...The Romans established a form of government, a republic, that was copied by countries for centuries. It all began when the Romans overthrew their Etruscan conquerors in 509 B.C.E. Once free, the Romans established a republic, a government in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. Every citizen is expected to play an active role in governing the state. The Roman concept of the citizen evolved during the Roman Republic and changed significantly during the later Roman Empire. After the Romans freed themselves from the Etruscans, they established a republic, and all males over 15 who were descended from the original tribes of Rome became citizens. Citizens of Rome distinguished themselves from slaves and other noncitizens by wearing a toga, most of them white. During the Empire, each emperor wore a purple toga to distinguish himself as the princeps, or “first citizen” Citizenship varied greatly. The full citizen could vote, marry freeborn persons, and practice commerce. Some citizens were not allowed to vote or hold public office, but maintained the other rights. A third type of citizen could vote and practice commerce, but could not hold office or marry freeborn women. In the late Republic, male slaves who were granted their freedom could become full citizens. Around 90 B.C.E., non-Roman allies of the Republic gained the rights of citizenship, and by 212 C.E., under the Edict of Caracalla, all free people of the Roman Empire could become citizens. The...
Words: 722 - Pages: 3
...Roman Portraiture The Romans practiced the art of capturing an image of a person, otherwise known as Roman portraiture, which is a significant period in the field of portrait art. This practice continued for almost five centuries starting from Ancient Rome. It can be seen that during this period, portraits spoke a lot about a specific person thus it became an integral part of society. The way one was depicted through portraiture became very important for the Romans as it reflected not only them but their history as well. They executed this in various forms of media. Its most popular mediums were coins and sculptures but they were also done in paintings, glass, and gems. These were done in various materials such as for example; the sculptures were made with the use of marble, terracotta and even bronze. With portraiture being done through various mediums, it can be noted how it had both uses for the public such as it appearing on coins and of course for their own private uses or display. Roman portraiture constantly had changing styles, which can be characterized by a stylistic cycle. It can be seen that it had an alternating shift from realistic to idealistic elements. Emperors and public officials portrayed themselves in a way that would benefit their endeavors by switching from one style to the other. For example, since one’s military prowess and devotion to public service were attributes that were highly looked after, public officials would have their portraits made...
Words: 1227 - Pages: 5
...What caused the fall of the Western Roman Empire? The fall of the Western Roman Empire is a very extensive topic because there were a multitude of continuous events that led to the demise of one of the world’s most legendary empires. Although there are many theories to the downfall of the Western Roman Empire the main cause was the internal corruption of the Empire and then the closely followed invasions on an internally weakened society. Through out the years historians have been examining every detail about the Western Roman Empire and most come to the conclusion that many things led to the decline and decay of the grand empire. One of the many things was that being in the political spotlight was very risky and often times political figures and emperors met their death because of bands of people who didn’t like what they were doing. An additional thing that fueled the decay of the empire was the epidemics. Diseases like the plague would wipe out mass populations of people. Equally important was that the Western Roman Empire was of such colossal size that it had a hard time connecting its people. Along with having such an expansive Empire came the issue of excluding people in political matters (document 1). An additional issue that aided the demise was the economic factors, not all historians believed that all the factors were just morally and culturally based. Slavery is one the biggest economic factors that “shot the empire in the foot”. Slavery is what...
Words: 437 - Pages: 2
...Greeks and Romans HUM 100 August 2nd, 2011 Greeks and Romans Greeks and Romans The Greeks and Romans are two civilizations that are constantly compared thought out history. People tend to compare their beliefs, views on life, politics, religion just to name a few. The Greeks and Romans were two very powerful entities throughout history. Rich in history, science and the arts. One constant comparison between the Greeks and Romans are their gods. Although they each have different names for their gods, they are quite similar. Greeks views on the individual or the individual and society were that they understood themselves to belong to a common Greek genos their first and foremost loyalty was to their city and country and didn’t see anything wrong with fighting with other Greek city states. The most famous of these was the Peloponnesian war. Which was a civil war between Sparta and Athens. Many variations of this great civil war have been told. From history books to movies, cartoons and children’s storybooks. Through these movies, cartoons and children’s story books gods and heroes have been highlighted and praised. Same way the Greeks praised their gods and heroes. This was called the Heroic Age. Some scholars believe that certain Greek heroes and gods were based on a real men and women living in that time. One hero that stands out would be Hercules. Throughout his complicated mythology perhaps Hercules really existed as a chieftain of the kingdom...
Words: 972 - Pages: 4
...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 States governments were started “by the people, for the people” (Abraham Lincoln, 1863) yet became something else, built on power and will. The striking historical similarities between the Western Roman Empire and the United States...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...Degree Selected essays on Roman Civilization Plebeian revolt There are a number of causes that led to the first revolt by the Plebeians. Some of the causes of the revolt are poor distribution of land, poverty among the Plebeians, and the harsh debt law that affected the plebs. This essay will discuss the causes of the first Plebeian revolt as well as the results of the revolt. One of the main causes of the plebeian revolt was the existence of poverty among the Plebeians. The poverty was a result of the actions of the Patrician, in some ways. What happened was that the Plebs assisted the Patrician to expel the kings from Rome and led to a republican state. The fight against the kings left the plebs in a very worse off condition. Since the patricians lived in the city, during the war their property would remain secure. The city was guarded by walls. However, since the plebs lived in the countryside, which was not guarded, their property was greatly destroyed during the wars. The plebs’ fields were destroyed as much as their property. The destruction of the property and fields was possible since the Plebs men were fighting in the wars leaving their homes unprotected. So, whereas the men were fighting during the wars their properties and fields were being plundered, making them very poor at the end of the wars. So the Plebs were not happy that their properties and fields were being destroyed by the enemies, when in fact they were serving in the Roman army for the sake of protecting...
Words: 9212 - Pages: 37
...architectural endeavors. In the case of the Roman Empire many structures reflected the traditions, influences and beliefs of the people, however, a very important aspect to the resulting monuments are the material which made them possible. Concrete construction enhanced roman aspiration and symbolizes roman culture. Concrete is a diverse mixture of ingredients when in the correct proportions can have long lasting effects. Similarly, “Within the Roman Empire’s borders lived millions of people of numerous races, religions, tongues, and cultures: Britons and Gauls, Greeks and Egyptians, Africans and Syrians, Jews and Christians, to name but a few.” (p.157) The concrete’s ingredients varying size, shape and properties work together to compensate for each other’s differences to create a strong and permanent bond. A great example of the collection of Roman people was the uniting attraction of the coliseum amphitheater. The featured events at the coliseum drew in citizens of all walks of life to occupancy of 50,000 people. Concrete when first made is fluid and fits to its form. Ancient Rome was adaptive to conform to the demands of its people through social and political systems which by ancient standards were unique and modern. Sometimes the changes were painful and rough like changing of emperors by force but the remained strong enough to remain Roman. Even a shift in religion was not enough to tear apart the tacky concoction that was the Roman Empire. Once concrete is set, it created...
Words: 344 - Pages: 2
...Roman Life 44BC by Mack Pierce Volume 8 Issue 10 War is over Yesterday Antony and Octavius armies defeated Cassius and Brutus armies on the island of Sardinia, in the town of Philippi. It appears that Cassis and Brutus are both died. It seems that both of them commit suicide, both funerals are schedule for in five days. There has been little outcry from the people of Rome about their death. This possible because of Octavius gracious act to offer any one from Brutus and Cassis armies to join his army. Sardinia is where the battle was. Sardinia is where the battle was. Will Rome ever return to gory? Rome has been in distress sense Caesars death the economy has been in a decline people are in chaos fight each other hopefully with the war over peace will be restored. Victim’s body has been identified Roman food to try Roman food to try Two weeks ago a man later identified as Cinna the poet was attack and brutally murder. The body was burned so bad it took weeks to identified. An anonym’s tip has help to arrest mob of people that attack Cinna. There was 40 arrest all yesterday all current in jail await sentencing. All 40 may face up to 65 years in imprisonment. The family of Cinna the poet is happy to hear “the monster that killed their baby is now locked up.” Said the poet mother today at 3 pm. Crossword Time Across 1. Wins war over Brutus 3. Best student 4. Wrote Julius Caesar ...
Words: 625 - Pages: 3
...The characteristics of Roman theatres to those of earlier Greek theatres are due in large part to the influence of Ancient Greece on the Roman triumvir Pompey. Indeed, much of the architectural influence on the Romans came from the Greeks, and theatre structural design was no different from other buildings. However, Roman theatres have specific differences, such as being built upon their own foundations instead of earthen works or a hillside and being completely enclosed on all sides. Roman theatres derive their basic design from the Theatre of Pompey, the first permanent Roman theatre. Roman theatres were built in all areas of the empire from medieval-day Spain, to the Middle East. Because of the Romans' ability to influence local architecture, we see numerous theatres around the world with uniquely Roman attributes.[1] There exist similarities between the theatres and amphitheatres of ancient Rome/Italy. They were constructed out of the same material, Roman concrete, and provided a place for the public to go and see numerous events throughout the Empire. However, they are two entirely different structures, with specific layouts that lend to the different events they held. Amphitheatres did not need superior acoustics, unlike those provided by the structure of a Roman theatre. While amphitheatres would feature races and gladiatorial events, theatres hosted events such as plays, pantomimes, choral events, and orations. Their design, with its semicircular form, enhances the natural...
Words: 657 - Pages: 3
...R. BIBL425-01 Topic: While Romans is by far Paul’s most systematic letter, it was written to the Roman church in order to address specific concerns. Discuss the occasion, date, recipients, and purpose of Romans. Consider the following: Who founded the church in Rome? What was the situation like in Rome during this time? Who wrote Romans? From where was it written? Some believe that Romans is one of the most interesting and engaging books in the Bible precisely because it shapes the way we think about so much of the universe we live in. Moo “says he is convinced that the contemporary church desperately needs to grapple with what is going on in Romans. (Moo 2000, pg 16)[1] It is his goal to help Christians to understand this wonderful book and bring its eternal message into our own situations, and to show how the truth that Romans teaches affects our practice of our faith. (Moo 2000, pg 16)[2] Who founded the church in Rome? Some believe that Peter founded the first church in Rome, but this view is unlikely since Peter is never spoke of by Paul in the book of Romans and there is no evidence throughout the Bible. No one person could be attributed the founding father of the church in Rome nor its exact date. Paul Achtemeier states, “a congregation apparently existed in Rome before 49 AD, (Achtemeier 2010)[3] when the Emperor Claudius banned Jews, including Jewish Christians, from Rome. (Acts 18:2) Who wrote Romans? Paul wrote Romans using Tertius as his amanuensis...
Words: 560 - Pages: 3
...Roman Numerals Sample VB Application This program converts an integer in the range of 1 through 3999 to its equivalent in Roman numerals. It also converts a Roman numeral string to its decimal equivalent. The rules for Roman numerals are as follows: • The basic symbols are I (= 1), V (= 5), X (= 10), L (= 50), C (= 100), D (= 500), and M (= 1000). • If a letter is immediately followed by one of equal or lesser value, the two numbers are added; thus, XX = 20, XV = 15, VI = 6. • If a letter is immediately followed by one of greater value, the first is subtracted from the second; thus IV = 4, XL = 40, CM = 900. • A bar over a letter multiplies it by 1000; thus, an X with a bar over it = 10,000. Such numbers will not be addressed by this project. Examples: The numbers from 1 to 10 are: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X. XLVII = 47, CXVI = 116, MCXX = 1120, MCMXIV = 1914. Note that a given symbol appears no more than three times consecutively in a number. This is why 4 is written as "IV" instead of "IIII", and 40 is written as "XL" instead of "XXXX". Probably the most challenging part of converting a Roman Numerals number to decimal is not the conversion itself, but rather validating the input. Basic validation would include converting keystroke input to uppercase and allowing only the characters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to be entered. Beyond that, the following rules should be applied: • D, L, or V may each only appear at most one time in the string ...
Words: 484 - Pages: 2
...Week 3 Roman Contribution Essay – The Roman Alphabet HIS 101 – History of Western Civilization I Abstract This essay will explore the Roman alphabet, a contribution from the Roman Empire which is used today in the modern world. A contribution so great yet sometimes overlooked. This Roman alphabet was known as the Classic Latin Alphabet. This essay will describe the changes that have taken place to give us the current alphabet used in the United States today as well as a majority of the world either as an official script or co-script. (Richey, 2014) Week 3 Roman Contribution Essay – The Roman Alphabet The Roman Alphabet is one of many contributions given to or handed down to us through centuries from the Romans and the Roman Empire. The Roman Alphabet is a contribution often overlooked in the wake of the architectural, engineered, literal, and governmental contributions from the ancient Romans that has had a major and lasting impact on life even in the modern world today. The Roman alphabet is made up from the Latin alphabet in which the Romans used twenty-three letters in their alphabet as compared to today’s twenty-six letter alphabet. The letters J, U, and W were not included in the Roman alphabet. The term, “alphabet”, in which each letter stands for one sound, seems to have been first used around 1900 B.C. in Egypt. (Social Studies for Kids) The ancient Greeks used this alphabet and created their own alphabet, however the Romans then refined the alphabet...
Words: 784 - Pages: 4
...in Rome do as the Romans do”. Why did the person who came up with that saying chose Rome, why not Germany, France, Italy, China, or Switzerland for that matter. Each of those countries has made a mark on history in one-way or another so what makes Rome so special to get such a saying. However, I believe it is because history has shown us the greatness of Roman and how they conquered country after country. Even though that saying is referring for people to adapt their behavior to the country they are visiting. Yet history has shown us the countries the Romans conquered they adapted to the Roman’s ways versus the Romans adapting to their ways. So what makes Roman such a great country that they could conquer so many countries and have people desiring to be a Roman citizen and adapt their cultural way of living. I believe we can find the answer in looking at the way they set up their government. Rome really was not built in one day but it took hundreds of years for Rome to rise to the pentacle height of greatness. Rome actually began as a city-state around 8th century BC in Italy (Regent University, 2013). During this early part of their history called, the Kingdom of Rome, they were actually ruled by a kings and the senate and enjoyed living in a higher standards according to the finds of archeologist. Around 509 BC the Senators decided to do away with the kings and rule their city-state themselves (Regent University, 2013). Legend says the Roman king raped a woman...
Words: 1137 - Pages: 5
...Roman Roads Of all the developments in ancient Roman engineering, few can rival the importance of Roman roads. Better known in Latin as Viae, these roads spanned up to 53,000 miles. Most importantly, they were instrumental in the expansion and maintenance of the Roman Empire. For centuries, these roads allowed the vast expanse of Roman territories to remain connected to their one patron city, Rome. They were built using ingenious techqniques and maintained carefully by the Romans. The most important roads connected Rome to important Italian cities. From these cities, roads continued to important provinces such as Gaul and Macedonia. Not only did roads have military significances, but also important economic benefits. As a result, much of Rome’s prosperity and success was a direct result of Roman roads. Roman Viae were subdivided into privatae or agrariae and publicae. Privatae were free roads with the soil remaining private property. They were managed by private individuals. Agrariae and publicae were public roads. Their use, maintenance, and soil were all managed as property of the state. The need for such roads was first realized after the Samnite Wars. With Roman troops now beginning to venture farther away from Rome, roads were necessary to connect the legions to the city. Along the roads, milestones were used to mark the distance from Rome. Some scholars believe the particular point from which the distance was marked was the gate from which the road...
Words: 1594 - Pages: 7
...World History to 1500 8 October 2015 Writing Assignment #1: Roman Slavery According to Siculus in The History of the World, slaves were often utilized to operate the mines during the 1st Century BC in Ancient Rome. These slaves would spend their days and nights in the mineshafts, often wearing their bodies down. They usually weren’t given rest or break from their hard labor. The slaves were forced by the whiplashes of their overseers to undergo the most horrible of hardships. Many slaves died because of the extreme maltreatment they went through. Slaves often prayed for death rather than life because of the amount of suffering they were forced to go through. Slaves were treated as if they were objects rather than human beings. As stated on page 172 in Shelton, a slave’s owner would rent out the slaves for a certain period of time. The renter is required to have the slave with in their presence day and night. The renter must feed and provide the slave with other necessities. The only thing the owner needs to still provide the slave wen being rented is clothing. The slave will be given four days off a year and any more days off due to illness, festivals or a pressing necessity on the part of his or her master would be deducted from the rental fee. The rent is due at the end of the month without delay by monthly installments. One of the jobs of slaves in Rome was farming. On page 165 to 166 in Shelton, Varro breaks up farming instruments in three categories. Slaves are found...
Words: 1561 - Pages: 7
