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. Although the book states very little about the religious affairs of the people, one can conclude that this society was totally influenced by their beliefs that the gods had a hand in all the affairs of the State and of the people.
When looking at how long the Roman Empire lasted one has to ask how. How did the Romans rise to become such a great empire? How did the Empire last? Was it luck? Was it that the whole region of the Mediterranean was weak and susceptible to being overtaken? The answer to these questions after studying the religion of the Roman Empire is most definitely not. The Romans believed that the “Gods” were with them. How could they loose a battle or not gain the upper hand on in a land dispute with the power of the gods fueling the winds for them.
Having the blessing of the gods did not come easy though. The Romans went through a great deal of trouble to please the many gods and goddesses they worshipped. Pontiffs were set to insure that the rituals of the state set forth to please the gods were performed correctly. Most interesting is the office of the augurs. These people seemingly had the most authority and power in the affairs of the Empire. Not one affair or decision of the state could be made with out first consulting the augurs.
It can be assumed that if no decisions of the state was made without first consulting the augurs. It can be assumed that the officers in the field of the battle carried with them an entourage of augurs. (Can you imagine a general going to the tent of a bunch of psychics to get his battle plan approved.)? By doing this the Romans made sure they would succeed in all their endeavors. If the augurs read the signs that the battle forthcoming was not approved of it did not happen. The gods obviously approved of most battle plans brought before them. This religious aspect of the roman civilizations helped make Rome on e of the great empires in early history. The most interesting about the history augurs reading signs is that the people believed. What the augers said was as good as gold. Imagine a general of one Rome’s greatest armies about to overtake a new rich territory. All he has to do is wipeout the last small standing army the territory. The general knows he his to be victorious. But wait just minute… the first officer has just returned from the tent of the augurs. The augurs have read the horse dung in the field and dung told them the battle is not to be won. They go on to say the army should retreat and head back for their own safe territory. One can assume there were many situations such as this although not as extreme for which the historian or student cam marvel at the faith of the people had in their beliefs.
The religious beliefs of the government obviously carried over to the home front in ancient Rome. Families were like a state within a state. They practiced worshipping and paying homage to the gods just as the rulers did. Slightly different was the families focus on which god or goddess was to be worshipped. The family had smaller things to worry about such as the state of their homes, how there storehouse would hold up to the famine taking place in the land, etc. An example of how they counseled with the gods is the way they went about saying a prayer to the god of Mars. (Who was the god of vegetation and the god of war.) They had to say every little part of the prayer correctly or he would not accept it. The security of the family depended on whether the gods approved of and accepted their prayers and offerings. The family believed that the gods controlled their fate.
Quite noticeable is the fact that Romans had many great successes over the thousand years the empire ruled. The great faith the people put into their beliefs seems to be the driving force behind the success of the Roman Empire. This is how Rome became so great. They paid closed attention to the gods and obviously, the gods smiled down upon them and blessed them with much success.
Другие работы по теме:
Charlemagne S Appreciation Of Essay Research Paper
Charlemagne s Appreciation of Learning 1. Why was Charlemagne so anxious to raise the educational standards of both the clergy and laity of his empire? 2. Why has Charlemagne been regarded as one of the greatest kings of the Early Middle Ages?
Church And State Essay Research Paper The
Church And State Essay, Research Paper The issue of church and state has become more important in the 20th century. There are many reasons for this, because in this century people are becoming more outspoken then in earlier centuries. People are now willing to stand up for their beliefs and views, as in the past people weren?t brave enough to stand up and speak up on how they felt.
Carolyngian Rennaisance Essay Research Paper Carolingian Renaissance
Carolyngian Rennaisance Essay, Research Paper Carolingian Renaissance Charles the Great s rule made a lasting impression on Europe. His rule began in 768A.D. As he defeated many enemies, he compelled them to accept the Church of Rome. In 800A.D., Pope Leo III crowned him Holy Roman Emperor. During his reign Charlemagne dedicated himself to strengthening the church and bringing learning to his empire.
The Church In The Middle Ages Essay
, Research Paper During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church directed its main goal as a basis for unity. Ironically, they preached so much on this theme that more people looked to the
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).
Justinian Essay Research Paper By the end
Justinian Essay, Research Paper By the end of the Byzantine reign the culture was composed of Greek, Roman, European (Christian) and Islamic elements. Although a synthesis of the four was evident, Christianity was always the dominant force in the thoughts of man, due mainly to the enforcement by the State.
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.
The Protestant Reformation Essay Research Paper I
The Protestant Reformation Essay, Research Paper I walked around town thinking about the Reformation that would make great impacts on the history of my village in Germany and other lands. Most people in Europe are prayer people who accept all aspects of the church, whether or not they personally believed in the idea or not.
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
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.
Charlemagne Essay Research Paper Charlemagne was a
Charlemagne Essay, Research Paper Charlemagne was a Frankish king and Roman emperor who lead his armies to victory over many other people and countries. He established rule of western and central Europe and became the most influential king of the Middle Ages. He was also the descendent of the great Pepin the Short and the grandson of Charles Martel.
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.
Byzantine Islamic Empires Comparison Essay Research Paper
Byzantine and Islamic Empires q Introduction Both the Islamic and in the Byzantine Empires had very important social structures. There are differences between the two Empires in all aspects, however both were successful. The Byzantine was part of the great Roman Empire and the Islamic Empire was built on religious belief.
The Coronation Of Charlemagne Essay Research Paper
Through out history rulers and those in power have often sought greater control and attempted to secure more authority. During the Middle Ages power was usually obtained by either being victorious in battle, inheritance, or by entering in some sort of contract. One of the most powerful of all rulers during the Middle Ages was Charlemagne other wise know as Charles the Great .
Charles V Essay Research Paper
“In 1519, Charles Hapsburg became Charles V. Roman Emperor. Discuss and analyze the political, social, and religious problems he faced over the course of his imperial reign of 1519-1556.”
Brief Look At The Renaissance Essay Research
Paper Brief Look at the Renaissance The Renaissance, which began in Italy in 1300s, was one of the largest periods of growth and development in Western Europe. The increase in trade
Music In Middle Ages Essay Research Paper
The middle ages, (450- 1450), after the Roman empire fell this was a time of great change through chaos. The later part of the middle ages brought a period of growth with religious structures and universities. Most of society in the
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.
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.
Byzantine Architecture Essay Research Paper Byzantine ArchitectureThe
Byzantine Architecture Essay, Research Paper Byzantine Architecture The architecture of the Byzantine Empire was based on the great legacy of Roman formal and technical achievements. Constantinople had been purposely founded as the Christian counterpart and successor to the leadership of the old pagan city of Rome.
Church Of England Essay Research Paper Church
Church Of England Essay, Research Paper Church of England Since the Reformation, the Church of England or Anglican Church has been the established branch of the Christian church in England. Throughout the
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?.
Warfare In Roman Europe Essay Research Paper
“Warfare in Roman Europe”During the period of a.d. 350 – 425 the Roman empire was engaged in advanced forms of warfare. The history of Roman warfare during the late periods and during the medival periods has had much study. History of the Roman army of the 4th and 5th centuries is less comprehensive. The book “Warfare in Roman Europe ad 350-425″ provides some insight onto the important military and social aspects of the subject.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Existence Of Abuses In The Roman
Catholic Church Essay, Research Paper During the Age of Reformation people were greatly against the abuses that existed in the Roman Catholic Church. A couple of abuses that were greatly stressed were the selling of indulgences, simony, and nepotism. It was some of these same abuses that prompted German reformist Martin Luther to write his 95 Theses.
Roman Catholic Churchhds4lessCom Essay Research Paper The
Roman Catholic Churchhds4less.Com Essay, Research Paper The Roman Catholic Church is the single largest Christian body. Catholics are Christians who follow the pope in Rome in matters of faith. Jesus’ Church is called catholic because it is his gift to all people. The word catholic means “universal” and has been used to identify the church since its early period when it was the only Christian church.