One would think that societies that have millions of people, the majority of those who are in the lower class, would have more exposure and records written down about them than any other class for us to analyze. Unfortunately that is not the case. People who had wealth and power normally had the privilege to have records done for them for future societies and people to study and read. Luckily the graffiti in Roman society tells a lot about the political life that the everyday Roman lived by. Most of the graffiti that mentions anything politically related tend to seem as though they are sending a message that the particular politician they are talking about is either for or against the people. For instance some mention “All the goldsmiths support Gaius Cuspious Pansa for public works commissioner”(SNT p. 190). From this, one can probably assume that whoever decided to write this message was trying to conspire that there was some sort of connection between Gaius and goldsmiths that was either corrupt or simply he was a goldsmith and wanted to let others to support Gaius. But most likely it’s sending a message that the wealthy are supporting Gaius. Others that are much the same state “The mule-drivers support Gaius Julius Polybius for the mayor. Genialis supports Bruttius Balbus for mayor. He’ll balance the budget”(SNT p. 190). The inscription makes it seem as if Polybius is not the best choice to become mayor. It points out that possibly mayors before them spent money profusely without the concern of the lower class that consisted of commoners. The graffiti is much clear in favoring one person running for mayor, Balbus, and makes it clear that he is the obvious choice that will get the job done. Other markings take a d... ... middle of paper ... ...NT p. 190). The one thing that comes to mind when reading the statement is that the inscriptions might have been a tad farfetched. Although the tasks that he might have performed are plausible, they still seem unbelievable; only evidence would prove otherwise. In these modern days things like once ego can quickly become someone we are not. Especially in today’s society where social interaction through online is the norm, the similarities are evident. Despite the gap of many centuries, people’s opinions from back then are fairly similar to the ones that we have now. Perspectives range from cruel and intentional, or sweet and egotistical, the interesting thing is that people in modern times share similar viewpoints as those from the past. Works Cited Lockard, Craig A. Societies, Networks, and Transitions. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. Boston: Wadsworth, 2011. 190. Print.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” –Marcus Garvey. The U.S. is a combination of many cultures and influences over the centuries and because of this we are alike to many of them. We could name many of these influences: the Greeks, the Chinese Dynasties but the Romans were particularly like us. We might see them as barbaric is some ways but the reality is that the U.S. takes pages from many areas of the Romans, and comparisons could be drawn between both of us. Examples include government, our religions, and in some ways entertainment. The U.S. is much like the old Roman Empire was more than a millennium ago
In contrast to the publicity spin of today’s tabloids, ‘losers attract notoriety,’ (Fear, 2008, p, 6) Roman society was no different with one’s reputation of paramount importance and continually defended. Antony and Cleopatra’s union was ammunition for Octavian and propaganda used against the couple in their pursuing battle of Actium. (Fear, 2008, p.7.)
What is known of Rome’s early history today is relatively restricted. This is because a majority of documents from that era of time have been destroyed or lost. The only reliable source of information on Rome’s early history was Titus Livius Patavium, otherwise known as Livy, with his piece, The Early History of Rome. He writes on the history of Rome in order to preserve her older glory, and provide a warning to be aware of the repetition of past mistakes.
30 BC ~ Octavian was given the title of Imperator, which was used in the Eastern provinces. Imperium suggests unlimited imperium (or power) (Antiquity 2 Interpreting The Past) This was the first of many titles that were to be given to Octavian after his defeat of Mark Antony in 31 BC at the Battle of Actium. It indicates that the provinces thought Octavian was worthy of being honoured, and that the power he possessed at the time should remain his. Therefore this was the first factor that initiated the rise of Octavian.
In Titus Livius’, The Early History of Rome, Livy takes on the task of documenting Rome’s early history and some of the famous individuals who help contribute to the ‘greatness’ of Rome. Livy dedicates an entire portion of his writing to describe the reigns of the first seven kings of Rome; all who influence the formation and governance of Rome in some way. However, of the seven kings in early Roman history, King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius achieved godlike worship and high esteem from their fellow Romans. While both highly important and respected figures in Rome’s history, the personalities and achievements of King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius are complete opposites of one another. Despite the differences found in each king and of their rule over Rome, both Romulus and Numa Pompilius have a tremendous influence in the prosperity and expansion of Rome in its early days.
The Roman Way is essentially a collection of letters, poems and essays from some of the most famous literary minds of the ancient Roman culture. Edith Hamilton is attempting to show us a side of Rome that was previously unseen. She uses these stories to try and explain what the ideas, attitudes and beliefs are that make up the “Roman Way.”
Graffiti has been around for a long time, far back to the prehistoric times, where cavemen would spend hours drawing on walls, reflecting their daily lives. However, these walls were not walls of their own homes; they drew on walls that might have been someone else’s home, yet no one sees their “works of art” as vandalism. Archaeologists have even used graffiti on the walls of many areas to better understand different ancient cultures. Graffiti is a type of art that is popularly used among many young and middle-aged males, although it is considered vandalism, it is still an important piece of popular culture because of it’s ability to act as an effective form of communication and expression of identity, which can be used to reveal problems in society.
The Roman Republic began in 509 B.C.E. with the overthrow of the Etruscan monarchy. In 27 B.C.E the Roman Empire began with Octavian Caesar becoming the emperor, this ended almost 500 years of republican self-government. There is much debate over why Rome became so powerful so quickly. Many think it had to do with Rome’s military strength. Others think that it was because Rome knew of and controlled most of the trade routes. Still others believed it had to do with the technology that was advanced during the Roman Republic. All of these factors played significant roles, but which one played the most important role?
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I agree with the popular saying that we reflect our past, because it is true our generation today is the way it is due to the past. Authors George Gascoigne, Thomas Lodge, and Richard Linche wrote poems that are a vivid example of this. In their poems And if I did, what then, Pluck the fruit and taste the pleasure, and The last so sweet, so balmy, so delicious all discuss issues that we face today even though they are in a different time period. These poems mainly debate the issue of being a rake, or a libertine, and the issue of sinning. In that time a libertine was considered an immoral person, someone who commits adultery or fornication, does bad things, someone who takes advantage
The primary function of monumental portraits in Ancient Rome was to honor political figures of power through repeating social and political themes. The Romans expressed these themes through a form of “realism”. Relics of this era were found depicting the elderly conservative nobility that lived through civil disruptions and war, elaborately individualized through detail of the face expression. Through the features of grimacing heaviness, wrinkles, and effects of old age, the Romans were able to express the reality of their political situation felt by the people whose faces were sculptured into stone. Furthermore, Nodelman discusses the use of sculpture portraits to depict the ideology behind Roman conservative aristocracy. Artists would portray the virtues of gravitas, dignities, and fides, through the use to physical expression and symbolic meaning, rather than through words. A statue of Augustus, for instance, displays the militaristic, powerful, godly perception of the conservative ideology through the use of symbolic detail. The decorative, rich, military outfit on Augustus, represents the power of the military and Augustus’s role as imperator in it. The freely held masculine arm and pointing gesture towards the horizon are Rome’s expanding dreams, clashing with the overall powerful and sturdy stance of the body. The bare feet bring about the impression
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