...How did the Roman army and the application of Roman law serve to transmit Roman culture and values in the provinces (areas)? You may address topics such as language, veteran’s settlements, citizenship, marriage, gender, legal principles and other social concepts. Prior to the Roman Republic the Etruscans conquered Rome, owning the mainland and its people which had a major influence the Roman civilization. Rome was turned into a city and the Romans had now adopted the Eutruscans alphabet, fashion and its army as well as introducing trade. The Roman army especially had an influence on the Growth of civilization when peace was established during the Pax Romana. Such peaceful conditions also promoted trade which was a very important aspect of Roman society. Roman laws and the growth of the Roman Empire were the two aspects which affected Roman religious beliefs. As Rome conquered the majority of Europe many of the different religions were introduced and later accepted in Rome to unite people. Religion was divided into two, the Gods which watched over people and their families and the pater familias who was in charge of the household worship that honoured them. A few centuries later Christianity was born. During the Pax Romana the Roman army has had a major influence on the civilization of Rome. The Roman culture made a wide spread throughout many of Western Europe including countries such as Britain and Spain. As Rome’s current Emperor, Augustus’ establishment of peace meant...
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...and holiest concerns of mankind. The birth of Christianity is momentous among all the religions, where the history of mankind before his birth is considered as the preparation for his coming and the history after his death as the diffusion of his spirit and the progress of mankind. Christian history begins with Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew who was born in a small corner of the Roman Empire. Not much is known about his early life but when he was around 30 years old he was baptized by John the Baptist and had visions of being blessed by the Almighty. A group of 12 disciples followed him and spread his teachings of condemning religious hypocrisies and interpreted the Mosaic law in different innovative ways. They believed in the ‘Kingdom of God’, finding their Messiah in Jesus. Within a few years, oppositions built up against Jesus and he was executed by crucifixion in the hands of Romans. Most of Jesus' followers scattered everywhere, dismayed at such an unexpected outcome. Three days later, women who went to anoint his body reported that the tomb was empty and an angel told them Jesus rose from the dead. The disciples, who were initially skeptical, later came to believe the women. They reported that Jesus appeared to them on several occasions and then ascended into heaven before their eyes. Soon the number of followers, in the name of ‘Christians’, grew rapidly. The most instrumental man behind the creation of the church was Paul, a Jew by birth. He persecuted Christians at the beginning...
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...Tertullian the author of The Prescriptions Against the Heretics is in no way apprehensive in his characterization of the heretics that were speaking against the Holy word of the Lord. In his prescriptions he contends that the heretics, specifically the Gnostics who believed the pathway to salvation is through intellectual seeking which allows them to be closer to their God, are amiss in their justification. He then goes one step further and attempts to identify the root of the heretics motivation, that being the study of philosophy. “… we ought not to be surprised ether at the occurrence of the heresies, since they were foretold”, states Tertullian in Chapter 1 which embodies the thinking of the Christian writers of the time. Given the fact that heretics and naysayers were prophesied in the religious texts these Christian scholars were always on the defense and ready to repudiate any claims made against the church, no matter how much validity there was to the argument. To begin Tertullian asserts that the prevailing heretics would in fact be those that call themselves Christians as well, “ The Lord teaches that many ravening wolves will come in sheep’s clothing. What is this sheep’s clothing but the outward profession of the name “Christian””. He then claims that the heretic is “self- condemned”, that being because “he chooses for himself the cause of his condemnation”. Yet his essential argument is that the nucleus of the heresy is philosophy, “It is philosophy that supplies...
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...InterContinental University Abstract The following paper presents a brief history of the Latin language origin, providing a synopsis of the creation of the very first writing method that went through changes and how it spread out the world. In addition and where appropriate, it is indicated how Charlemagne had an influence on the continuity of Latin. Even thought Latin is defined as a dead language and has no real future it has a long history. Latin was commonly used until the twelfth century by educated people, in literature and also in Christian churches in the Roman Empire. Its use went through many changes and took different forms depending on the people using it as a written or spoken purpose and also due to the influences of other surrounding oral communication. (Sayre, 2010) However, Latin was not the first language created by the human being and learning the birth of a written form help to understand where Latin comes from. The very first language was introduced back in 3,000 BC by the very first ancient civilization, the Sumerians. The Sumerians lived in Mesopotamia – modern Southern Iraq – and were an active economical population. Because of a need to record their production and trade was becoming a problem of memory they invented a form of recording using soft clay tablets with the slanted edge of a stylus humid argil and sharp tools to write signs down. Thus, the “cuneiform” which means “wedge-shape” was born and writing became a significant...
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...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 sect of Judaism and began its spread from Roman Judaea during the life of Jesus, but in only four centuries Christianity had become the state religion of the Roman Empire. The rise of...
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...The Fall of the Roman Empire Corey Aiken History of Western Civilization 201- D03 16 April 2013 The fall of the Roman Empire cannot be attributed to one single event. This process took several hundred years, and only resulted in the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern half-wealthier, more populous, less afflicted with civil wars, and less exposed to barbarian invasions- survived as the Byzantine Empire until the middle of the fifteenth century (Perry, Chase, Jacob, Jacob, Von Laue, 2009). There are several reasons for the decline of Western Rome such as: the role of the Germanic tribes, along with political, military and spiritual considerations and economic conditions. One reason for the fall of the Western Roman Empire is the role of the Germanic Tribes. It is interesting to note that, “the importing of tribal peoples into the Roman Empire was a permanent imperial policy which expanded in scale over the centuries (Williams, Friell 1994). There were many critics and supporters of this risky policy. The Roman aim was to encourage small, friendly client chieftainships who would both respect the Roman frontiers and protect them against other tribal threats, often in return for Roman help against their tribal enemies (Williams, Friell 1994). The Romans understood that these tribal people were instinctively people of war, and would undoubtedly end up fighting one another. Therefore the Romans decided to let them do so for the benefit of the empire, and began to...
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...Greek and Roman Cultures the Contrasts and Comparisons Kasaundra Ottinger AIU Online- HUMA215 July 20, 2011 Elements of Culture | Greek Culture | Similarities/Differences | Roman Culture | Geography | Greeks would not permit the building of an empire. The city-states were isolated by the hill sides and were united by force from the Romans. They were more sophisticated and more advanced then the Romans. | Both are Mediterranean countries that started out as city-states. Greek city-states were separated by hilly country sides and all near water.Rome was inland and there were no hill sides to separate and no boarders (Gills, 2011). The East is bordered by mountains and the West is bordered by the sea. | Romans had an Empire that was due to the response of threats against them. The army that was formed would be the cause of the uprising of the empire and in the end its downfall. | Government | Monarchies (Kings)Oligarchies (Aristocrats)Tyrannies (one Aristocrat with power over the other Aristocrats)Democracies (Gave power to the poor people) (Carr, 2011). | Originally both countries were ruled by kings (Monarchies). In Greek civilization their government evolved into what we know today as a democracy (Gills, 2011). | Monarchy (King) Consuls (2 Men rule) Senators (Advisors to the Consuls) Prefects (Run the city) Tribunes (Speak for the poor) Assembly (All men grown, free and of Roman citizenship who vote on issues and elect the Consuls, Prefects and Senators) (Carr, 2011)...
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...with her other younger brother, Ptolemy XIV, as her associate and next husband. 46 BC became the year of Ptolemy Caesar’s birth, Julius Caesar’s son. He was most commonly called Caesarion, or ‘little Caesar’. The next year, Cleopatra traveled to Rome with her new child and husband. As written by famous playwright, William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar’s rise to power resulted in jealousy from his fellow senators, and he was assassinated by them on the ides of March in 44 BC. The next month, Cleopatra left Rome to return to Alexandria. Shortly after, Ptolemy XIV was poisoned by his sister’s orders so Caesarion could become co-ruler....
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...moral and ethical education of Christianity, it can clearly be defined to have originated from the integration of ancient Judaism and the cultural practices of Greek. Christianity has thus been introduced more of a discipline of philosophy since it as the best way to present the Christian values through logic presentation of facts. During the medieval age of Christianity, it shaped and curved both intellectual and political wellbeing of the society. The Christian knowledge more so, the first instance of Christianity being Catholicism introduced the concept of universalism. The church in the west was a very powerful organization that dictated the social economic welfare, as well as the political governance of the world. After the fall of Roman Empire, Christianity took root in the moral fabric of the society and condemned most of the ancient cultural practices. Practices such as witchcraft were highly discouraged and individuals who got caught were punished and even killed. The catholic power at the time determined those who were to be kings and the kingdoms to fall and strongly condemned paganism as well as those who practiced indigenous cultural behaviors. Barbarism heavily faced fierce hatred as the catholic priests and nobles persecuted the barbarians and also those who protested Catholic Church. Great Christian thinkers like Augustine got educated through the Greek philosophical education. The staunch Christians could not accept this since it was not clear if it was possible...
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...next thirty years of his reign Constantine elevated Christianity and the Church within the Roman Empire. By the time of his death in 337 A.D. he had changed the landscape of both the Church and Roman society. Constantine had increased the Church leaders duties and responsibilities. Before the end of century, Constantine outlawed traditional sacrifices and the state cults were forbidden. The Impact of the Fall of the Western Empire on the Church A better question is: How big was the impact of the fall of the Western Empire of Rome on the Church? Constantine’s edict legitimized Christianity and additionally the duties and responsibilities given to Church leaders. As the Western Empire began to deteriorate the people began to look towards the Church and the Bishop of Rome. The Church began to grow, collecting money, land, and power; these resources and authority of the Bishop offered the people of Rome security that the Empire of Rome could no longer provide. As the Empire lost it’s ability to protect and defend the Western Empire from bandits, marauders, and foreign invaders the people of the Empire began to flee causing an even greater impact on the financial state of the Empire and the overall health and well being of the land that once provided great resources and income for the Empire. All of the events that led to ultimate end of the Western Empire and gave birth to a New Empire; the...
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...The Epistles to the Corinthians were written by the apostle Paul in the mid 50’s A.D. These were letters written to a church community that, according to the book of Acts, Paul had a hand in founding on an earlier journey (Acts 18:9). The epistles themselves speak much about the cultural, economic, and spiritual significance of this very heavily Roman influenced Greek city located on the Isthmus of Corinth. By examining the epistles and further historical source, the context and importance of first century Corinth will be explored. The city of Corinth as it is in the first century A.D. was founded as a Roman colony in 44 B.C. by the Emperor Julius Caesar. In just one century since it’s re-founding, Corinth had become a very cosmopolitan city through its strategic location that was conducive for trade, its large and very multicultural population, and the favor it had in the region as a colony of the mighty Roman Empire. When Corinth was resettled, the Roman Empire populated it with a diverse cross section of the cultures contained within the empire at the time. Italians and Greeks would be the primary colonists along with Hellenized Jews, but also among the settlers were freed Judean slaves and other middle-easterners. (Morris 18) This made for a melting pot of traditions, customs, and beliefs. And in conjunction with the economic promise of the city, this relative freedom and safety produced some interesting problems for the spiritual life of the Corinthian church that Paul...
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...Italy is a country seeped in culture and a history that spanned thousands of years before it became a country. Italy was used for its location to aid with trade routes which made it a perfect route for invading armies. The Roman Empire in Italy was the first and last period of stability in Italy until 1861. It is located in southern Europe with 4 countries bordering it to the North and seas bordering it on the South, East, and West. Italy has multiple climates due to the mountain regions and the seas that surround it and yet still makes it an ideal tourist location. Italy has had a major impact on the world in regards to the arts, music, and culture. Its culture has been influenced by many different countries and is home to a wide variety...
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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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...Daniel Branco Professor Robinson World Civilizations May 25, 2013 Neighborly Comparisons: Romans and Germans in AD 100 As the Roman Empire enjoyed peace during the Pax Romana, a historian named Tacitus wrote a description of their German neighbors. Because the Germans at this time had no known written language, his writing -- known as Germania -- tells us much of what we currently know about the Germans. Not only does it describe much of their culture and religion, but the perspective it takes gives interesting insights into Roman culture and their attitudes toward the Germans. While the Romans enjoyed looking down upon the Germans, considering them barbarians, many aspects of their cultures had interesting comparisons, including family units, gender roles, military, education, religion, slavery and government. Family units in the Roman empire were marked by a strong patriarchy. They were typically a fairly tight family unit, with the father as the ruler of the household wielding total control over his wife and children. Girls were often married off young and had little say in their choice of husband. Divorce was generally reserved for men; however, sexual impotence was legal grounds for a wife to divorce her husband. Germany also had a strict marriage code. Tacitus throws a compliment their way when he states that “no part of their manners is more praiseworthy” (Tacitus). However, immediately following this he refers to them as “barbarians,” -- clearly he did...
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...the Romans, where we can look at why crucifixion was the chosen means to punish Jesus. Also, a Jewish perspective is also required to complete the picture. There are not many primary sources on this matter as it occurred 2000 years ago, so interpretations of the New Testament, more specifically the gospels, are the sources of information that can be used on this matter. The gospels were also most likely written in the Aramaic language and later translated to Greek, and now translated to English. So there is also a large possibility of misinterpretation through these translations. Because of these limitations, the truth of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is not entirely clear, though, a picture can be painted using these perspectives mentioned, however unclear. Despite the lack of clarity of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, there are still events we can say that occurred with a fair amount of certainty, even 2000 years ago. Even the existence of Jesus himself is argued by some scholars but we will agree he was a real man for the sake of this article. As for the crucifixion itself, we can also agree on some facts. Firstly, Jesus was crucified under the order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Secondly, a sign reading “This is Jesus King of Jews” was placed above Jesus’ head during his crucifixion. Lastly, Jesus’ death occurred in Jerusalem during, or near the time of Passover, a Jewish festival. Crucifixion was a method of execution used by the Roman Empire that...
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