2014

A History of Rome
DERRICK SIMPSON
9:00 T H

Rome was one of the greatest civilizations of its time and is still looked upon by some as a symbol of power. At its high point the Roman empire dominated the entire Mediterranean basin and parts of southwest Asia as well as north Africa and much of continental Europe and Britain (Traditions & Encounters, p.134). Rome, as fate would have it, was said to be founded by a young man named Romulus who fought his twin brother to the death in order to achieve the reward of kingship. The legend lives on but the truth proves to be less interesting. The Etruscans, a dynamic people, dominated much of Italy between the eighth and fifth centuries B.C.E. they soon controlled much of Italy (T&E, p.146). The Etruscans were governed under a monarchy and brought similar ideas with them to Rome. However, Rome was not a monarchy for long and, according to Traditions & Encounters: A Brief Global History, later replaced their Etruscan king with a republic and a republican constitution. Roman success in the peninsula was partly a matter of military power and partly a matter of generous policies toward the peoples they conquered (T&E, p.146). Conquered peoples were not necessarily always made into slaves and they also gained certain rights depending on their loyalty to the Romans. In addition, conquered peoples were allowed to trade in Rome, to take Roman spouses, and even to gain Roman citizenship (T&E, p.146). These new policies, unlike any other of their time, were very beneficial to the Roman republic and sustained a mutual peace of mind amongst the people. As Rome began to dominate all of Italy outside threats became more and more apparent. Economic and political competition brought Romans into conflict with Carthage first they fought three devastating conflicts known as the Punic Wars with the Carthaginians (T&E, p.147). These conflicts led to others that eventually deemed Rome the dominating power in the

Mediterranean region on account of their victories. Defeat was not an option to the Romans and they fought mercilessly to maintain power and control. Imperial expansion brought wealth and power to Rome, Unequal distribution of wealth aggravated class tensions and gave rise to conflict over political and social problems (T&E, p.147). People who werent as well off began to lash out against the wealthy and the leaders lost control over the city. Again Rome was engaged in war, only this time it was civil. By the middle of the first century B.C.E., it had become increasingly clear that the Roman republic was not suitable for a large and growing empire. In this chaotic context Gaius Julius Caesar inaugurated the process by which Rome replaced its republican constitution with a centralized imperial government (T&E, p.147), a government later dictated by Caesar himself. Unlike other leaders of his time, Caesar concerned himself with matters of the people and not just of war and his own personal wealth. He wanted the people to have a sense of equality that was favored before this imperial expansion and that would gain trust that had previously been fading away. A Brief Global History interjects that, after making himself dictator, he claimed his dictatorship for life as opposed to a [normal] term of six months. There were some, however, who had other plans for the great Julius Caesar. Caesar never had the chance to consolidate his government, , because in 44 B.C.E. members of the Roman elite stabbed him to death in the hopes of reestablishing the republic (T&E, p.148). This, not being ver y well planned out, was the start of a similar but larger empire ruled and governed by a much more ruthless leader, Augustus. During his forty-five years of virtually unopposed rule, Augustus fashioned an imperial government that guided Roman affairs for the next three centuries (T&E, p.149).

As time went on the Roman Empire evolved into a more complex society. A society that welcomed new ideas and that was eager to learn and grow as a community. Romans began a more sophisticated way of life that influenced other cultures of its time. A justice system was introduced and certain ideas within the system are incorporated in the justice system we know and use today. They established the principal that defendants were innocent until proven guilty, and they ensured that defendants had a right to challenge their accusers before a judge in a court of law (T&E, p.149). People inherited rights they were no accustomed to, rights of which I believe led to a more peaceful Roman society. Agriculture eventually became more important as did the use and supply of fresh water. Romans realized a need for a food supply and agriculture, for some, grew into a commercial business and was perfected to an art. Water was very important to the Romans, more so than in other cultures. It was so important that they constructed aqueduct systems throughout the empire for everyone, even the poor, to have fresh water at their fingertips. The Romans would not populate or consume any land that did not have easy access to fresh water. At this point they were known for being a clean people and liked to bath on a regular basis, making fresh water even more of a necessity. Sewage and plumbing systems were put to work aiding in the cleanliness of the city. Along with agricultural goods, manufactured goods also became very important. The production of these goods led to more trading over a larger scale. Much of the profit from Mediterranean trade flowed to Rome, where it fueled remarkable urban development (T&E, p.150). Rome was one of the greatest cities of its time and is still a bustling city and historical icon.

Works Cited
Bentley, Jerry H., Ziegler, Herbert F. and Heather E. Street-Salter. Traditions & Encounters: A Brief Global History. 3rd Edition. 2014. Print.