The Roman Empire
By: Kevin Fleisher
Have you ever thought about our ancient civilizations and the leaders that brought us to where we are today? Have you thought about how our nation’s structure and basic ideals have formed, or how we’ve mastered and formed our aspects of the universe through science and math? All of these things date back to about two thousand years ago, when the most powerful empire possibly ever formed ruled the entire world: the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire was an extremely balanced and structured empire that many ideals, religions, and thoughts from powerful people date back to. Rome’s power was possessed by the emperors who were at the top of the food chain, or social order. These mighty leaders sometimes abused their powers and took advantage of their positions, causing great oppression among their society and civilization.
Developing Rome From A Republic To An Empire:
The first century, B.C, was known as Roman Republic’s darker ages, where great tyrannical power, brutality,and the urge and lust for power, land, and greed was always present. Julius Caesar had climbed the political ranks and became the Governor of Gaul. This position offered lots of wealth and power to Caesar, and his new position as general gave him lots of respect. But by 50 B.C, Caesar had made many enemies because of his selfishness. His power was soon being threatened by rebels trying to overthrow the government. With his life in danger, he invaded Italy in an effort to gain more power and was soon defeating any potential threat in his way of conquering more and more land for his own good. His time on the throne, though, was a short one. After two years of ruling, he was murdered by senators who were tired with Caesar’s tyrannical ways. After these times, the Republic would need extreme help to get their government to the great Empire which they’re known for today. But Rome still needed a person that could lead them to that state, and that person was Julius’s nephew and heir; Augustus Caesar. Augustus was a determined man who saw a chance to shine in the spotlight as the new ruler of the republic. He joined his ally Marc Antony, and they defeated all of Julius’s previous enemies. After some dust settled, the two men split their ways and victory as Antony took Egypt and Caesar kept Rome. Antony soon fell in love with Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen. Caesar suspected that his pal was turning his back on him, and he wondered if the two wanted to overrule and capture Rome for themselves. Feeling threatened, the republic attacked Egypt and demolished about three fourths of their fleet. Before Cleopatra and Antony could be captured, they both committed suicide. When Augustus returned home to Rome with the victory of the Egyptian battle carried on his shoulders, he became an instant hero to those who believed that Egypt may have conquered them. Aside from being labeled as a hero, he was also named Rome’s first emperor. In 31 B.C, Augustus became the emperor and the transformation from Republic to Empire was complete.
The Beginnings Of The Empire And The Leader Who Built It (1st century A.D):
After Augustus’s sweet victory in Egypt, the senators felt uneasy about him because they were suspicious of him trying to set up a dynasty of rulers. Augustus then remembered the bloody death of his uncle, so he tried to stay out of the way of and please the senators, so he gave up the thrown. His “generous” offer was turned down by the citizens, who then appointed him the absolute ruler. Augustus became a very powerful person who contributed enormously to the building of the empire. During Augustus’s term, he had conquered and brought back northern Spain, most of central Europe, and of course, Egypt. Augustus had many political standpoints and ideas that are still talked about today. He ruled for a solid 40 years and he died a noble man who returned the injured and battered Republic to a new redefined Empire. Although he had made trouble once in awhile, his people loved him. Sometimes he even claimed the title of “the son of God.” Although that him calling himself the son of God sounds unlikely, Augustus can definitely be titled God of the Roman Empire.
Life For The People Under Roman Rule:
The social status for the Roman people was determined based on their contributions to their Empire, the way that they dressed, ate, and their rituals. Out of the many poor people in Rome in Ancient times, many served as slaves. Slavery is one of the unfair parts of our society that has dated back since the times of the empire. Although enemies and rebels threatened and tested Rome’s strength every once in awhile, they had many countries under their control and far too much power to be conquered. Aside from Rome being a large, robust and powerful country, they were a cultural melting pot that offered lots of trade to the travelers who came and their own citizens. Because of the widespread of travel and the many people who were forced under the empire’s rule, religions and ideas quickly spread throughout Rome and other countries- most of which are still among us today. Some religions like Christianity and Judaism are examples of the influence the mighty empire has placed upon us today.
The Roman’s have had a variety of powerful thinkers and doers, and have helped us to develop many new and old ideas. Although you may not realize it, everyday you see some of the influences that Rome have imposed upon us like structural and architectural developments, religion, and government. The Roman Empire has completely changed our world forever.
Category: Features, Front Page, Writing Corner
I liked how you explained the tyrannical leaders of Rome’s motives and actions. It’s one thing to mention names and what those people did but another to elaborate on what they did and why they did it.