...The Values and Goals of Roman Nobility The culture shared by the aristocracy of Rome in the second century BC was underpinned by a definitive set of values, providing an ideological and methodical archetype by which an individual stringently abided throughout the course of their life. Adherence to this regimented ethos brought glory to oneself, one’s ancestors (past and future) and ultimately to Rome. The nobility within Roman society at the time focussed primarily on the greater collective good of Rome, through an individual and ancestral emphasis on militaristic and political pursuits. It is understandable then, that their value system was structured on the basis of achieving excellence within the scope of these spheres. Quintus Metellus, in his eulogy to his father Lucius Metellus the pontiff, provides excellent insight stating that Lucius “had achieved the ten greatest and highest objects in the pursuit of which men pass their lives; for he had made it his aim to be a first class warrior, a supreme orator and very brave commander, to have the direction of operations of the highest importance, to enjoy the greatest honour, to be supremely wise, to be deemed the most eminent member of the senate, to obtain great wealth in an honourable way, to leave many children, and to achieve supreme distinction in the state.” Being noble came with the expectation of continuing, solidifying and improving upon the heritage forged by one’s ancestors. Children of nobility were groomed from...
Words: 1162 - Pages: 5
...were the drivers of Rome, the all-consuming ambition for all. The struggle to gain it had to start early according to Polybius. In Polybius’ Histories (Book 6.53-54), Polybius described some of the benefits of a typical elite funeral for younger citizens, arguing that the given orations and grand celebrations invoked pride and inspired young men to emulate the behaviour and deeds of the deceased. These funerals told the youth that glory awaited the brave who put everything on the line for the success of the Roman Empire. It reiterates of how Roman society encouraged patriotism and would not let the noble deeds of one go uncelebrated, or let the memory of the virtuous die. Polybius gives a description of an aristocratic Roman funeral. In the extract, he speaks of eulogies and the emotional reactions of the mourners who are reminded of the virtuousness and success achieved by the dead. Polybius, who was Greek, was clearly fascinated by the Roman funeral practices. Specific extracts make it obvious that Polybius believed that the Roman funeral was an important tool in educating the Roman youth on crucial teachings and values of classical Rome, “There could not easily be a more inspiring spectacle for a young man who aspires to fame and virtue” this tells of how virtue was an important value, one of which instilled by the procession. It is also important to notice the fact that Polybius quotes "fame and virtue" and not fame and fortune. As this defines how virtue, in this specific...
Words: 1057 - Pages: 5
...by recounting how Lucius Junius Brutus “superintend(ed) the public execution”[2] of his conspiring sons.[3] Virtue was also valued. Sallust confirms this when claims how even the most “eminent (of) men”[4] aspire for virtue.[5] Polybius concurs with Sallust when he manifests the “impressive scene”[6] arranged for the young man who practises virtue.[7] Bravery too was valued. Such conclusions are based on the unremitting discussions of brave actions. Polybius and Plutarchaccount for this; the latter providing descriptions that are emblematic of Roman nobility’s war-lust.([8])([9]) BIBLIOGRAPHY Plutarch, Lives of Illustrious Men, Volume 1, Trans. J. Dryden (Maryland, 2008) Maximus. A.P.D., Controversial Personalities of the Roman Republic: Lucius Junius Brutus, founder of the Republic, 509 BC, (updated 2008), http://www.roman-empire.net/articles/article-032.html ----------------------- [1] Polybius 6.53-54 [2] Livy, Early history of Rome, II.5. [3] Lucius Junius Brutus was the founder of the Roman Republic and is believed to have held the first consulship in 509BC after expelling the tyrannical Etruscan king Lucius Tarquinius Superbus from Rome. According to Livy, Brutus’ first deed as consul was inducing the people, desirous of their recently obtained freedom, to swear “an oath that they would suffer no one to be king in Rome.” (Livy 2.5).Subsequently a new government system of annually voted magistrates and representative assemblies...
Words: 552 - Pages: 3
...Camillus is a complex character whose representation as the perfect historical hero, exemplifying Roman virtues, is nuanced by his, at times, semi-divine portrayal while, at others, very human and believable depiction. Although Camillus' semi-divine depiction is perceived as conveying impietas, his pietas through fulfillment of vows, as well as leadership and courage make him both human and credible as the ideal hero for Livy. Livy portrays Camillus as disconnected from plebians and possessing impietas through his semi-divine portrayal, yet redeems him as a credible and human hero through his religious observance. The image of Camillus during the triumph, celebrating his role as dictator following the siege of Veii is particularly striking, as suggested by the emphatic placement of 'maxime conspectus'. He is drawn in a 'curru', an emphatic symbol of status, in which a sense of dignity and stateliness is derived from the word choice, 'invectus' suggesting the privilege of being chauffeured into the city, while Livy's use of colour imagery, 'albis equis' to describe the horses that pull Camillus makes him appear pure and almost regal. The cumulative effect of this description is to blur the distinction between Camillus, the man, and percieved notions of divinity, reinforced by the contrast 'parumque id non civile modo sed humanum', implying transcendence semi-divine status. Camillus is seen as distancing himself from the public and as a distrusted leader through impietas to gods...
Words: 880 - Pages: 4
...that have engaged with Roman history from the standpoint of a true Roman. The core idea of a true roman was that a Roman citizen was a patriotic one. Rome was great, and this greatness was upheld with good citizenship. Livy especially stressed the importance of recognizing moments where Roman citizens committed to this raison d’être, and following in their footsteps. He looked back on Roman history to identify why Rome declined, doing so from a point of view that was deeply entrenched in Roman cultural thought. Livy commended great characters of Rome’s 700 year history, while playing Rome as the protagonist. His claim was that Roman declined due to the peoples’ loss of...
Words: 1053 - Pages: 5
...public reforms drastically changed Rome’s social standards at the expense of the freedoms of the people. The popular opinion believed Augusts’ reforms were for the better, but for others like Terentia his reign was tyrannical. His use of religion was extreme and became a tool of Augustus’; power. Through Augustus’’ controls of Terentia and the sorrow of Dido, and feats of Camilla, we see how love and leadership were apart of the different women of Rome. Augustus, in the eyes of his people, represented all the key characteristics of a great leader. He supported his people and brought them glory. He fought for Rome externally to keep it safe, and fought inside Rome internally to better the empire. He revived traditional values and brought an onslaught of new virtues in society through new laws. IN resorting the values of Rome, he built hundred of new temples as a symbol of the new values of Rome. Despite how the people viewed Augustus, Terentia hated Rome’s emperor. To Terentia, he was a tyrant that controlled her life. Values he upheld to Rome were used on Terentia to stop her from ever gaining power. She was separated from the only family she had left and forced to become a Vestal Virgin. When a Vestal Virgin was accused of adultery, Augustus, without trial, condemns her to death. In a short moment, he is no the forgiving man that he conducts himself as. Although he wishes to create a pious, morally good empire, he creates laws that suppress his people. He forced them in marriage and...
Words: 1124 - Pages: 5
...Dries Ghielens EBM | The fall of the Roman Empire | How Christianity played a part in the decline of an Empire | | | | 8/1/2014 | Paper outline 1. Introduction 2. Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire 3. How Christianity played a part in the decline of the Roman Empire 4. The situation after the fall of the Roman Empire 5. The situation in the dark ages 6. Conclusion 7. Bibliography “Why did Rome fall?” still remains one the greatest questions of Western history. Many books have been written about this topic and many theories have been advanced about the reason of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Several reasons are issued for the fall. These reasons are issued to be sequacious and interwoven. For example, one of the most influential modern historians, Edward Gibbon wrote “The Decline and fall of the Roman Empire” in 1776, where he stated that the initiation of Christianity was one of the reasons for the decline. The transition of religions in the Roman Empire, from a polytheistic religion to a monotheistic religion, leads to instability within the Empire. (Gibbon, 1782) How Christianity was a factor in the decline of the Western Roman Empire will be discussed more extensively in this paper. In the beginning, Christianity was not more than an insignificant...
Words: 1235 - Pages: 5
...Neoclassical or Federal Architecture. Its purpose was to create a connection to ancient Roman republican society as well as the Greeks and their democratic values. It was also meant to create a new American mythos to enshrine values, illustrate manifest destiny, and show that the United States was created by divine providence just as Rome was founded. We can see this in many of our monuments and artwork from the time period, as well as in the way the American story is told and taught to us. The Jefferson Memorials construction began in 1939 when President Franklin Roosevelt laid its cornerstone and was completed in 1943. It is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson our third president and was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It was...
Words: 893 - Pages: 4
...Neoclassicism is a revival of the virtues and ideals of classical antiquity (Rome and Greece) upon the findings Pompeii archaeological finds. And with the increasing popularity of the Grand Tour(traditional tour of Europe undertaken by mainly young, rich European men), it became fashionable to collect antiquities as souvenirs, which spread the Neoclassical style through Europe and America.This style would be in direct opposition to the former Rococo style. For example, in Rococo architecture the emphasis was on grace, ornamentation and asymmetry. Neoclassical architecture is based on the principles of simplicity and symmetry. During this time there were two major movements going on, The French Revolution, and the enlightenment period. Both of which had a huge influence in how the art would be viewed and created. I am going to explain how the two events influenced artworks, and the techniques used by the artist. Neoclassical Art Paper...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...ESSAY “IDEOLOGY OF NOVITAS” OF CATO THE ELDER AND GAIUS MARIUS The ancient Romans valued military and political achievement above all else, their customs, traditions and reference of ancestors revolved around it. All men strife to be worthy of their country and family in military and political accomplishment, the power of these achievement not only illuminated the individual, but reflected glory upon descendants. The Romans were govern by the ruling patrician class of nobles, who occupied much of the senate. In exceptional circumstances, there were men of outstanding reputation, military and political achievement who were elected by the people to join the ruling class, this men were known as ‘novus homo’ or new men. This men were the first in their family to rise to high office, through their own effort, therefore ennobled their family forever. Patronage with successful and powerful families and alliances through marriage is essential for this new men. The Romans were in the habits of describing new men, they look up to them. Cato the elder and Gaius Marius were an ambitious ‘novus homo’. Both were born into plebeian’s family with no distinction. They rose to high office through their obvious talents such as strength of characters, discipline, an effective orator, possess great endurance, fearlessness, frugal, hard worker, opponent of the senate in the interest of the common people, formidable general and eagerness to prove themselves worthy. Both were loved by the common...
Words: 1384 - Pages: 6
...Neoclassicism happened during eighteenth century and was a result of the enlightenment. Area of Rome and Greece helped serve as models of enlightened societies during this time period. Kauffmann was born in 1740 in Switzerland, Austria. She received a lot of her teaching from her father who was a Swiss muralist. She traveled around Europe studying art, architecture and the history of ancient Rome. Her interest in cultures of Europe was not just fueled by Rome but also the discovery of the ancient roman cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii which they began to excavate during 1738-1748. The cities were initially covered due to the volcanic ash from Mount Vesuvius in August 79...
Words: 684 - Pages: 3
...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
...Medieval Characteristics ENG/106 Survey of Literary Masterpieces March 25, 2013 Comparison and Contrast Paper: Medieval Characteristics Heroes The early epic poem may have served to reinforce shared cultural values within a nation and provide a mythic history for a people. Ancient classical epics contain references to gods and magic and often feature a hero beset by mystical forces. Many later epics imitate these earlier works and may use similar literary conventions, depending on the culture. Early poems based on oral traditions are often called primary epics, while the later works are called secondary or literary epics. (The longman anthology of world literature: Compact edition, 2008). The ancient peoples of Mesopotamia, Greece and India produced several important epics that have continued to influence the development and study of literature for thousands of years. The ancient epic poem first emerged as an oral tradition to be re-told by storytellers throughout a culture. The development of writing in these areas allowed these stories to be written down and preserved for later generations. The Iliad and The Odyssey are early examples of the epic poem. Later Roman and other civilizations continued this literary tradition through the rest of the classical era. (http://ancienthistory.about.com) Pre-classical or ancient period hero; “The Aeneid is epic poem, written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC, that tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who...
Words: 1375 - Pages: 6
...reason why the Roman Empire become more powerful that we talk about and apply it our reasons today. Some of the things that made it powerful include its religious experiences, technological innovations, and social conceptions of virtue which made it so powerful and organized in an Ancient world dominance. The first thing is its religion, the roman adopted the Greek religion of multiple gods such as Zeus as Jupiter, Poseidon as Neptune, Hera, as Juno, Athena as Minerva, Aphrodite as Venus and Apollo as Apollo and many more. It was important to the Romans had to do things the right way and there priest were not professional and to have proper morals and behaviors in the Roman Empire. Also an important ting was the Emperors introduced a cult or a way that is acceptable even to and emperor and most town in Rome head statues of the emperor to install fear that they are always being watch and Rome was not very inclusive to other forms of gods....
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...Caesar but it’s clear that he loves Rome more and that’s were his loyalty lies, this makes it easy for Cassius to pick up and manipulate for his own reasons. Brutus and mark Antony had different places were their loyalties lay but it was clear that they both oved Caesar. Mark Antony was loyal to Caesar and stayed loyal to him even after Caesars death. While Antony’s loyalty and love for Caesar did not change, Antony was not as Brutus described him to be ‘For Antony is but a limb of Caesar’. Antony was underestimated by Brutus, Brutus believed that mark Antony was no threat, once Caesar falls so shall he. Cassius sees the love that Antony has for Caesar and fears him. Antony saw no flaw in Caesar and that is evident when he gives him the crown, he has no doubt that Caesar would not be a good leader like the rest do. Brutus loved Caesar and admired him but it was clear that his true love and loyalty lay in Rome. Sensing that Caesars rising ambition will lead to tyranny, Brutus feels forced to act. Brutus’s constant search for honour is easily played on and manipulated by Caesars enemies. While the conspirators acted out of envy, Brutus truly believed that Caesars death would benefit Rome. Brutus loved Caesar but he oppose the idea of a single man to the position of a dictator. ‘I know no personal cause to spurn against him but for the general. He would be crowned’ Brutus knew he had to sacrifice his love for Caesar, and he also he loves Rome more and he did that to preserve Rome’s...
Words: 556 - Pages: 3
