variations of this great civil war have been told. From history books to movies, cartoons and children’s storybooks. Through these movies, cartoons and children’s story books gods and heroes have been highlighted and praised. Same way the Greeks praised their gods and heroes. This was called the Heroic Age. Some scholars believe that certain Greek heroes and gods were based on a real men and women living in that time. One hero that stands out would be Hercules. Throughout his complicated mythology perhaps Hercules really existed as a chieftain of the kingdom...

Words: 972 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Roman Public

...ROMAN TRANSITION FROM MONARCHY TO REPUBLIC The transition period for Romans from the Monarchy system of administration to Republic system ranged between the periods (578-508). This saw the empire, as it was referred at the time undergo series of changes in its governance in pursuit of a Republic. In this essay therefore, the issues addressed are solely the basic transition protocol that accrued for the Romans. In essence, the Etruscans, who were solely behind Monarchy system, will be discussed. The essay presents a concise examination of roman feature that was solely Etruscan. The myth of Lucreatia rape as is a major contributor to patriotism for the Romans will be enlightened too. The Etruscans distinctive personality could be traced in their culture and religion as pertains development when compared to those of other people. They occupied the region between Arno and Tiber Rivers at the north of Rome. The Etruscans culture was well developed as well as advanced. Great information and rather facts regarding the Etruscans were an attribute of the Greeks. They were therefore later affirmed to have come from Lydia in Asia Minor at around 1200 B.C because of famine. Their name, `Etruscan’ which according to the Greeks was `Tyrrhenian’ came from the Lydia’s leader and King Tyrsenian. As mentioned earlier, the Etruscan’s had a well developed culture that was not only advanced but also distinct from all others. It should however be understood that though the Romans...

Words: 1336 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

The Roman Army

...“The Roman army stands as a military institution without parallel in the history of the world” . The Roman Army was considered the most advanced of its time. It created the Roman Empire - a huge part of Western Europe – and Rome itself greatly benefited from the riches that the army brought back from its conquered territories. But one must ask why such an army was able to convincingly conquer the world for so long? The answer is multi-faceted, the success of the Roman Army was not due to one entity or feature that gave it overwhelming power, rather, the cause was due to a well-cohered military structure. The aspects that will be raised in this paper are the army’s training and technology, and the Roman soldier. Nonetheless, if there were to be one cause to the success of this army for more than 400 years it would arguably be the degree of organization. This notion will be highlighted and explained throughout the paper. The Roman Army developed fighting techniques that were linked to a ferocious training regime; this is a significant reason as to why they were able to defeat all the forces that the world had to offer at the time. All new recruits to the army became very fit and disciplined. Training was harsh, as were punishments for failure. In a battle, new recruits were always placed at the front of the more experienced soldiers in the army . There were three reasons for this. The first was to give them confidence as behind them were experienced soldiers who had fought...

Words: 1864 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Roman Empire

...similarities between the Western Roman Empire and the United States of America are undeniable and can ultimately lead to the falling of the United States Empire. Section A: Dominant Superpower • Territories • Contributions to Civilization • Military Presence Section B: Similarities in Government • Laws • Republic • Senate Section C: Cultural and Economical Similarities • Entertainment • Welfare • Unemployment The Falling of an Empire The Roman Empire and its reign lasted for almost a thousand years (ca. 500 B.C.E.- 500 C.E.), with the largest agglomeration of land c.a. 120 C.E. (2.2Million sq. miles). Many have discussed what the reasons may have been for the Roman collapse in 476 C.E. Was the collapse due to barbarians, greed, corruption or the lack of moral values by the people and politicians? Maybe an overextended military in foreign land? Could it have been fiscal irresponsibility by their government that may have lead to the Roman Empires demise? Could it be all the above? Isaac Newton once said, “ what goes up must come down,” even largest superpower, Britain, that has ruled the most territory in history over a century ago, is no more. Both the Roman Empire and the United States governments were started “by the people, for the people” (Abraham Lincoln, 1863) yet became something else, built on power and will. The striking historical similarities between the Western Roman Empire and the United States...

Words: 1173 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Roman Technology

...The Romans were people that were before their time. These people did not have many resources to use like we do now. There were no computers to help generate scale models or give GPS coordinates to know where to build bridges or homes in the optimum spots. What these people had was something that maybe lacking in the world today, and that is common sense and the use of their own brains. The Romans were among the first to build such things as bridges, help in the building of roads, and the first to have amphitheaters. If not for these people were would the world be today? How could we get from main land to an island if there were no bridges? I live in Brooklyn New York and I have to do a lot of traveling to Staten Island and New Jersey weekly for different house hold needs. I have to cross what is called the Verazano Narrows Bridge (I know this has nothing to do with this paper but I must complain about the fact that it costs $15 dollars each time I cross it!), and on March 5th 2014, according to https://data.ny.gov/Transportation/Daily-Traffic-on-Verrazano-Narrows-Bridge-Time-Lin/y4au-yfbp, 88,111 vehicles went over the bridge. Now I will ask this, how in the world would there ever be a chance of that many cars crossing the Hudson if there was not a bridge? There is always a ferry someone could say, but just think of having that many cars get on ferry’s to cross the river, it would be impossible. The Romans built bridges up to 66ft, just think of that for one second...

Words: 1018 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Roman Civilization

...Degree Selected essays on Roman Civilization Plebeian revolt There are a number of causes that led to the first revolt by the Plebeians. Some of the causes of the revolt are poor distribution of land, poverty among the Plebeians, and the harsh debt law that affected the plebs. This essay will discuss the causes of the first Plebeian revolt as well as the results of the revolt. One of the main causes of the plebeian revolt was the existence of poverty among the Plebeians. The poverty was a result of the actions of the Patrician, in some ways. What happened was that the Plebs assisted the Patrician to expel the kings from Rome and led to a republican state. The fight against the kings left the plebs in a very worse off condition. Since the patricians lived in the city, during the war their property would remain secure. The city was guarded by walls. However, since the plebs lived in the countryside, which was not guarded, their property was greatly destroyed during the wars. The plebs’ fields were destroyed as much as their property. The destruction of the property and fields was possible since the Plebs men were fighting in the wars leaving their homes unprotected. So, whereas the men were fighting during the wars their properties and fields were being plundered, making them very poor at the end of the wars. So the Plebs were not happy that their properties and fields were being destroyed by the enemies, when in fact they were serving in the Roman army for the sake of protecting...

Words: 9212 - Pages: 37

Premium Essay

Roman Concreet

...architectural endeavors. In the case of the Roman Empire many structures reflected the traditions, influences and beliefs of the people, however, a very important aspect to the resulting monuments are the material which made them possible. Concrete construction enhanced roman aspiration and symbolizes roman culture. Concrete is a diverse mixture of ingredients when in the correct proportions can have long lasting effects. Similarly, “Within the Roman Empire’s borders lived millions of people of numerous races, religions, tongues, and cultures: Britons and Gauls, Greeks and Egyptians, Africans and Syrians, Jews and Christians, to name but a few.” (p.157) The concrete’s ingredients varying size, shape and properties work together to compensate for each other’s differences to create a strong and permanent bond. A great example of the collection of Roman people was the uniting attraction of the coliseum amphitheater. The featured events at the coliseum drew in citizens of all walks of life to occupancy of 50,000 people. Concrete when first made is fluid and fits to its form. Ancient Rome was adaptive to conform to the demands of its people through social and political systems which by ancient standards were unique and modern. Sometimes the changes were painful and rough like changing of emperors by force but the remained strong enough to remain Roman. Even a shift in religion was not enough to tear apart the tacky concoction that was the Roman Empire. Once concrete is set, it created...

Words: 344 - Pages: 2