...Falling of an Empire Roberto Hernandez History 107 6980 Classical Foundations Professor Pennington October 8, 2014 Introduction Thesis: The striking historical similarities between the Western Roman Empire and the United States of America are undeniable and can ultimately lead to the falling of the United States Empire. Section A: Dominant Superpower • Territories • Contributions to Civilization • Military Presence Section B: Similarities in Government • Laws • Republic • Senate Section C: Cultural and Economical Similarities • Entertainment • Welfare • Unemployment The Falling of an Empire The Roman Empire and its reign lasted for almost a thousand years (ca. 500 B.C.E.- 500 C.E.), with the largest agglomeration of land c.a. 120 C.E. (2.2Million sq. miles). Many have discussed what the reasons may have been for the Roman collapse in 476 C.E. Was the collapse due to barbarians, greed, corruption or the lack of moral values by the people and politicians? Maybe an overextended military in foreign land? Could it have been fiscal irresponsibility by their government that may have lead to the Roman Empires demise? Could it be all the above? Isaac Newton once said, “ what goes up must come down,” even largest superpower, Britain, that has ruled the most territory in history over a century ago, is no more. Both the Roman Empire and the United...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...Greek and Roman financiers: from the 4th century BC Banking activities in Greece are more varied and sophisticated than in any previous society. Private entrepreneurs, as well as temples and public bodies, now undertake financial transactions. They take deposits, make loans, change money from one currency to another and test coins for weight and purity. They even engage in book transactions. Moneylenders can be found who will accept payment in one Greek city and arrange for credit in another, avoiding the need for the customer to transport or transfer large numbers of coins. Rome, with its genius for administration, adopts and regularizes the banking practices of Greece. By the 2nd century AD a debt can officially be discharged by paying the appropriate sum into a bank, and public notaries are appointed to register such transactions. The collapse of trade after the fall of the Roman empire makes bankers less necessary than before, and their demise is hastened by the hostility of the Christian church to the charging of interest. Usury comes to seem morally offensive. One anonymous medieval author declares vividly that 'a usurer is a bawd to his own money bags, taking a fee that they may engender together'. Rome The Roman Empire inherited the spirit of capitalism from Greece (Parker).During the time of the Empire, public deposits gradually ceased to be held in temples, and instead were held in private depositories. The earliest recorded evidence showing banking...
Words: 1547 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1235 - Pages: 5
...Greek and the Roman Empire Name Professor Institution Course Date Both Roman and Greek Empires existed as early as fifth century B.C. extending their rule up to 10 century A.D and they’ve left mark to civilization of the modern world from their cultural, economic and political practices. History of ancient Greek spanned many centuries from 1600 B.C to 146 B.C with unfolding world around neighbors like Turkey in the East, Syria and a more civilized Egypt in the south (Williams, 2005). They laid foundations of life during this period: the institution of slavery, which spurred the growth of a leisure class; the emergence of city-states; the establishment of laws; and the development of various types of polity all contributed to both the creative culture and the political tensions that characterized Greece during later eras (Kirkuk, 1996). Earliest developers of the Greece Empire settled in the large Crete Island around 2000 B.C. They remained in separate states distributed across the Greece islands. Roman Empire was founded during the rule of Augustus Ceaser in April 21, 753 B.C. (Burgan, 2009). They heavily relied on myths and legends to explain their history and ancestral origin. The city of Rome was built on the hills near Tiber River which gave them a good view of their countryside and also be able to defend it against any enemy attacks. They had built boats and canoes allowing access...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
...What Makes a Society Great – The Roman Empire as Example It is important to study the characteristics of a great society. Throughout history, there have been many societies that were great and many that were failures. In order to advance mankind and countries today, lessons can be learned from the past. There are many characteristics that are present in great societies. However, some of these qualities are more important than others. The three main characteristics that make a society great are a high quality of life, economic prosperity, and democracy. This essay explains why these three characteristics can make a society great and illustrates these qualities using the example of the Roman Empire. Quality of Life and Basic Needs It is extremely important for a society to meet the essential needs of all citizens and to provide a good quality of life. According to Randy Schutt in Inciting Democracy, in a good society, every person would have their basic human needs met (14). Basic human needs include: air, water, food, clothing, shelter, and safety from harm. A good quality of life includes meeting all basic human needs and also involves living an enjoyable life. According to Panos Mourdoukoutas and Abraham Stefanidis, “quality of life allows people to enjoy their wealth, advancing their personal and public lives.” Roman Empire Example For citizens in the Roman Empire, the quality of life was high and all basic human needs were met. Rome offered various entertainments for...
Words: 1061 - Pages: 5
...Term Paper Name: Gbadamosi Adedapo Oluwatodimu Course: CH110 (Church InTthe Roman Empire) Class: TMM Year One (1) Question: As a Theologian vast in Church history, trace lucidly the definition and origin of the Church. Definition: The church; is it a who, a what or a where? There are several and various definitions of the word “Church”. However for the purpose of this study we shall define the “Church” as the people of God, the “laos” (gk) of God, the corporate body of people called out in fellowship and anticipation of the second eminent coming of Jesus Christ. The word “Church” though a New Testament word has it root in the Old Testament gathering of the Jewish nation as represented by the Hebrew word “qahal” which refers to a gathering of people. The “Church” is derived from the Greek word “ec.cle.si.a” which translated means to summon forth; the word was first used for the political assembly of citizens of an ancient Greek state (Athens). However during the advent of Christianity the word became associated with the Christian Church or Congregation! The word “Church” has both local and universal significance; as it denotes individual assembly and worldwide community of Christians. Origin: It is pertinent to note that although the word “Church” is a new testament Institution which “formally” came in prominence after the death of Jesus Christ; it may be naïve to assume that there had been no such gatherings before the birth of Jesus Christ, the New Testament in looking...
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...of the Roman Empire There are adherents to single factors, but more people think Rome fell because of a combination of such factors as Christianity, and economy, and military problems. Even the rise of Islam is proposed as the reason for Rome's fall, by some who think the Fall of Rome happened at Constantinople in the 15th Century. Most people think it occurred during the fifth century, after the western division of the empire. There were several reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire. Many often blame the initiation of Christianity for the decline. Christianity made many Roman citizens into pacifists, making it more difficult to defend against the barbarian attackers. Some say the money used to build churches could have been used to maintain the Roman Empire. Maintaining an army to defend the border of the Empire from barbarian attacks was a constant drain on the government. Military spending left few resources for other vital activities, such as providing public housing and maintaining quality roads and aqueducts. Frustrated Romans lost their desire to defend the Empire. The empire had to begin hiring soldiers recruited from the unemployed city mobs or worse from foreign counties. Such an army was not only unreliable, but very expensive. The emperors were forced to raise taxes frequently which, in turn, led to increased inflation. The Roman economy suffered from inflation (an increase in prices) beginning after the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Once the Romans stopped...
Words: 621 - Pages: 3
...Roman Empire The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings around the Mediterranean in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Population: 56.8 million (25 BC) Capitals: Rome, Constantinople, Ravenna Area: 1.062 million sq miles Founded: 27 BC Continent: Europe Government: Autocracy, Stratocracy The Founding of Rome The Founding of Rome is very much embroiled in myth. Traces found by archaeologists of early settlements of the Palatine Hill date back to ca 750 BC. This ties in very closely to the established legend that Rome was founded on 21 April 753 BC, which was traditionally celebrated in Rome with the festival of Parilia. Two founding legends exist - Romulus and Remus and Aeneas. Rather than contradict each other, the tale of Aeneas adds to that of Romulus and Remus. King Numitor of Alba Longa was ejected by his younger brother Amulius. To do away with any further possible pretenders to his usurped throne, Amulius murdered Numitor's sons and forced Numitor's daughter, Rhea Silvia, to become a vestal virgin. However Mars, the god of war became enchanted by her beauty and had his way with Rhea Silvia while she slept. As a result of this Rhea Silvia bore twins, Romulus and Remus. An enraged Amulius had Rhea Silvia thrown into the river Tiber where she was caught beneath the waves by the river god who married her. The twins were set adrift...
Words: 2800 - Pages: 12
...From Republic to Dictatorship: Caesar to Octavian (50–30 BCE) Summary The Pompei-Caesar civil war was violent on a scale not previously experienced by Rome. It was bad for the Ancient Mediterranean world in general. The war disrupted its agricultural bases and was economically wasteful, in addition to bringing political uncertainty, as the petty potentates in client relations to Rome were not sure with whom to adhere, since they were uncertain who would be victorious. Additionally, much life was lost, with the elite of Rome and the outlying Italian cities being prominently represented among the victims. In 47 BCE, Caesar returned from the East, and was publicly pardoned by the Senate. Pompeii's supporters renewed the Senate with their own numbers, after which Caesar left to confront North African rebels under Q. Metullus Scipio. Arriving in the winter of 47-46, he only had half an army, and waited until the spring before destroying the Pompeiian-supported rebels at Thapsus. His forces massacred the rebels. The Rome Senate then accorded him the power of Dictator for ten years, allowing him as well a four-fold triumph: victories over the last ten years were celebrated, including Gaul, Egypt, Pontus, and Africa. Just after this he defeated a further rebellion under Pompei's son, Sextus Pompei, in Iberia at Munda. This was the last civil war battle in Caesar's time. His status as Dictator provided him commands of the army and provinces; financial control, foreign policy decisions...
Words: 3258 - Pages: 14
... 12-20-10 The Han and Romans were very large empires that existed from 200 B.C.E through 200 C.E. Technology was key to both empires but they both had different views on technology. Both empires used water to their advantage but the way they used it was different, for example the Han used water to benefit the everyday man while the Romans built the aqueducts, which only benefitted people that had homes. The way they treated the people was different because the Han followed Confucius’ teachings while the Romans were selfish towards the people. The Romans and Han had a huge thing in common which was that they felt superior to the rest of the world. These two empires had many similarities but the way they viewed things was different. A thing that was very vital to both empires was water because without it they probably would have not been the empires that they were. The Romans had aqueducts, which benefitted any landowners, and they were very proud of according to Frontinus who said “The abundance of water is sufficient not only for public and private uses and applications but truly even for pleasure”. According to Huan Tan the Han used the water to make inventions because he said, “Water power was also applied (pestle and mortar)”. Although they both used water to build inventions the Romans built their inventions on a large scale while the Han built theirs on a small scale. The Han treated the lower class with respect while the Romans were very selfish and did not really...
Words: 648 - Pages: 3
...AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE The invading army touched the boarders of Rome, which had been left totally undefended. In 410 C.E. (common area), the Visigoths, led by Alaric, breached the walls of Rome and ravaged the capital of the Roman Empire. The Visigoths looted, burned, vandalized, and pillaged their way through the city, leaving a trail of destruction wherever they went. The plundering continued for three days. For the first time in nearly a millennium, the city of Rome was in the hands of someone other than the Romans. This was the first time that the city of Rome was sacked, but by no means the last. Constantine and the Beginning of Christianity One of the many factors that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire was the rise of a new religion, Christianity. The Christian religion, which was monotheistic (to believe in one god), ran counter to the traditional Roman religion, which was polytheistic (many gods). At different times, the Romans persecuted the Christians because of their beliefs, which were popular with the poor. This 16th-century medal depicts Attila the Hun, one of the most vicious and aggressive invaders of all time. In 313 C.E., Roman emperor Constantine the Great ended all persecution and declared toleration for Christianity. Later that century, Christianity became the official religion of the Empire. This extreme change in policy spread this rather new religion to every corner of the Empire. By approving Christianity, the Roman state directly...
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...The Roman Empire The Roman Empire was one of the strongest empires in all of mankind. The Roman Empire has such a rich history and shows how power and strategic tactics can run an empire efficiently. The Roman Empire was characterized by an autocratic form of government which meant the top leaders made all the important decisions. They had a large territorial area around the Mediterranean which went into present day Europe, Africa, and Asia. Rome history starts at the time it was know as Rome Republic and was ran by royal Rome. There Imperium was in command and are represented by consuls and the senate and assembly. Rome in their Republic they started their conquest as they fought Carthage in three Punic Wars. Carthage main advantage was their navy and Hannibal was leading Carthage to victory over Rome and take over. But Rome had its own power in Scipio Africanus and he ended Hannibals victory run and they were able to hold Carthage back and became the the power of the west with a great strategic army. The fall of the Republic started with Julius Caesar he mid wife of the Roman Empire and was more of a dictator figure. Julius Caesar was part of the first triumvirate of the new Roman Empire. He was ulitmately betrayed at the end of his term. Octavian, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, would take over after Caesars untimely end. He lead Rome to its second triumvirate and was the first empire of Rome. After Emperor Augustus took over and was a very low profile ruler and...
Words: 772 - Pages: 4
...territorial height in the first and second century CE, the Roman Empire may have contained between 45 million and 120 million people. The Roman military can be viewed as one of the greatest armies in world history. Historian Edward Gibbon estimated that "the size of the Roman army most probably formed a standing force of three hundred and seventy-five thousand men, at the Empire's territorial peak in the time of the Emperor Hadrian." The Roman population slowly decreased because many barbaric tribes settled along the borders of the Empire and began sacking cities and attacking villages. By the end of the fourth and the beginning of the fifth century, the Roman military began to decay into tons of problems. Many factors contributed to the military decline of the Roman Empire, including a lack of discipline, financial problems, and poor military tactics and decisions by the empire. In result of these factors, barbarians were able to attack the walls of the empire with more ease because of the lack of defense. These barbarian attacks helped prone the efficiency of the army's defenses and tactics which impart the major downfall of the empire. A change in military tactics during the third and fourth century CE was central in the decline of the Roman Army. This left commanders and soldiers confused, this resulted as well in casualties and loses in war. Because of a controversial change in tactics and weapons, the Romans were virtually useless against these barbaric tribes...
Words: 2526 - Pages: 11
...of the Roman Empire If you asked someone to name one of the greatest empires of all time, the Roman Empire would surely come up. It is very well known for how great of an empire that it was with its excellent soldiers, brilliant architecture, and expansive road system. Not many people today know that the Roman Empire was not always an empire, there was a time where the power of the nation wasn't held by a single person. Rome was once a Republic, a place where supreme authority is held by the people and the representatives that they elect. The birth of this great empire rooted from tons of wars. Not only did they fight to earn their own territory in beginning against the Etruscans but they also fought the nation of Carthage for more territory which ultimately caused the birth of the Roman Empire. The history of Rome and the true founding of the nation is less dramatic than the actual story. Rather than the founding of Rome including the god of war and Romulus and Remus, the true story involved three tribes ("Rome, History of"). Around 1,000 B.C.E., in west-central Italy, a village was built in Latium by three tribes. Protected by hills from the sea, the city was in a great location for not only defense but also trading on major routes. The Romans were first ruled by the Etruscans, who were the people from the nation of Etruria. They adopted the Greek language, which was forced upon the Romans and they also put Rome into a Mediterranean commercial network. The Romans lived...
Words: 1453 - Pages: 6
...The Decline of Rome In the beginning of the Roman Empire they had a strong, powerful, huge community. There military was amazing with defense, which helped keep Rome stable. But overtime this empire started to gradually decline, and it was just a matter of time before they would fall. The people were getting out of hand and making it much harder to communicate with other countries, keep a stable government, and get along with others. Military, political, and economic factors contributed greatly to the fall of the Roman Empire. One reason why Rome fell is because of it’s economic factors. Rome had an unstable economy, and over time it started falling apart. As Rome expanded, wealthy Patricians used the latifundia for their own land, a place they could have absolute power. They used slaves on these great estates, which eventually grew to unemployment for the people who became their slaves. The empire grew poor, which made not enough money for food or everyday things. People started to starve and disease and hunger spread throughout the community. Due to the Plebeians not having...
Words: 618 - Pages: 3
