summaries

Some Big Ideas
Imperialism- The political, geographical, economic, or ideological take over of another body of people (possible a culture, empire, country, religion or tribe). Within the Roman time period multiple examples of imperialism existed. Rome grew as an imperial power through the spread of Roman culture and military domination and continued to spread through these means. Roman economy also served as an imperial power source as roman coinage became more common and ubiquitous. Roman ideology and religion served as a prime example of imperial power for the roman empire because it united the empire and created social cohesion. Questions about imperialism from class have included: What are the benefits of imperialism? (Ans: economic wealth, more land, more power) What are the weaknesses? (Ans: Loss of other cultures, domination usually through force, death, violence, little peace until imperial takeover is complete) Did Rome have to be imperialistic? (Ans: Yes and no, Rome thrived on takeover and expansion thus imperialism seemed necessary. However had they developed internally more and become more self sufficient they would have been less likely to have fallen.) Is imperialism inherently bad? (Ans: Your opinion) What is the root of imperialism? (Ans: Human nature, control, Power, however this is open to interpretation).

Leadership- Roman leadership was key for the empire to run smoothly. Rome repeatedly floated through periods of bad and good leaders that led to a variety of consequences for roman civilization. The lack of success within the roman republic and lack of effectivity of the roman senate led to the creation of one leader, an emperor that controlled the empire’s fate. The emperorship in no way secured safety. Often time’s emperors were usurped, or overthrown, either through betrayal or military means and led to continuous instability within the empire. Leadership, began by Augustus, was usually passed from one emperor to another. The emperor would declare who he thought best to take the thrown from him and thus that man would become his heir.

Military success- Drove the empire. Military success gave rise to the empire in general. After the Punic wars and the defeat of Hannibal Rome had continuous military successes that allowed for the relatively rapid expansion of the empire. Military success became less common after the second century as Rome began to defend her borders rather than achieve conquest. Military success during these times took on new importance in that any legionary commander that had a rather important military victory was often given momentum to usurp the current emperor and take over. Created political instability in the third century. Overall military success was key to maintain any reign in the empire especially after the republic.

Slavery- Slavery was a prime labor force for Romans. They significantly contributed to the economy through their agricultural work in farming. Slaves were usually prisoners of war that could not act as soldiers. Some slaves however were quite skilled and were taken to do a variety of craft making and teaching that bettered society as a whole. Over time the slave population decreased however because of roman elites inclination to free the year slaves after years of service. They were replaced by sharecroppers however which were essentially the same thing and basically shared the same rights. Multiple sources this year covered slaves and their treatment many of them out of fear of revolt. Usually slaves were treated as friends but were kept away from materials that could educate them or allow them to get to cohesive and create a coup against their master.

The development of history as a genre- History in rome began being truly recorded in 200 BCE. As time went on, history became more of an art form that usually was somewhat biased or at least wrongly focused on roman values or ideologies. Also history may have been altered so as to avoid any negative comments against the king.

Roman values- Rome valued strength, unity, leadership, ability to work cohesively toward a goal, efficiency through numbers. Their ideology was key to their culture; it unified the large empire and maintained social relations through the vast ends of the roman territory. Their gods were of utmost importance to them, especially before the rise of Christianity, but were still willing to add more gods that other conquered cultures carried.

Roman citizenship- Very exclusive at first. The roman community consisted of specifically of just Romans. Over time however, sometime in the second century CE the constitution antoniniana gave all people within the roman boundaries citizenship. This increased the tax base and allowed for much larger income for the empire. Roman citizenship is interesting and unique in that slaves could gain citizenship and essentially rise through social ranks, which was uncommon for most civilizations.

Rome & America: This is a more subjective idea. Is Rome a good model for America? Some similarities are the use of a senate and republic. Some differences include the new technology and less of the same issues, or dealing with far more pressing issues elsewhere. Polytheism- The belief in many gods. Occurred in Rome until the development and eventual takeover of the Christian Church. Gods however continuously grew and multiplied as more people and cultures were inducted into the empire. Imperial cults also deified recent emperors adding to the number of worshipped gods in Rome.

Monotheism- Belief in one god. While conflict arises with Judaism and their monotheism it is not until the Christian religion that real issues arise with monotheism. Represents disunity and chaos in many ways to many of the roman officials because of its differing values from Roman beliefs. Took away from Roman control.

Judaism- Developed far before the roman empire, Judaism is one of the first and most successful monotheistic religions. Precedes and serves as the foundation for Christianity. Belief in the one god YHWH (Yahweh) and that he is the only path to heaven. Stayed specifically in Israel. Did not recruit.

Christianity-Religion spawning from Judaism. Belief that Christ is the son of god, died for people’s sins. Arose shortly after the turn of the millennium sometime around 30CE. The religion really gained strength after persecution by Nero in the late second century and then continued to gain momentum through martyrs and sympathy from persecution during the third century. Ultimately became the religion of Rome under Constantine in 313. Served as a threat to the Roman empire because of how accepting the religion was and its active recruitment for more followers. The religion was seen as an active form of insubordination against the empire and its rulers through its embracement of one god, and lack of respect for the emperor.

IEMP- Ideological, military, political, economic. All four forms of imperial power. Rome utilized all of these to maintain control. Politically they maintained storng government control over their people and maintained their laws so that peace and order were held within the empire. Economically they issued coinage and encouraged trade and utilized their resources and abilities to gain those things that they lacked. Their ability to produce valuable items quickly and their control of the mediterranian made them an economic power house. Ideologically they created social cohesion through religious festivals and praise of the same gods. Their values in familial agriculture, loyalty, and honor made romans stand strong as one society. Finally militarily, Rome couldn’t be stopped until the second century CE. Their military resources and their leadership were simple unmatched in the ancient world and allowed them the ability to take over all useful territory.

Secondary State Formation-Formation of another empire (Goths, Germans, Franks, Parthians) due to the formation of a large power. The Goths, Germans, Franks, Parthians etc all were created as secondary states to stand against the roman empire and while they did not take down the roman empire individually did contribute to its weakness.

Social mobility- Possible through the political system of the republic. Allowed Plebeians to move up through the ranks as long as they campaigned well. It was actually possible for a plebian to achieve consul, the highest office. Evened the playing field for all people in the political realm. However the rich usually remained rich and powerful the poor just became poorer.

The pyramid model of Roman social hierarchy. Emperor, Senators, Equestrians, Commoners, freedmen, slaves. This pyramid dictated roman social structure for quite some time and usually remained the same because few people moved in our out of the their spot on the pyramid. Freedmen at times were able to achieve some type of social mobility however usually most people remained in the poorer classes.

Romanization -was a gradual process of cultural assimilation, in which the conquered "barbarians" (non-Greco-Romans) gradually adopted and largely replaced their own native culture (which in many cases were quite developed, like the culture of Carthage and of the Gauls) with the culture of their conquerors - the Romans. Over time many of the outlying cultures adopted roman values and style and became very similar. At this time roman citizens are leaving to join the barbarian societies because they are happier with the lifestyle in the outlying cultures rather than in the roman.

Legionary economy- Tribute and taxes were sent from provinces to rome. Money was then sent from Rome to the Legions so as to maintain them and their protection of the empire. The money the legions received however was often used to purchase goods and services from the provinces they were in. Allowed a circular flow of coinage throughout the empire.

Elite replacement model- Elites placed in conquered cultures to maintain the control of the new region after it has been just conquered. Unsure as to how this applies to rome. Perhaps the representatives of the provinces that were newly conquered were not replaced elites but rather elected representatives of hat actual area. Moving more away from the elite replacement model?

Taxes and Trade model- similar to legionary economy?