...many centuries Rome stood as the dominant power in the Mediterranean world and at the heart of its power lay the strength of the Roman Legion. It was through the strength of the legions that Rome began to exert its dominance, and in turn found itself dominated by those same legions. The story of the rise of Rome then is a story of its legions. Evolving from simple citizen levies to the most successful professional army of the ancient world, the Roman Legions were instrumental in shaping Rome from Republic to Empire. Thus it can be argued that the evolution of the Roman Legion not only impacted its military superiority, but directly influenced the evolution of Rome. In the pre republican...
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...Iliad, and is rich in imagery and point by point symbolism. The Shield of Achilles is immense, substantial, and round. There are a few concentric circles on the shield, each portraying diverse scenes. Then again shield of Aeneas' delineates Rome so completely; the shield specifically relates Aeneas' destiny to the fate of Rome. The Shield indicates hard battled Roman triumphs and military victories spoke to as minutes when the protection of the city-state and its amazingness was in intense peril. Aeneas' shield had a more positive and cheerful undercurrent by depicting Rome's...
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...The Rise of Roman Papacy Hayden Wyrick Liberty University 201520 Spring 2015 CHHI 301-D13 LUO One of the most peculiar events in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the time of the Middle Age Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop filled that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical scene allowed the Roman bishop the level of influence needed. After the political powers moved from Rome to Constantinople, the only...
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...The Rise of Roman Papacy Hayden Wyrick Liberty University 201520 Spring 2015 CHHI 301-D13 LUO One of the most peculiar events in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the time of the Middle Age Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop filled that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church: Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical scene allowed the Roman bishop the level of influence needed. After the political powers moved from Rome to Constantinople, the only...
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...The Rise of Roman Papacy By Brian D. Jenkins Liberty University CHHI301-C01 LUO 201220 Spring 2012 One of the most peculiar phenomenon in all of history is the rise of the papacy. During the events of the Middle Ages in Rome arose the need for a central figure. The Roman bishop happened to fill that role to provide much needed stability and leadership. The focus of this particular paper will address the reasons for Rome, significant factors to dominance, and the implications of the papacy. Reasons for Rome Throughout the first centuries of Christian history, five cities emerged as epicenters for the church; Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Constantinople. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD recognized Christianity as a legitimate religious entity. “The proclamation …assured Christians of legal rights (including the right to organize churches),” It was in this early stage of formation as an organization that the church took a similar structure to the government. The key leaders of the regional churches rose to power. The five bishops of the previous listed churches were looked to as geographical region leaders. Those five attempted to establish a stable structure upon which to build. However, the bishops would often disagree. From the time of the Edict of Milan until Constantine moved the capital of the empire away from Rome, the Roman bishop was a natural thought for the leader of the young church. Being at the center of the political, social, and economical...
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...Slavery in Ancient Rome Rome as far research show had always exploited slaves, however during the early Republic Rome saw its slave population multiply significantly from a series of wars and conquests. This paper will discuss the rights and responsibilities of Roman slaves during the Republican era and early empire. It will also analyze the impact slavery had on Rome’s economic situation as well the impact on roman society and culture. Rome did not always have such an abundance of slaves. It was not until they conquered Corinth and sacked Carthage did they amass a significant amount of slaves. Some authors estimate that the number of slaves reached 300 000-350 000 in a total population of 900 000- 950 000 in Rome during the Augustan era.[1] It is of course impossible to determine the exact amount of slaves during this time, but nevertheless this estimate of slaves is still one third of the population. The Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage mark the beginning of Rome’s “addiction” to slavery. After Rome had consolidated the main land of what is now Italy, this brought them into contact with much greater powers. The first Punic War (264-241 B.C) began when both Rome and Carthage took interest in Sicily.[2] Herodotus notes the significance of this first of many battles by comparing it to the battle of Salamis. He states, “They say too, that the victory of Gelo and Thero in Sicily over Hamilcar the Carthaginians tell out upon the very day that the Hellenes...
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...Rome was an empire of influence, culture, and prosperity. In its span of 500 years, Rome created works of art and literature that still continue to influence our society today. Rome was an incredibly powerful civilization and conquered many lands and other weaker civilizations. Through this, they managed to create an incredibly large and diverse empire. However, this prosperity wouldn’t last forever. In fact, after their reign of 500 years was over, the Western half of Rome fell. The Eastern half, on the other hand, managed to stay prosperous for roughly 1,000 years. Not only did the Byzantine Empire, survive past the decline of its Western half, it managed to thrive and produced many valuable works that are just as inspiring as those produced...
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...it served to support Emperor Augustus’ rule and his strong beliefs in traditional Roman values. This paper will focus on the ways in which these authors supported the values and beliefs of Augustus, and to what aspect their literature helped and supported the change in Rome during the transition from Republic to Empire. These authors’ works were intrinsically tied to the era in a very unique and important way. The theme of traditional rural Roman values, and the importance of the countryside to the integrity of Rome were extremely prevalent in their works, as well as in the policies of Emperor Augustus. This signified the extreme importance of Augustus’ focus on restoring traditional Roman values, and when supported by the writings from Virgil, Horace and Livy, has proven to be one of the most significant aspects towards the success of Augustus’ transformation of Rome into the Empire it would become. When we examine the contribution that Virgil, Horace and Livy made to the Augustan rule in the newly formed Roman Empire, we cannot begin without mentioning some of the skepticism that occurred during the initial years of the transformation. This is evidenced well in an excerpt in Livy’s The Early History of Rome: I would have [the reader] trace the process of our moral decline, to watch, first, the sinking of the foundations of morality as the old teaching was allowed to lapse, then the rapidly increasing disintegration, then the final collapse of the whole edifice, and...
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...Melanie Hohn July 5, 2011 Assignment #6 The period that I found to be most appealing to me was the Classical and Medieval West period. I have always been drawn to this era and its history whether it is in literature, art, or movies. What is interesting about this period to me is that such great attention to detail is displayed in many of the pieces of art in this era. The type of art created just seems far more different to me than art in any other era. From the introduction of new colors and architectural evolution, this type of art seems to introduce a whole new world and tells us a lot about the history of that era. The Classical and Medieval West period emerged in the 5th century B.C.E to the Rome’s fall in the 5th century C.E. This period’s history includes the rise of Christianity where a majority of the art from both Eastern and Western Europe prevailed as well as the Roman rule of Europe. Greek artists in this era were particularly interested in the human body, in its most ideal, perfect form. They strived on perfecting this creation which they regarded as the highest creation of nature. Painters during this time were better known for their art work than Greek sculptors, which I found interesting because the Greek sculptures I have found to be one of the most beautiful displays of art about this era; however, in hindsight, it seems the sculptures prevailed because many of the wall paintings of this era did not survive. One of the more well-known pottery...
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...Oscar Villanueva Why the Roman Republic Decayed and Became the Roman Empire The rise and subsequent fall of the city of Rome was a significant historical event, characterized by the dramatic decline of the republic, to her transformation into an empire. Originally a small provincial town, Rome rose to prominence and produced astounding strengths, which was then lost when Rome became incapable of defending its governing structures of the republic. It is the purpose of this study to highlight these events, giving reasons that led to the decay of the Roman Republic, and the rise of the Roman Empire. The prominence of Rome Rome was a small province town which after many wars became the focus and command center of the vast empire of Rome. However, history tells us that it took hundreds of years and a combat of many wars to rise to this prominence. It gained influence over a significant portion of southern Europe, northern Africa, and Middle East. Rome conquered nearly all the surrounding territories going beyond the Mediterranean Sea. It was this military dominance in the region that helped the Roman republic rise and became a formidable force of influence. The republic had appeasing methods of keeping her citizens happy and content. In this endeavor, Rome respected and protected the people’s local cultures with the sole purpose of keeping the people pacified. The Romans in their quest for improved stability, offered a healthier way of life to...
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...“All roads lead to Rome.” This proverb, intended to speak upon a universal destination today, holds just as much validity in its literal sense and historical origin. The Roman Empire was the center of all civilization during the height of its reign. Conquering the regions around them as early as 300 BC, the Roman Empire spread from modern day Germany in the east to modern day Spain west of them. Spain, known then as the Iberian Peninsula or Hispania, was vulnerable to the relentless armies of the empire because its geography hindered it from protecting itself on its three exposed coasts. Despite this fact, it would take the empire almost two centuries to conquer the entirety of the Iberian Peninsula. Once it was conquered, however, the culture of Hispania would be greatly affected by the influence of the Romans for the next 600 years. Much of the customs, religious practices, and laws still practiced in Spain are a result of this influence. Famous for their ability to establish an efficient infrastructure, the Romans created roads and bridges during and after the conquering of Hispania. This infrastructure was essential in uniting the peninsula that had since been divided by geographical obstacles. It was also crucial in that it allowed trade to flourish both within Hispania and between other geographic areas within the entire empire. This not only allowed the peninsula to become an economic force, but also furthered the mixing of all the cultures that existed under the vast...
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...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 senate authority for many years, his return to Rome was rightly seen as a threat to the republic. At the same time, Julius Caesar emerged as a rising political figure that championed the...
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...Roman general, statesman, Consul, and notable author of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 60 BC, Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey formed a political alliance that was to dominate Roman politics for several years. Their attempts to amass power through populist tactics were opposed by the conservative ruling class within the Roman Senate, among them Cato the Younger with the frequent support of Cicero. Caesar's victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. Caesar became the first Roman general to cross both when he built a bridge across the Rhine and conducted the first invasion of Britain. These achievements granted him unmatched military power and threatened to eclipse the standing of Pompey, who had realigned himself with the Senate after the death of Crassus in 53 BC. With the Gallic Wars concluded, the Senate ordered Caesar to step down from his military command and return to Rome. Caesar refused the order, and instead marked his defiance in 49 BC by crossing the Rubicon with a legion, leaving his province and illegally entering Roman Italy under arms.[3] Civil war resulted, and Caesar's victory in the war put him in an unrivaled position of power and influence. After assuming control of government, Caesar began a programme of social and governmental reforms, including the creation of the Julian calendar. He centralised...
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...This paper will explore Octavian’s rise to power in government as well as his methods for retaining control over the Roman Empire. Also, I hope to discover how Octavian’s bold actions affected the population of Roman civilization. Octavius won power over the people by fighting in many wars and gaining in rank, especially in the Battle of Actium, which with victory solidified his role as a leader. He had only to gain the affection and trust of the people, so he maintained Roman traditions and befriended the Senate. Because of this tact, Octavian gained more influence over the government and people. Octavian strongly advocated for expansionism and, with the support of the senate and his army, conquered most of the countries around the mediterranean sea. Not only was Octavian a warrior, but an excellent diplomat as well. Though, as a result of his great influence over the people, Octavian was renamed as Augustus Caesar and became the first emperor in Rome. Octavian had developed a new means of government that satisfied himself and the people of Rome, and with this new empire, Octavian paved the way for later rulers to build up the might of Rome. Early Life: Gaius Octavius, who would later be known as Caesar Augustus, came...
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...COMPARISONS TO FOCUS ON: * The causes for the decline of the Roman, Han and Gupta Empires * Understanding of how and why the collapse of the empire was more severe in Western Europe than it was in the Asian Empires. * Comparison of the role that religions played in the declines * The impact of missionary outreach of the Christians and Buddhists in these empires RESOURCES * Upshur – “The Decline of Empires” * Stearns - Decline of Empires. * Frank Smitha - “Decline and Fall” * Johnson and Johnson – “Why Don’t Empires Last?” * Spodek – “China and Rome: How do they compare?” * Bulliet pages 168-170 and 186-189. ASSIGNMENT 1. Construct a Venn comparing and contrasting the causes for decline of the Roman, Han and Gupta empires. Information will come from the documents and not the lecture…you already wrote the lecture notes once, why write them again? Rome Han similarities Gupta 2. Write 3 comparative analytical mini-paragraphs about the decline of empires. (generalization, facts, analysis…) Remember that analysis answers the question “why?” Example: The AP World History teachers have very different tastes in beverages. Ms. Forswall likes tea while Ms. Patch likes cola. Green tea and Earl Grey are Ms. Forswall’s favorites; they taste nothing like Pepsi or Coke because soft drinks are much sweeter. Ms. Patch usually chooses a diet style of soda, because she is thinks regular soda is too sweet. Ms. Forswall likes tea...
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