, Research Paper
Ancient Roman Empire
Rome had a war god in its lineage and wolf milk in its belly, implying that its citizens had a knack for warfare-which they would prove again and again.
Early in Rome’s history, the city was conquered by the Etruscans, the most notable civilization in Italy before Rome’s rise to power. The Etruscans, who would influence Roman civilization, had migrated to Italy from Asia Minor, probably in the 12th century BC. Their distant past is a mystery, because their language has no relationship to any other group of languages. Their Italian homeland, Etruria, consisted of a loose confederation of city-states. They were noted for their metalworking and their fine pottery. The Etruscans were at the height of their power during the 6th century BC. By 500 BC their civilization was in decline, and at about that time the Romans rose up and claimed power in their city, establishing a republic.
A patrician class initially ruled Rome, but over time the Plebs, or common people, gained influence. As late as 390 BC, when Greece and Persia were great powers in the world, Rome was still so weak that it was sacked by the Gauls. However, during the 4th and 3d centuries BC, the Romans became masters of central and southern Italy. Roman armies entered Greece, where they were both conquerors and conquered: they defeated the Greek armies, but they were overawed by Greek culture and brought back to Rome a taste for fine art and literature.
Rome’s most powerful rival was now the distant city of Carthage, ruler of north Africa and the western Mediterranean. During the Punic Wars, Rome suffered the humiliation of seeing a Carthaginian army on its soil for more than a decade. Neither Rome nor Carthage, led by the great general Hannibal, could prevail. Finally, the Carthaginians were forced to withdraw, and Rome chased them home to Africa. In 202 BC at the Battle of Zama, Rome defeated Carthage. The two nations lived in peace for a few decades, then another Punic War erupted. Rome prevailed again, obliterating Carthage.
During the next two centuries the Roman Empire expanded rapidly, gobbling up many of the territories once ruled by Alexander the Great, including Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt. While venturing out to rule the Mediterranean world, Rome also defined its own civilization and polity. Reluctantly, the city extended its prized citizenship widely to other Italian towns and downward to social classes previously disfranchised.
In 60 BC a triumvirate (three-man executive board) consisting of Gaius Julius Caesar, Pompey the Great, and Marcus Licinius Crassus led Rome. In 67 BC the statesman and general Pompey the Great, who had fought the Marian party in Africa, Sicily, and Spain, cleared the Mediterranean of pirates and was then put in charge of the war against Mithridates. Meanwhile his rival Gaius Julius Caesar rose to prominence, and his political ability had full scope during the absence of Pompey. As leader of the popular party Caesar strengthened his hold on the people by avenging the injured names of Marius and Cinna, pleading for clemency to the children of the proscribed, and bringing to justice Sulla’s corrupt followers.
In Marcus Licinius Crassus, a man of great wealth, Caesar found a tractable auxiliary. Catiline’s conspiracy in 63 BC , exposed and defeated by the famous orator and statesman Marcus Tullius Cicero during his consulship, involved Caesar in the ill will in which the middle classes held popular adventurers. Pompey returned from the east and asked the Senate for the ratification of his measures in Asia and the bestowal of land on his legionaries. His demands met with determined opposition, until Caesar, posing as his friend, formed with him and Crassus the coalition known as the first triumvirate.
Caesar had come to power as a popular democratic leader. He was also a magnificent general. During the next decade he fought the Gallic Wars, leading a Roman army as far north as Britain.
Caesar returned to a nation in turmoil. Ordered to halt his army at the Rubicon River, he crossed in 49 BC and waged war for the control of Italy. Successful there, he pursued his foes into Greece and Egypt. At Alexandria, his presence resulted in one of the great tragedies in the history of scholarship: the burning of the great Library of Alexandria, depository of almost 500,000 manuscripts. But Caesar had his mind on love as well as war. Victorious, he established Cleopatra as queen of Egypt and as his mistress. In 47 BC he won the battle of Zela and sent home the most famous words ever uttered by a triumphant warrior, “Veni, vidi, vici”-”I came, I saw, I conquered.”
Caesar returned to Rome, where his presence led to both admiration and envy. In the presence of such a man, the old ideal of the Roman republic seemed to fade
The triumvirate in 59 BC fulfilled its compact. Caesar obtained the consulship and the satisfaction of Pompey’s demands, conciliated the equestrians, many of whom were wealthy members of the mercantile class, at the expense of the Senate, and had enacted an agrarian law enabling him to reward the troops. His crowning success, however, was his obtaining for five years the military command of Cisalpine Gaul, Illyricum, and late of Transalpine Gaul, where he could gain glory by military conquests, and from which he could watch every political move in Italy.
The triumvirs renewed their alliance, and Caesar procured his command in Gaul for five years more. Pompey and Crassus were elected consuls for the year 55 BC, and in the following year Pompey received as his province the two Spains, with Africa, while Crassus received Syria. The death of Crassus in 53 BC brought Pompey into direct conflict with Caesar. Rome, in the absence of efficient government, was in turmoil until the Senate induced Pompey to remain in Italy, entrusting his provinces to legates; it elected him sole consul for the year 52 BC and made him its champion against Caesar.
The Senate, wishing to terminate Caesar’s military command and defeat his second stand for the consulship in 49 BC, demanded either Caesar’s disbanding of his legions, and his presence in Rome at the time of the election, or his continued command and his renunciation of claims to the consulship. Negotiations failed to solve the deadlock, and in 49 BC Caesar with his legions boldly crossed the Rubicon River, the southern boundary of his province, and advanced on the city, thereby beginning the civil war that continued for five years. Pompey and the leading members of the aristocracy withdrew to Greece, allowing Caesar to enter Rome in triumph. Caesar’s victory, unlike those of the other generals who had marched on Rome, was not followed by a reign of terror; neither proscriptions nor confiscations took place. A policy of economic and administrative reforms was put into effect, in an attempt to overcome corruption and restore prosperity to Rome. Continuing the war against Pompey, Caesar hurried to Spain, where he was victorious over the powerful armies of Pompey’s legates. Returning to Rome, having meanwhile been appointed dictator in his absence, he almost immediately renounced that post and was elected consul. Early in 48 BC he crossed into Greece and dealt Pompey a crushing blow at Pharsalus. Pompey was killed soon after in Egypt, but the Pompeian cause struggled on until 45 BC, when it collapsed at Munda in Spain, and Caesar was made dictator for life.
Caesar’s assassination by Republican nobles on March 15, 44 BC. In 44 BC by a group of senators led by Gaius Cassius Longinus and Decimus Junius Brutus. The empire he had founded, with its autocratic tendencies, would last long after his death.
Ceasar’s death was followed by Cicero’s attempt to restore the old Republican constitution, but Mark Antony, who had been appointed consul with Caesar, now, at the head of 17 legions, combined forces with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Caesar’s grandnephew, the youthful Octavian, later Emperor Augustus, to form the second triumvirate. The triumvirs began operations by proscribing and assassinating their opponents, including Cicero. A stand made at Philippi by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius, two of Caesar’s assassins, was crushed by Octavian and Antony, and subsequently the triumvirs divided the control of the empire, Octavian taking Italy and the west, Antony the east, and Lepidus Africa. Antony, going to the east, was captivated by the charms of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt and formerly mistress of Caesar, and with her planned an eastern empire. Lepidus, summoned to Sicily by Octavian to assist in the war against Sextus Pompeius, son of Pompey the Great, attempted to seize Sicily for himself and was deprived of his province and his position in the triumvirate. The death of Sextus Pompeius, after the destruction of his fleet in the Mediterranean, left Octavian, who had been sagaciously strengthening his position in the west, with only Antony as rival. After the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the subsequent suicide of both Antony and Cleopatra, the victorious Octavian became, in 29 BC, master of the east also and the undisputed ruler of the entire Roman Empire.
In spite of the series of disastrous civil wars, during the last years of the Republic a remarkable development of literary activity took place. This period, known as the Ciceronian period, extended from about 70 to 43 BC and forms the first part of the so-called Golden Age of Rome’s literary development; the remainder of the Golden Age, extending from 43 BC to AD 14, is known as the Augustan period. Caesar and Cicero brought Latin prose to its peak of achievement, and Marcus Terentius Varro was the greatest scholar of the age. The poetry of the period is best represented by the work of Gaius Valerius Catullus and Lucretius.
Другие работы по теме:
Cassius Versus CommodusComparing A Characters Essay Research
Paper It has been centuries since Rome has fallen. Rome was a place where powerful commanders ruled. The great Roman Coliseum was built where chariots raced, and swords flashed for entertainment. Historical leaders commanded glorious battles during the Ancient Roman Empire. The later leaders of Ancient Rome were chosen for their traits, which quite often included an insatiable appetite for power.
Abstract Bow For War In The Byzantine
World Essay, Research Paper PERI TOXEIAS. BOW FOR WAR IN THE BYZANTINE WORLD AND IN THE LATE-ANTIQUITY. BY GIOVANNI AMATUCCIO ABSTRACT. The study is oriented to research the ancient writhed sources of archery. The focus is pointed on the Byzantine Civilisation, where we can found a great tradition of archery and , at same time, a great inclination to the literary studies.
Roman Roads Essay Research Paper It is
Roman Roads Essay, Research Paper 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 the center at the city of Rome. Although the Roman road system was originally built to facilitate the movement of troops throughout the empire, civilians eventually used it for other purposes then and even now.
Christianity
’s Effect On The Roman Culture Essay, Research Paper Christianity came into the world approximately two thousand years ago. It was persecuted at first, but atually became the offical religion in 381 A.D. “It is the spiritual force that conquered the Roman Empire; one of the decisive elements in the growth of Western civiliztion (Bunson 9).
Stoicism Essay Research Paper Stoicism was the
Stoicism Essay, Research Paper Stoicism was the most influential philosophy in the Roman Empire before Christianity came about. Stoics believed that happiness could not be attained by material things. However, making the right choices and showing wisdom could attain true freedom. They thought that by not giving in to your desires you would be happier than if you did give in to them.
Socrates Essay Research Paper He was heir
Socrates Essay, Research Paper He was heir to the greatest empire on earth?but did not know it. Under his brilliant leadership, Rome was restored to unity and order after years of civil war. Augustus was Julius Caesar`s grand nephew and adopted son, and unbeknownst to him, Caesar had decreed that on his death, Augustus should succeed him as Consul of Rome.
Roman Republic Essay Research Paper The author
Roman Republic Essay, Research Paper The author Michael Crawford wrote the book The Roman Republic to offer an interpretation about the Roman Empire. This was done to educate the reader about how Rome gained its greatness and became the military and cultural center of the world at that time. He wanted to inform the readers about how the Roman Empire grew from one city tribe, to dominate the Italian peninsula, and finally to conquer the Mediterranean coast.
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay Research Paper 1
Ptolemy Sucks Ass Essay, Research Paper 1. Ptolemy established his own latitude and longitude places in the Roman Empire. Since he was wrong by about 30 % he estimated the earth to be one
Tiberius Claudius Nero Caesar Essay Research Paper
Tiberius Claudius Nero CaesarTiberius Claudius Nero Caesar was born in 42B.C. and was the second emperor of Rome. Tiberius took over the throne after his step-father Augustus died. He ruled from AD 14 to AD 37 during the first part of the rise of the Roman Empire. Even though his parents were divorced when Tiberius was four years old, Augustus saw that he was well educated and at an early age obtained intellectual power and military skill.
Charlemagne 2 Essay Research Paper CharlemagneI think
Charlemagne 2 Essay, Research Paper Charlemagne I think that one of the most important people in the medieval time was Charlemagne. He was the son of a man named Pepin the Short, like his father before him became king of the Franks.
The Thirty Years
’ War Essay, Research Paper The Thirty Years’ WarTHE HAPSBURG S DEMISEOn October 24, 1648 in Munster a treaty was signed that ended one of the most bloody wars in European history. This war, a war of religion, involved most of Western Europe, especially the Holy Roman Empire. The Thirty Years War marked the decline socially, politically, and economically of the Hapsburgs and the rise of France as the chief power in Europe.
Greek And Roman Arches And Architecture Essay
, Research Paper Architectural designs changed greatly since the ancient times. Most famous architectures and sculptures today originated from the Greek and Roman civilizations. Moreover,
Greek Geography Essay Research Paper The geography
Greek Geography Essay, Research Paper The geography in Ancient Greece did affect the way the Greeks lived their day-to-day lives. Greek?s geography prevented most kinds of agriculture the opportunity to grow. Also, it forced most of the Greek city-states to develop their own customs and government. Being on the seafront of the Mediterranean Sea gave them many opportunities to make an empire.
The Silk Road Essay Research Paper The
The Silk Road Essay, Research Paper The Silk Road is the most well-known trading route of ancient Chinese civilization. Trade in silk grew under the Han Dynasty in the first and second centuries. Originally, the Chinese trade silk internally, within the empire. Caravans from the empire’s interior would carry silk to the western edges of the region.
The Ancient City Essay Research Paper The
The Ancient City Essay, Research Paper The Ancient City Pompeii How democratic was Pompeian politics? In order to answer the above question, it is first necessary to consider the exact meaning of the term democracy . Whilst it is difficult to give an exact definition of the word, it is certainly possible to create a list of the implications of democratic government for a society and its citizens.
Punic War Essay Research Paper The Second
Punic War Essay, Research Paper The Second Punic War was lost because General Hannibal did not have the right engineering to conquer Roman Cities. If General Hannibal could not conquer Roman cities then he would never be able to conquer the Roman Empire. Hannibal had the right leadership and a large enough army to defeat the Romans.
History Essay Research Paper 4 discuss the
History Essay, Research Paper 4. discuss the values which helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state.From a city-state to Roman Empire, the values such as individualism and Greek idea helped the Romans build an empire from a city-state. During a city-state period, the Romans were very concerned about maintaining the customs or traditions of their ancestors.
Ancient Roman Art Essay Research Paper Early
Ancient Roman Art Essay, Research Paper Early Roman art reflected previous civilizations, but astime passed, the Romans developed an artistic style completelytheir own. One very unique aspect of the Roman civilization, which setup art, was the use of public baths. At first these public bathsconsisted only of dressing room suites and bathing chambers.
Gladiator Essay Research Paper The Roman Army
Gladiator Essay, Research Paper The Roman Army was a masterpiece in itself. There was no other army like it, and was impenentrable. This was probably because of the extreme patriotism and pride in battling for Rome, and maintaining their superiority. Gladiator, “RomanArmy”, and The History of the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire all portray this patriotism in many aspects.
The Roman Military Essay Research Paper The
The Roman Military Essay, Research Paper The strength of the Roman military was the string that held the Roman Empire together for as long as it lasted. The military was made up of strictly disciplined men whom were ready and willing to serve their emperor.
Costantine
– Byzantine Culture Essay, Research Paper HECTOR MERCEDES HISTORY 101-003 PROFFESOR RICHARD GREEN COSTANTINE/BYZANTINE CULTURE MAY 11, 2000 The Byzantine Empire was the eastern part of the Roman Empire, which survived the destruction of the western empire. Constantinople, which is now Istanbul, Turkey, was the capital city.
Church And State In The Roman Empire
Essay, Research Paper Essay Topic #2 As most of the civilizations studied so far in Western Civilization – the Romans were a religious people. From the rise of the Roman Empire to the fall of its institutions, there was always a backdrop of religious involvement in the affairs of the state and people. Polytheism seems to reign throughout the majority of the Empire.
Rise Of Christianity In The Roman Empire
Essay, Research Paper Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire In St. Paul?s Epistle to the Romans, he explains that God?s justice is ?God?s way of righting wrong?. St. Paul says in Jesus? sacrificial death God ? meant by this to demonstrate his justice?. According to Paul, human pride is excluded because ?the keeping of law would not exclude it, but faith does?.
Fall Of Rome Essay Research Paper One
Fall Of Rome Essay, Research Paper One of the most famous empires of all time is the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire stretched as far north as Great Britain, as farwest as Spain, south to North Africa and east to Mesopotamia. It hadmany strengths such as their law, which became international, theirlanguage of Latin, and their advanced engineering such as roads,aqueducts and bridges.
Constantine I Roman Emperor Constantine The Grea
Essay, Research Paper Constantine I, Roman Emperor (Constantine the Great)Flavius Valerius Constantinus, also known as Constantine the Great, was the first Roman emperor to adopt Christianity. He was born at Naissus (modern-day Nis, Yugoslavia) in about 280 A.D. Constantine was educated in the imperial court of Rome and pursued to succeed his father.
Italy And Greece Essay Research Paper Italy
Italy And Greece Essay, Research Paper Italy and Greece Report Italy is located in southern Europe. Rome was once capital of the Roman Empire, but today is the capital of Italy. Nearly all Italians are Roman Catholics, although many do not attend church regularly. There are about 100,000 Protestants. Italy also has a very small Jewish community.
The Roman Empire Essay Research Paper Greek
The Roman Empire Essay, Research Paper Greek culture laid the foundation for the Roman Empire. The Roman people wanted to be like the Greek people. For example the Romans made a sculpture of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. The Romans recognized the Greek art and architecture to be very well done. Since the Romans likes these traits of the Greek they used the Greeks ideas and created there own.
Greek And Roman Civilization Essay Research Paper
Ancient Greek and Roman civilization have made many lasting contributions to western civilization. Contributions such as law, religion, sports, and trade are present in western civilization because of Greece and Rome.
Attila The Hun Essay Research Paper Attila
Attila The Hun Essay, Research Paper Attila was called the Scourge of God or King of the Huns. Very little is known of Attila’s early life beyond the fact that he was a member of the ruling family of the Huns. Huns are a nomadic Asian people who spread from the Caspian steppes in repeated attacks on the Roman Empire.
Constantinople The Gateway City Essay Research
Paper Constantinople: The Gateway City Constantinople was built in 330 CE, by the first Christian emperor, Constantine. Constantinople ruled much of the deserted Roman Empire many years after Constantine’s death. Constantinople can be described as a Gateway City by its geographic features, the cultural influences, and the historical influences upon the rest of the world.
The Roman Forum Essay Research Paper The
The Roman Forum Essay, Research Paper The Roman Forum The Forum Romanum, the Roman name for what we usually call the Roman Forum, was the center of the Roman Empire?s power.
Achievements Of The Byzantine Empire Essay Research
Paper Achievements of the Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Empire provided an environment where people of all races and cultures could mingle into one. Byzantine was mostly influenced by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and later on, Asia. The Byzantine Empire created a strong alliance between the Western European kingdoms, which allowed them to resist the religion of Islam when the Ottomans took over.
The Byzantine Empire Essay Research Paper The
The Byzantine Empire Essay, Research Paper The Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Empire, the survivor of the Roman empire, flourished into the oldest and longest lasting empire in our history. It began with Constantine
The Art Of Ancient Rome Essay Research
Paper The Art of Ancient Rome The Roman sculptures and architectures were greatly influenced by the Greeks and also some effects by the Etruscans. Romans were influenced mostly by Greek art in many ways. It was because the variety of paintings, sculptures, and the different style of early architectures presented in every period of Roman history.
Braveheart Essay Research Paper I have just
Braveheart Essay, Research Paper I have just recently watched the film 1995 film Braveheart directed by and starring Mel Gibson. The main thing that I noticed about the film was not the art or architecture, but the lack there of. In ancient Roman times, there was some kind of Roman architecture almost everywhere.