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The era of the Pax Romana – though still a period of time filled with civil war and conquests in an attempt to expand the empire – was an overall period of stability for Roman society. During this time the Roman people knew their Emperor was an unwavering political powerhouse with an ability to run the Empire efficiently. In addition to having an efficient political leader, Rome had a strong military force stable enough to protect them from outside forces. The security of the Pax Romana period allowed Romans to focus on politics, culture, and technology providing them the opportunity to progress and flourish as a society. The changes that occurred throughout the new era of Roman peace could not have occurred without the crowning of the first …show more content…
For instance, during Augustus’s reign – at the beginning of the Pax Romana – only men who were in charge of provincials, high-ranking military officers, or city council members could become Roman citizens. Later, however, Marcus Aurelius – the last of the Good Emperors – had changed the laws regarding what it meant to become a Roman citizen. A philosopher and a politician, Marcus Aurelius called himself a “citizen of the world-city… under its laws equal treatment s meted out to all” (Mathinsen 1012). The meaning behind Marcus’s words have been interpreted many ways, but what many scholars have agreed upon is that he applied this philosophy to his policies in regards to Roman citizenship. There are many advantages in regards to being viewed a Roman citizen and so that there was less conflict between the patricians, the plebeians, and the barbarians being assimilated into the new Roman culture. As Roman citizens, those who were once considered barbarians could now own land, open businesses, write wills, and defend themselves in court (Mathinsen 1025-26). Becoming a Roman citizen was made easier than before and by the end of the 200 year Roman Peace period, it was believed that any one barbarian need only be a part of the army to become a Roman citizen (Mathinsen 1022-23) and thus earning the perks that came with identifying as a
From ages past, the actions of conquerors, kings and tyrants had brought the Roman Republic to a stance that opposed any idea of a singular leader, of a single man that held total power over the entirety of the state. Their rejection of the various ruthless Etruscan rulers that had previously dictated them brought the Republic to existence in 509 BC , and as a republic their prominence throughout the provinces of the world exponentially expanded. Throughout these years, the traditions of the Romans changed to varying degrees, most noticeably as a result of the cultural influence that its subject nations had upon the republic, as well as the ever-changing nature of Roman society in relation to then-current events. However, it was not until the rise of Augustus, the first of a long line of succeeding emperors, that many core aspects of the Republic were greatly changed. These were collectively known as the “Augustan Reforms”, and consisted of largely a variety of revisions to the social, religious, political, legal and administrative aspects of the republic’s infrastructure. Through Augustus, who revelled in the old traditional ways of the past, the immoral, unrestraint society that Rome was gradually falling to being was converted to a society where infidelities and corruption was harshly looked upon and judged. The Roman historian Suetonius states, “He corrected many ill practices, which, to the detriment of the public, had either survived the licentious habits of the late civil wars, or else originated in the long peace” . Through Augustus and his reforms, the Republic was transformed into an Empire, and through this transformation, Rome experienced one of its greatest and stabl...
The Imperium Romanum (Roman Empire) was a vast domain containing large territorial holdings in Europe and the Mediterranean. Beyond the empire however consisted of barbarous nations that were a constant threat to the Roman boundaries. For this reason, it was necessary for well-functioning frontier policies to be administrated and sustained to protect the outskirts of the empire from invasion. During the Julio-Claudian dynasty both Tiberius and Claudius established many effective frontier policies during their Principates. In addition to securing the frontiers, both also provided stability in the empire through the maintenance of the Pax Romana (the peace of Rome), which was established during the reign of Augustus.
The Roman Republic had an upstanding infrastructure, a stable social system, and a balanced constitution that solidified Rome’s greatness. Regardless of its achievements, however, the Roman Republic owes much of its success to classical Greek cultures. These cultures, in conjunction with the fundamental values of Roman society, certified Rome as one of the most significant powers the world has ever seen.
The imperial expansion of Rome or in simpler terms the development of the Roman Empire can be associated with the second century BC. Over a relatively short period of time, Rome immensely expanded its territory at a rapid rate. Although the victories in the Second Punic War satisfied Rome, they also motivated them to expend further into their neighbour’s territories and eventually conquer Greece and the North African coast. The Roman Empire became colossal and unstoppable within a blink of a century. Robin Waterfield’s new translation of Plutarch’s original work Roman Lives clarifies the reasons behind this sudden need to grow. The necessity in increase of the common wealth, the lack of available land for the Roman citizen, the safety precaution of having foreign allies and most importantly the constant need in being the most influential empire are among some of the reasons Plutarch provided. The lives of Cato the Elder, Aemilius Paullius, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus demonstrate specific cases of how these factors affected Rome and caused it to expand its borders. All explanations are valid however, when one looks at the larger picture it becomes clear that the prosperity of the Roman society is in the root of them all.
Rome, even at its beginnings, proved to be a force to be reckoned with. It’s rapid growth and accumulation of power and repeated victories over powerful neighbors set Rome in a position of great authority and influence. As the leader of early Rome, Romulus’ effective command of his men and governance of his people provided the foundation for the building of a great city. Livy emphasizes Romulus’ possible divine origins and strong ties to deities as a validation and reinforcement of his ability to rule. A nation’s sole defense cannot be just bricks and mortar, it requires an army and a will and Romulus was able to successfully take action against the aggressors when action was needed.
Between approximately 509 BCE and the third century CE the Roman empire continually expanded and became one of the largest in history. While this expansion was due to many reasons, not the least of which was greed, to a great extent it was made possible because of Rome's overwhelming military and its combination of a democratic and republic government. (Lee) (Ferril)
The Roman Empire was strong for a time. It was founded on geography, family values, military strength, and wise leadership. It flourished because of social, economic, political, military and religious strengths. However, when the very things that make a civilization flourish start to decline, the civilization will also lead to a downfall.
Boatwright, Mary T., Daniel J. Gargola, and Richard J. A. Talbert. "Septimius Severus." The Romans: from village to empire. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004. 425-430. Print.
The Roman Empire faced many problems in the third century. Many of these problems came within the empire and other forces that were outside the empire. The only thing that seemed to aid in the holding of this great empire was drastic economic, political, and military reforms, which looked as essential elements that would prevent the collapse of the empire. Large groups of historians come to terms with the idea that at the end of emperor Marcus Aurelius in the 161–180 A.D marked the end of the romans two centuries of prosperity and peace. This period is known as the Pax Roman. Other rulers that followed from this period had very little or no idea on how to deal with the crises that this giant nation was facing. As a result this rulers lead to the fall and decline of the Roman Empire.
The Romans were a well-established civilization of immense power in the Hellenistic era, conquering nearly the whole Italian Peninsula and most of Europe. Unfortunately, a time of continuous difficulty led Rome to its decline in 476 CE. The fall of Rome can be characterized as a series of troubling events that provoked an influx of citizens to Catholicism in the hope of receiving eternal salvation. Most importantly, it allowed the Catholic Church to rise in power from 590 to 1517 CE and become the most dominating and influential community in Europe. For one, Rome was unable to govern its excessively large empire, which set the beginning of a steady economic decline. Moreover, not only did the invasion of the barbarians on Western Rome cause
There are many political, economic, sociological causes to the growth and expansion of the Roman republic and later the Roman Empire, but one major factor of expansion that the Romans are most famous for is there Army. There Army was famous for their harsh discipline amongst their own ranks and there mercifulness brutality amongst their enemies. According to our text Roman warfare was characterized by great ferocity and the Roman pursuit of victory was relentless. The Romans had a pragmatic view towards atrocity and massacre that viewed almost any act as justifiable if it eased the path of victory (Goldsworthy 2000) p. 24. The hoplite phalanx which originated by the Greeks and later adopted by the Roman army, demanded great discipline and adherence to orders in order for this group of soldiers...
There were several strengths of the Roman Empire which enabled it to survive for more than four hundred years. These strengths included a strong foundation, having been built off of the Roman Republic; the standardization across the empire of many aspects of life, such as language, law, and especially the extension of citizenship, which made the empire more cohesive and easier to rule; and strong leaders, who were able to utilize the manipulation of the upper class and Senate, and the management of the military.
Jan Peter Balkenende said that “Our society is the product of several great religious and philosophical traditions. The ideas of the Greeks and Romans, Christianity, Judaism, humanism and the Enlightenment have made us who we are.” Religion has been very important in society, and in the human’s life as a belief in a god or in many gods. For Romans, the religion was the belief of many things as gods, sects, taboos, superstitions, rituals, and traditions, which were created by themselves that means that Roman religion was polytheistic. In addition, the thought of roman about religion was less spiritual than humanity to command their being and security. As a result, some Romans believed the religion was a public institution, but for others it was a part of their life. The Roman religion was divided in two different classes: the state
Ultimately, the Roman Republic’s downfall lay in its lack of major wars or other crises, which led to a void of honor and leadership. War united all of Rome’s people, and provided the challenge to its leaders to develop honor and leadership by their causes and actions. The lack of war allowed the Roman Republic to stagnate and become self-indulgent. By the end of the Punic Wars, which combined these elements, Rome was sure to fail. Without a common thread uniting its society, the Roman Republic unraveled because it had nothing left holding it together.
Rome contributed to major cultural advancements that transform cultural heritages and legacy through major attributes. Romans influenced groups and societies that history transpired to generations that came after the Roman era. Speaking of Rome has an essence in its own right when uttering the name “Rome” my mind automatically thinks of regal, royalty, power, and leadership. If this semester didn’t teach me anything it taught me the importance and significant of our history and how Rome is at forefront of making it all possible. The evidence of Rome’s nostalgic, historic input is evident throughout Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.