Cyber Day; Post 24
Today, unlike other classes, we were instructed to take notes on our textbooks, which were photographed and posted to Mr. Schick's blog. Although I'm yet to take notes through my blog (I typically take notes in my own notebook), I feel this may be useful in terms of studying. More specifically, being able to transfer my notes in text straight to Quizlet for a better grasp of the textbook. This content, located on pages 160 through 165 of our "online textbook" focuses even further on the Roman Empire. My notes, as well as a Personal Analysis, are listed below:
The Roman Empire
The Republic Collapses:
Along with growing dominance, money, and land, Rome faced the issue of properly ruling all of it, a problem that would lead to the Republic's Demise. Economic Inequality grew as Rome progressed in all aspects of society, meaning a clear disconnect in competitiveness among farmers. These small-time farmers would usually end up selling their farmland to bigger farms which would turn them homeless, making them resort to labor such as laborers. This group of Rome, one which was noticeably poor, made up about 1/4 of the entire population. To remedy the inequality, two brothers by the name of Tiberius and Gaius drafted a plan for regulations restricting the size of estates as well as supplying the poor with land, a seemingly clear turn from Rome's reign of the rich.
These two brothers soon met violent deaths likely a result of their terrible relationship with senators. Following their death, a period of civil war sprouted within Rome. Likely one of the biggest adjustments was a dissolving military, one which no longer served the needs of the people, but rather individual aristocrats who would hire poor farmers. As an incentive, the poor would traditionally be offered land and payment for their royalty, to which only belonged to the military leader (no longer the republic).
Following this massive shift in military power, Julius Ceasar, along with Crassus and Pompey dominated Rome as a triumvirate (a group of three rulers) after an election in 60 B.C. Soon after, Ceasar went on a venture to control all of the nearby regions, most notably Gaul (France today). After his victory, Roman citizens adored his power but the same could not be stated for his now political rival, Pompey. Afterward, in fear of his power, Pompey and the Roman Senate directed Ceasar to return home in fear of military coup compliments of his now able army. As one would expect, Ceasar did quite the opposite, continually pressing not only what is now Italy, but defeating Pompey's forces in Rome on January 10, 49 B.C. Years later, after immense victory within the region, Ceasar would be appointed dictator for life.
While in his dictatorship, Ceasar began heavy reforms on nearly all fronts of Roman life, including techniques of granting the poor land (as Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus had once proposed, to much displeasure). He created jobs, grew wealth, and constructed new immense structures, a figure similar to that of Pericles' accomplishments during the Golden Age of Greece. These reforms did come at a cost though; in fact, Ceasar had grown to be so hated by some senators that we would be ruthlessly attacked in the senate chamber, with his death on March 15, 44 B.C. Following his death, the Civil War once again sparked and disrupted the remains of Rome. Although Ceaser's children, notably Octavian (titled Augustus), rose to power and started a period of immense power and prosperity for Rome.
A Vast and Powerful Empire
Pax Romana (means Roman Peace), a period in which Augustus had sparked, was a time when Rome had peaked in nearly all aspects, including population. This was not only a peaceful time, but also a prolonged time, having lasted over 200 years. Just as his father had done, Augustus worked as the most capable leader of Rome at the time and utilized his dominance to make big changes, most of which improved and glorified Rome.
Little to my knowledge, agriculture was the predominant source of industrial goods in Rome, surprising given their location on a rugged peninsula. Further surprising me was the fact that 90% of Rome's population was involved with agriculture affairs even though they survived on their own production of food (traditionally). Similar to the Greeks, Rome utilized its navy to manage its vast trading network; having trading partners such as Greece, Anatolia, India, and even China. Further showing how the Romans utilized their resources, the roads which they once built for military purposes to Russia and Persia were sometimes used as trading routes.
The Roman World
Similar to the Spartans (Note: I made this analogy in prior blogs as well), the Romans were set on the values of discipline, strength, and Loyalty. Though, unlike the Spartans, who would fight beyond belief, the Romans conducted themselves practically. Valuing useful qualities over vanity. Just as in Greece, they lived in the countryside and took occupations is mainly farming, but also merchants, soldiers, slaves, and so on. As slaves were a large part of the Roman industry, they were utilized beyond that of any previous civilizations. Just as slaves are thought to have been, they were treated poorly and given very little rights, rather they were granted the treatment (freedom, punishment, etc.) they're owner desired to have. One surprising statistic was that over one million slaves lost their lives fighting to attain freedom from their owners.
Roman government and religion were linked just as other governments had done in the past. Surprisingly enough, the Romans also held in high faith that there were many different gods, each with their own innate abilities. Following their practical mindset, they not only valued their gods but they also incorporated them into their government. Additionally, the emperor was to be valued at a similar (if not at the same) respect to that of the gods, including Jupiter, and his wife Juno.
After such an extravagant explanation of Roman life, it comes as a surprise to many that the average citizen actually struggled greatly. High unemployment, expensive upkeep, and pricey food were all factors that restrained the middle class, who all lived in similar scenarios. As for the aristocrats, they seemed to have taken advantage of certain exploits within the Roman government, often having banquets and feasts at the expense of the lower and middle class's betterment.
Personal Reflection
While I will keep this part brief, as I have expressed my sincere opinions in much of my notes, I will give an overview of my thoughts given this surplus of information. Firstly, I was shocked at how similar Roman life replicated that of other civilizations which we have learned about. Further, the way in which the Romans presented themselves seemed to have been respectful as compared to how others had in the past, including the Greeks. Personally, I'm beginning to feel an immense amount of interest in Roman life, parallel to that of my interest in the Greek lifestyle.
Works Cited:
With that said, I conclude my May 18th Cyberday Post; Till Next time! Stay safe!
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