Question 10

I did feel that I learned a lot this year and Western Civilization. I also became a better writer over the course of the semester. I learned about the Renaissance and Ancient Egypt. I also learned things that I did not know before about the Black Death. I found this class very interesting! I will always keep what I learned with me for future endeavors!!

Question 9

The real and true "Renaissance Man" is Shakespeare because he was an amazing play write that included everything the Renaissance period was about. Shakespeare included romance and drama in his plays. An example of romance, since the Renaissance period was known as the romantic period is a quote from the love play Romeo and Juliet, "The exchange for thou love's faithful vow for mine." (romeo speaking to juliet). Shakespeare also had action and excitement, just like Renaissance festival's would have. An example of excitement in his plays is when he had many fight scenes. An example of a fight scene is in Romeo and Juliet, when Romeo kills Tybalt. This is one of the most popular fight scene's in the history of Renaissance plays.

A final example of how Shakespeare was the "Renaissance Man", was how he used the language of the time period in his plays. Shakespeare would often talk in old English. This made his plays very accurate to the time period. Shakespeare was always accurate with his plays to the time period he was in and filled them with Renaissance culture. He was the perfect "Renaissance Man".

Question 8

The traditions of structure and patterns in Romanesque and Gothic Churches are truly diverse. Each of these different and detailed types of churches represents something. The Gothic churches show how important it was to be a community and how close the community was, with crypts underneath the church. While the Romanesque churches describe how important privacy was and how closer of the soul was a big part of a person’s life. Romanesque and Gothic churches show how important theology was to each ones culture, through the appearance of their diverse structures.

The dissimilarities between these two churches can be of great importance to each ones theology. The Gothic church is very open to the community to experience learning about God together. The Romanesque church is more secluded and focuses more on a person’s inner soul, and their relationship with God. Each church’s is represented greatly in there look and appearance

Question 7

1. The Black Death was one of the most effective and horrible plagues that struck Europe. It was a deathly disease and killed thirty to sixty percent of Europe's population. The death rate was horrible and people who had this disease were taken fast. It was highly contagious and dangerous. This terrible disease was said to have been passed through by fleas. To deal with the disease some Europeans turned on Jews and attacked Jewish communities blaming them for the epidemic. It did not only hit Europe but hit other countries as well. Unfortunetly the disease traveled fast.

2. This terrible disease was said to have been passed through by fleas. Symptoms of this disease were huge pussy massases on the skin that would puss and bleed when opened. It could also cause breathing problems (bleeding within the lungs) and could kill with in two days. To treat this disease medieval physicians would not allow the patients to do anything and many times gave them herbs to relieve pain.

3. If a plague as serious and harmful as the black death would occur each person would respond a different way. One response is to move out of the country or move around the parts of the nation that have been hit with it. Another approach is to try to find a cure for the plague . This is not likely though, since the nation would be in chaos. Some people may even stay with family or live with them till they die. Others would move healthy family members to a different place and leave the person in the care of a physician.

Giovanni, Baccacio. (1996). Medieval sourcebook- boccaccio: the decameron.

Question 5

The Roman Empire was a huge world power during its early development. It influenced other countries and fought its way to the top. The United States also has history like this. The United States today, questions our leader or president’s authority, just as the Romans have done to the emperor in the past. The United States has taxes, just as the Roman’s did. The United States also has a large rate of immigrants or people wanting to come into the country. These all can relate to the Roman Empire and the struggle it had as well. The United States is a modern day “Roman Empire” because of the influence it has over different nations and the difficulties it faces as a country with in.  

The Roman Empire had many leaders over the course of its democracy. This is because the people doubted their leaders, just as some in the United States may do today. The United States has a president, which is easily compared to the task of an emperor. As a president it is no surprised to be doubted by the people you control. An example of the people questioning the president in modern day time is in the, Opalika- Auburn News, “I am concerned about the fact that the recovery we are on is not producing jobs as quickly as I want it to happen.”(Christopher, 2011) This is a quote from current U.S president Barack Obama. He is replying to the worry that not as many jobs are to be produced in the Nation. He is also replying to the job loss rates that are getting worse. There were many times in Rome’s history when the people of Rome have doubted their emperor, thinking that the conditions may get worse. An emperor that compares to the current president today, Barack Obama, is Tiberius. Tiberius promised a lot to the people of Rome, but at first did not deliver, so they began to doubt him. He promised to give them more than they had acquired. Just as in the quote above, the people started to doubt President Obama. Doubting the president or emperor, often occurred in Rome and now currently in the United States; thus bringing together the similarities between Rome and the United States.

A current event that also relates to an event that occurred in Rome is the retirement of someone or allowing someone else to take over. This happened in an elementary school in the United States, when a dean of students decided to step down. An example of how this relates to Rome is when the emperor Nerva is told to step up as emperor. Just like the man who will replace this school dean. It may not be a big as step as becoming emperor, but it relates to the passing on of power. It occurs every day in the United States. A quote that supports this statement is from the dean himself, “There’s no doubt a building this large has some unique opportunities and challenges.”(Linda,2011) This quote describes what it is like to lead a community, in Rome’s case a country.

A final example of how the U.S is a modern day Roman Empire is the conflict with Iraq. As Rome had problems with other countries, so did the United States. Rome was often fought between the Spartans and Athenians. The United States tried to move into Iraq. These two world power used they’re power. A quote from Judith Kipper on the Iraq problem is, “the American media … never bothered to look on the side of the road … to see what was happening to the Iraqis."(Elizabeth, 2007)

The conflicts, problems and tradition the Roman Empire had, reflects in the United States today. These two world powers were a like in many ways. They quarreled with other countries, changed their rulers and even questioned they’re authority. There are not only modern conflicts outside of the United States that supports how it is a modern “Roman Empire”, also inside its own country conflicts can arise.

Works Cited

Christopher, Rugaber. (2011). Nation should "not panic".

Linda, Vanderwerf. (2011). Nathan cox selected to be new principle at rosevelt elementary school.

Elizabeth, Hurley. (2007). "sincere effort being made to tell the whole iraq story".

Question 4

I chose the first article by N.R Kleinfeld because it is a more one person approach to the opinions of 9/11. It does not have an open argeument, but instead a point is stated. This reminds me of Thucydides, who was more of a one point of view writer. He did not chose to allow others opinions in. He chose to state his only instead. This article is very one opinionated and does not allow the reader to participate or does not seem friendly to the others opinion. This reminds me greatly of the one minded Thucydides.It also has an almost negative feel to the paper.

N.R, Kleingfeild. (Sept. 7, 2007). September 11, 2001.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/sept_11_2001/index.html?scp=1&sq=9/11%20articles&st=cse


The second article I chose was by Liz Robbins, it is a more factual and less personal paper. It is also a paper that can easily be debated. It is not very opinionated but instead tells more of a story. It reminds me of Herodotus' writing because he was more of a story teller. He would even perform his "stories" or tales at events, such as the Olympic Games. 


Liz, Robbins. (January 18, 2011). First trade center officers to be in place by sept 11.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/19/nyregion/19wtc.html?ref=sept112001

Question 3

There are many different views for different cultures on how we will be received in the afterlife. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the spirit Ca would come and judge your heart. Therefore they would remove your most vital organs, such as the heart brian etc... After the Ca came to judge you it would weigh your heart and if your heart was lighter than a feather you could not move on and instead would live in a world of limbo. If your heart was the same then you were able to move to the next round of the afterlife. This was meeting the Lord and Lady or the underworld:Osiris and Isis. After getting through this the spirit would live in the underworld/ afterlife forever and would fulfill his craft that he had on earth.

The Greeks thought differently about the world afterlife. They believed that right after death you would become a puff of air or even a part of the wind. Then rituals would be performed on the body. Some of the rituals were to dress the body and then have the burial. Many times women performed this task. They believed that you would travel to the underworld where Hades, the brother of the Greek god Zeus lived. Suposibly you would live there forever. The Ancient Egyptians and the Greeks both had very different processes. The Egyptians process was more complicated and there were several different routes you could take. Depending on how you were on earth. While the Greeks believed that they all went to one place, the underworld. Meaning it did not depend on what you did on earth, unless you were a god. A similarity is that the body is buried either way. The differences between these two cultures are drastic.


E.A Walls, Budge. (1895). The book of the dead.


Department of Greek and Roman Art. "Death, Burial, and the Afterlife in Ancient Greece". InHeilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/dbag/hd_dbag.htm (October 2003)
:Death, Burial, and the Afterlife in Ancient Greece | Thematic Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Question 2

1. The Agriculture Revolution was very important to the development of cities because it brought new idea's to a new era. In this era developments were made economically. Changes were made industrally as well. It took place in Mesopotamia, where the climate and type of farm land were not what was needed to grow crops. The people there adjusted to this and dug trenches to allow water to flow through their land to help with crops. It also moisterized the soil. People started to build houses out of mud and used the resources they had. This was a benefit because the mud made the room inside moist during the hot weather.








2.








3. The agricultural standards we have today are very high. Now lets take a look at what would happen if our agriculture failed. Agriculture is not just farming it effects many large groups of things. Without this we would loose all contacts with the world. We would loose what we survive on, food. We would also loose what we live in, houses or living spaces.
The Agriculture system feeds into farming and creating crops. Without crops we are unable to produce food, which is very influential and we need this to survive. The Agricultural system helps control wildlife and ecosystems. These are big contributors. To think, what if we were not the biggest population on the earth, what if some other animal was? What if one of our most valuable food sources went extinct. Each country expects something in return for the resources they provide us, if we had no resources to give, then it could lead to the cut off of communication with other countries. The Agricultural system also feeds into landscaping and industrial needs we as Americans have. Without these things we don't have a solid place to live or machinery to produce clothing and other needs we have to survive. These are all ideas we need to think about . What would happen if our Agriculture System collapsed?

Question 1

http://todaysmeet.com/jcexam

Freshman Year

Grace attended her freshman year and learned a lot. She learned about how to handle stressful situations and how sometimes you need to listen to your parents. Grace was very terrified at first, but realized that with friends and faith, she would make it through her freshman year. Grace made a bunch of new friends on XC and Track, she learned that before running you must stretch also. She got injured and had to sit out, but frequently went to physical therapy. After a couple of months her I.T band got better and she went to BAAC to run because her brother swims there. During springtime she was on track and loved it, her events were the 100 and 300 meter hurdles.
She found out how she learned and hoped that next year she will know what to do with school. Grace is hopeful to not be a Freshman soon. She is also excited about Chem next year. Grace enjoyed her freshman year a lot and learned different things about herself. Her favorite subject was Bio because she enjoys the sciences. In West Civ she became a better writer and read lots in English. Grace learned about Algebra II as well. Grace learned that she is not a visual learner and needs to write things out several times to get the point. She found out her strengths and weakness.

Grace had a lot of fun at the school dances and loved Homecoming. She was sad that she did not go to Sadie Hawkins, but is looking forward to Homecoming next year.She has met many good friends, like Quinn, Katherine, Kirsten, Travis, Katie and Sarah etc... She loves her classes and free mods.Grace is looking forward to her next three years at John Carroll.

For Emily

http://www.dillards.com/product/Masquerade-LaceDetailed-Dress_301_-1_301_502606098?splashlink=jr_tc1_dresses

For Sydney

http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD544096

Story Book

http://storybird.com/books/the-story-of-jerusalems-team-captain/?token=9w89x5

Essay 4 Final

The Middle Ages evolved over hundreds of years and was influenced by many factors, but none as great as Charlemagne.  A Christian leader noted for his influence and power in Rome and Eastern Europe, Charlemagne never sought to be King, but came to power reluctantly by circumstance when his father died. Charlemagne was an unusual ruler because he insisted on spreading his faith with his people.  His insistence on sharing his faith is the main reason why Christianity grew during the Middle Ages. Charlemagne organized and strengthened the faith through a large following of believers. Because Charlemagne’s reign is synonymous with the evolution of Christianity during the Middle Ages, studying Charlemagne is essential to understanding the culture of the Middle Ages.  

            Charlemagne was born in 742 and son of Pippin III. “When Pepin died in 768, his kingdom was divided between his two sons and for three years Charlemagne ruled with his younger brother Carloman.” (Britannica, 1994)  Although the brothers competed between each other, they coexisted. It was the death of Carloman to an illness that propelled Charlemagne to complete power over his brother’s nation. This circumstance was important because now Charlemagne had no one to stand in his way or that of his faith.  Charlemagne became eager to expand his rule and pursued more power by moving into Eastern Europe and Rome.

            Charlemagne was a different emperor; he was a Christian and wanted to spread his beliefs. This great emperor was one of the reason’s the church became so popular. The idea of Christianity was not popular at the time and caused a stir. “He invaded Saxony in 772 and eventually achieved its total conquest and conversion to Christianity. He also extended his dominance to the south, conquering the kingdom of the Lombard’s in northern Italy” . (BBC, 2011)  This  quote describes Charlemagne’s steps to spreading Christianity throughout his kingdom and others. Eventually Charlemagne showed his support of Christianity by saving the Pope from a rebellion. Charlemagne’s actions increases awareness of the Christian faith in the Middle Ages.

            Charlemagne’s conviction and determination regarding his faith drew many followers to him. He was skilled in convincing people to believe and trust in the Christian faith. “He also attempted to consolidate Christianity throughout his vast empire. He persuaded many eminent scholars to come to his court and established a new library of Christian and classical works.” (BBC,2011) Charlemagne continued to spread Christianity with every conquer he made. He was tenacious. Charlemagne knew that bringing scholars and knowledgeable believers together would only stabilize the Christian faith.   

            Altogether, Charlemagne’s reign went hand-in-hand with the growth of Christianity during the Middle Ages. At no time did Charlemagne conquer without the name of Christianity. Each nation he touched, he left strong with the Christian faith. This desire to combine faith with leadership made Charlemagne different from the other emperors of this time period. By promoting Christianity, Charlemagne united his subjects through faith and empowered them to appreciate and practice their faith with the support of scholars and libraries. The movement that Charlemagne started affected the people and culture of the Middle Ages as it opened ideas to a new way of thinking. Charlemagne’s impact on the Middle Ages was huge and unreplaceable.

Works Cited

Britannica,. (1994). Charlamagne biography. <http://www.biography.com/articles/Charlemagne-37817?part=9>

BBC, Initials. (2011). Charlemagne. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/charlemagne.shtml>

Essay 4

The Middle Ages was a quickly evolving time period, where history waited for no one. To understand this the reign of Charlamagne is greatly needed. The reign of Charlamagne shows how much power, this Christian leader had and how he influenced Rome and Eastern Europe. Charlamagne changed Rome and other cultures in many ways. Charlamagne’s reign was greatly important and relevant to learning about the Middle Ages because Charlamagne represents Chrisitanity evolving during this time period.

            Charlamagne was born in 742, he was son of Pippin III. Pippin III eventually passed away “When Pepin died in 768, his kingdom was divided between his two sons and for three years Charlemagne ruled with his younger brother Carloman.” Both brothers were competition against the other and it soon showed. Charlemagne gained reign over his brother when he died of an illness. This was very important because now Charlemagne had no one to stand in his way for now. Later on Charlemagne took over parts of Eastern Europe and Rome.

            Charlamagne was a different and almost odd emperor because of his faith. Charlamagne was a Christian and wanted to spread the word throughout his kingdom and others. This was a difference idea for the culture and time period because Christians were usually persecuted. “He invaded Saxony in 772 and eventually achieved its total conquest and conversion to Christianity. He also extended his dominance to the south, conquering the kingdom of the Lombards in northern Italy. “ This quotes describes Charlamagne’s steps to spreading Chrisitanity throughout his kingdom and others. Eventually Charlamagne saved the Pope from a rebellion and showed how he supported his “faith”. He brought awareness of Christian faith in the Middle Ages.

            Charmalagne was a huge influence through his charm and conviction, he had many followers. He used these particular traits to convince people to believe and trust the Christian faith. “He also attempted to consolidate Christianity throughout his vast empire. He persuaded many eminent scholars to come to his court and established a new library of Christian and classical works.” Charlamagne tried very hard to make a mark with Christianity and with every conquer made Christianity was spread. This quote shows how he convinced many to follow him and believe in him.

            Altogether Charlamagne put his efforts into spreading Christianity throughout nations. This was a huge difference in an emporer in this time period. By promoting Chrisitanity Charlamagne opened many doors for Christianity to be appreaciated and practiced. He was a huge part of the Middle Ages and is greatly needed to understand it.

Essay 3 Final Draft

Grace Leung

4/27/11

West Civ Essay 3

            

The traditions of structure and patterns in Romanesque and Gothic Churches are truly diverse. Each of these different and detailed types of churches represents something. The Gothic churches show how important it was to be a community and how close the community was, with crypts underneath the church. While the Romanesque churches describe how important privacy was and how closer of the soul was a big part of a person’s life. Romanesque and Gothic churches show how important theology was to each ones culture, through the appearance of their diverse structures.

            

Both Gothic and Romanesque churches tell their theologies by just one look. Gothic churches have many different features. One is the attempt to look like German towns. In figure 1 this is succeeded as the top of the church has a point to it, just like houses in Germany often do. This church looks almost roomy and very large. Community, being very important, was one contributor to the size and architecture of this church. The theology for the Gothic church was to show how important it was to let God in. This structure is a very good example, since the church is very open looking. In figure 2 this is a Romanesque church. It has thick walls and a concealed look, while the Gothic church is the opposite. The lack in openings is evident and the high towers show how secluded it is. It was very important to this particular theology to work on your inner self, making this a great example, since the church is very enclosed.

           

It is evident how different these two churches can be, the difference in each ones theology is a contributor to the contrasts. Figure 3 is decorative for a Gothic church, but is still relevant to what a Gothic church looks like. This church has a very high ceiling and a wide area. It has many windows, to show how “open” it is. Figure 4, the Romanesque church, is very confined looking; there are not doors on the side of the church. The windows on this church are completely open and surrounded by a brick looking material. The solitude look of this church gives off vibes that it is very serious and almost a judge mental atmosphere.

            

The Gothic tradition is a more open and an open, society like tradition. Figure 5 is a very vivid example of Gothic theology. The church wings are huge and the ceiling is enormous. It is very open and makes a person feel like they could walk right in. It is very much a community place and displays openness towards God. This is exactly what Gothic theology wants to display. An example of a Romanesque church is Figure 6; it is very closed, with a stone structure. Also it is not that high and instead is strong around the base and structure of the church.

 The dissimilarities between these two churches can be of great importance to each ones theology. The Gothic church is very open to the community to experience learning about God together. The Romanesque church is more secluded and focuses more on a person’s inner soul, and their relationship with God. Each church is represented greatly in there look and appearance.

Figure 5: Neo- Gothic Church at Kylemore 

Neo- Gothic Church at Kylemore, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Neo-gothic_church_at_Kylemore.jpg, published August 14, 2009

Figure 2: Ostseite von St. Gereon 

Osteite von St. Gereon, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Gereon_K%C3%B6ln_-_Ostseite_(2520).jpg, published Jun 1, 2008

 

 Figure 3: Reims Cathedral Notre Dame Interior 

Reims Cathedral Notre Dame Interior, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Reims_Cathedrale_Notre_Dame_interior_002.JPG,  published January 28, 2008

 Figure 4: 

Saint Andreas Church 

Saint Andreas Church, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kosciol_sw._Andrzeja_w_Krakowie.jpg, published December 1999

 Figure 1: Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame 

Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:ReimsCattedraleEsternoAbside.jpg, published November 2008

Figure 6: Church of Holy Trinity and Virgin Mary 

Church of Holy Trinity and Virgin Mary, 13^th Century, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Strzelno_3.JPG, published 2005

Essay 3

Grace Leung

4/27/11

West Civ Essay 3

            The traditions of structure, and patterns in Romanesque and Gothic Churches are truly diverse. Each of these different and detailed types of  churches represent something. The Gothic churches show how important it was to be a community and how close the community was, with crips underneath the church. While the Romanesque churches describe how important privacy was and how closer of the soul was a big part of a person’s life. Romanesque and Gothic churches are well represented through the diversity of each’s architecture and appearance.

            Both Gothic and Romanesque churches tell their own story, by just one look. Gothic churches have many different features, one is the attempt to look like German towns. In figure 1 this is succeeded as the top of the church has a point to it. This church looks almost roomy and very large, community was one contributor to the size and architecture of this church. The church looks very open and has many different openings. In figure 2 this is a Romanesque church. It has thick walls and a concealed look, while the Gothic church is the opposite. The lack in openings is evident and the high towers show how succluded it is. This is what the Romanesque churches went for.

            It is evident how different these two churches can be, each church may symbolize something different to add to the contrast. Figure 3 is decorative for a Gothic church, but is still relevant to what a Gothic church looks like. This church has a very high ceiling and a wide area. It is very spacious. Figure 4, the Romanesque church is very secluded looking there are no doors on the side, but only visible on the front. The windows are completely open and thick brick it the base for this structure.

            The Gothic tradition is a more open and an open society like tradition. Figure 5 is a very vivid example of Gothic tradition. It’s wings on the church are huge and the ceiling enormous. It is very open and makes a person feel like they could walk right in. An example of a Romanesque church is Figure 6, it is very closed, with a stone structure. Also it is not that high and instead is strong around the base and structure of the church.

            The dissimilarities between these two traditional churches vary from large ones and small ones. The Gothic tradition is to have many fancy windows, while Romanesque is to have open windows on brick layer walls. This little difference is very signifigant. Another different that stood out in these few examples was the number of openings in the churches and how open it seemed to the community. The Gothis and Romanesque are truly different in the simplest and unimaginable ways.

Figure 1

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/ReimsCattedraleEsternoAbside.jpg/679px-ReimsCattedraleEsternoAbside.jpg

Figure 2

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/St._Gereon_K%C3%B6ln_-_Ostseite_%282520%29.jpg/400px-St._Gereon_K%C3%B6ln_-_Ostseite_%282520%29.jpg

Figure 3

 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/30/St._Mary%27s_Basilica_Cracow_interior.jpg/800px-St._Mary%27s_Basilica_Cracow_interior.jpg

Figure 4

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/05/Kosciol_sw._Andrzeja_w_Krakowie.jpg/361px-Kosciol_sw._Andrzeja_w_Krakowie.jpg

Figure 5

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/ReimsCattedraleEsternoAbside.jpg/679px-ReimsCattedraleEsternoAbside.jpg

Figure 6

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Strzelno_3.JPG/800px-Strzelno_3.JPG

Essay 2 Final

Grace Leung

4/12/11

Western Civ Essay 2

The Roman Empire was one of the strongest empires in the beginning of ancient civilization, yet this large and powerful empire eventually began to fall apart. The Roman Empire began under the rule of Augustus. After August died, the Roman government was in  disarray, especially when choosing a new emperor. The instability in leaders led to dangerous power struggles between competitors for the throne. Rome’s large military needed to be taken care of and repaid, but the great Roman Empire could not care for its soldiers. The Roman Empire’s lack of structure and discipline among those who ruled the Roman Empire caused it to fall.

The first step to the weakening of the Roman Empire involved the end of the blood line of Augustus. When the throne ran out of heirs, the Roman people had to fill the Emperor’s  position with non-royalty. This difficulty created many power struggles between people who wanted the throne. Although the Roman people were allowed to vote, the voting process was influenced most by the wealthiest people. “Even the system of voting was weighted to give more influence to the votes of the wealthy” (Beard, 2011). The wealthy had a greater voice in government because they were more educated and could afford to spend time and money supporting who they wanted to rule. This partiality to the wealthy would threaten the structure of the Roman Empire.

A second step that hastened the decline of the Roman Empire involved the increasing number of people seeking the power of the Empire and their undisciplined behavior. Because an Emperor had to be voted in, many sought to control the government that previously had been only available to a royal succession. The normal place or forum where politics were discussed and an emperor was chosen quickly became chaotic and undisciplined. According to one ancient writer,“ this was when daggers first entered the forum” (Beard, 2011). The intensity of the Roman forum was high during discussions for the new emperor and tempers were short. The forum’s lack of discipline undermined the Roman Empire’s power because it hurt the voting process.

The strongest evidence of the weakening of the Roman Empire was concerning its treatment of Roman soldiers. The Roman Empire was built on its extremely large and strong military. Many soldiers returning from war campaigns fell into poverty because they were not paid by the Roman government as promised. The government was disorganized and could not pay its military. “How were the needs of such soldiers to be met?” (Beard, 2011) became a growing concern for many of the people because they were soldiers themselves or related to soldiers. When the Roman Empire cannot pay its military, it is in true economic crisis. With so many dissatisfied veterans, few people wanted to risk their lives to defend the Roman Empire from threats from other countries. This unrest in the Roman people caused the Roman Empire to crumble..

Although the Roman Empire began strong, it began its decline when heirs to the throne were gone. The instability of the government was reflected in the struggles for power as well as the decrease in ideas and increase of  influence among the wealthiest of the Roman people. Those who had privilege and money influenced the process of voting held in the forum. Soldiers who fought long and hard for Rome returned home to poverty, and many of the Roman people grew resentful. The Roman Empire fell because of its own inability to stay focused and organized through economic turmoil.

Works Cited

Beard, Mary. (2011). The fall of the roman republic. BBC.

Evans, J. A. S. "Roman Empire." New Catholic Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. Vol. 12. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 299-322. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 12 Apr. 2011.

Essay 2

Grace Leung

4/12/11

Western Civ Essay 2

Question: Did the Roman Empire 'decline and fall' or did it evolve into something new?

Thesis: The Roman Empire did fall, the cause of this tragedy was the lack of structure in the Roman Government and the lack of discipline among those who ruled the Roman Empire.

The Roman Empire was one of the strongest empires in the beginning of ancient civilization, this large and powerful empire eventually made a large decline. The Roman Empire was first ruled by Augustus, the Roman government was also in a disarray, in choosing the new emperors. This eventually lead to dangerous power struggles between competator’s to the throne. Rome’s large military needed to be taken care of and repaid for their time served, but the great Roman Empire could not help their own soldiers. The Roman Empire did fall and the cause of this tragedy was the lack of structure in the Roman Government and the lack of discipline among those who ruled the Roman Empire.   The Roman Empire did not fall, but instead grew into a different type of government over the years and course of its history.

The government in Rome was a system at the beginning of its empire. The first ruler of Rome of Augustus, who later died leaving his throne to his hiers. The people chosen to rule the throne were not always family, there were many power struggles between people who wanted the throne. Voting for an emperor was based on more of the wealthiest people’s votes, even though the Roman people also had a great amount of influence. “Even the system of voting was weighted to give more influence to the votes of the wealthy. Yet ultimate power lay with the Roman people.”(Beard, 2011) The wealthy were very influential to who was in the government and had a certain amount of control. This was not completely fair to the poor or the un-wealthy. This shows that the Roman Empire was not organized and very partial to those who had the most “worth” in society.

The Roman Empire was controlled by a number of different rulers, this was caused by the amount of desire for power. The Roman Government has a forum, where the new emperor of Rome is chosen. This is a very important meeting. “As one ancient writer put it, this was when 'daggers first entered the forum'.”(Beard, 2011) This quote describes how the intensity of the Roman forum and how much it mounted during 133 B.C. A man named Gracchus, purposed an idea to help the poor. This strong idea was genius, unfortunately Gracchus went straight to the Roman people. This angered the forum causing an uproar in the Roman people.

The Roman Empire also was very strong in its army and it’s military. Many soldiers coming back from the war went into poverty causing an economic obstacle. “How were the needs of such soldiers to be met? Who in Rome was to profit from its empire, which already stretched from Spain to the other end of the Mediterranean?”(Beard, 2011) This quote describes the economic crisis that occurred in Rome after the soldiers came home from war. Rome needed to supply all their soldiers with their needs, but could not afford to. This was a huge part of Rome’s downfall because of threats from other countries, causing Rome to need its army in a big way.

The Roman Empire was a strong empire that fell through the lack of a stable government. Another contribution to the demolishion to this powerful government was the fall of its forum and new ideas coming to the surface. The Roman Empire falling was a very tragic time for Rome since it was such a powerful country.

Works Cited

Beard, Mary. (2011). The fall of the roman republic. BBC.

Evans, J. A. S. "Roman Empire." New Catholic Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. Vol. 12. Detroit: Gale, 2003. 299-322. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 12 Apr. 2011

Stoicism Essay Final

 Grace Leung

4/6/11

Seneca

The Death of Seneca

            Although forced to suffer an unjust and painfully cruel death, Seneca epitomized Stoicism in his actions and words till his last breath. Convicted of a crime he did not commit, Seneca took the accusations dispassionately. When he received his death sentence by the tribune, he remained unmoved. Even when his beloved wife proclaimed that she wanted to die with him and the physical punishment began, Seneca remained calm. Stoicism is a belief that when confronted with hardships one has to control their emotions; the events surrounding the deaths of Seneca are a perfect demonstration of Stoicism in action.

            Seneca was a man accused of plotting against the famous ruler Nero. Seneca heard of the accusations against him while dinning with his wife and family. When he was brought before the tribune, Seneca remained calm and pointed.  He was asked to describe Seneca’s reaction, he “asserted that he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his (Seneca’s) looks” (Tacitus).  There were no cries of injustice from Seneca. No attempt to change refute the charges against him. A prime example of stoic behavior, Seneca remained unmoved before his accusers.

Even when Seneca was told of his death sentence, he remained stoic. Seneca “quite unmoved, asked for tablets” (Tacitus) to end his life. And when the centurion refused this, Seneca quietly “turned to his friends, protesting that as he was forbidden to requite them, he bequeathed to them the only, but still the noblest possession yet remaining to him, the pattern of his life, which, if they remembered, they would win a name for moral worth and steadfast friendship.”(Tacitus). Still Seneca remained calm and steadfast. Seneca showed how noble he was in this quote and he also showed how willing he was in taking his death sentence. Offering to take the pills was a calm reaction to Seneca knowing he would eventually die. He was the perfect example of stoicism. .

            The last test to Seneca’s stoic beliefs was in his wife’s plea that she would follow him in death. He stoicly told her "I have shown you ways of smoothing life; you prefer the glory of dying. I will not grudge you such a noble example. Let the fortitude of so courageous an end be alike in both of us, but let there be more in your decease to win fame."(Tacitus) His steadfast love has him have her taken away, so she does not endure the pain that he has to. Seneca is calm when she begs him to let her die with him. He simply does not make an emotional parting but instead sends his wife away from harm’s way.

            Seneca was a man who was a perfect example of a Stoic. He showed no emotion in painful situations and in the face of fear. He was steadfast and determined to let no one stand in his way. Seneca’s death and every element surround it perfectly exemplified for his belief in stoicism. Seneca applied his beliefs to his life and demonstrated perfectly the belief of stoicism.

Work Cited

Tacitus: the death of seneca, 65 ce. Tacitus: The Death of Seneca, 65 CE. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/tacitus-ann15a.html>