Week 5 Part 2 Blog 4

Were the Julio-Claudians really as bad as they seem?


The Julio- Claudians were not as bad as they seem, they were simply a large family that controlled many generations of Rome. The first descendant was Augustus, who kept Rome's empire instead of a republic. He was not favored by the Roman people but married off his daughter to a son in law to find someone to rule the throne. His son in law was Tiberus, he had already gained power from his father and did not need to prove himself. There later was a struggle for power between Tiberus' heirs. Tiberus named the two different successors equal heirs, Tiberus Germella and Germanicus. These two emperors lead to many other successors, such as the famous emperor Claudius. The family of the Julio Claudians were simply two families combined, with many successors throughout Roman history. Many of these people were influential, Claudius is just one example. Claudius is famous for the death of Germanicus, which lead to him ruling the throne. Treason and drama also occured in this large family, this contributed to their influential image through Rome.

Week 5 Part 2 Blog 3

Was Rome better off as an 'empire' than as a republic?


Rome was better off a republic because it allowed its citizens to think for themselves, also not one person had all the power. Having a empire also changed a lot, due to the fact that many rulers wanted power, causing a change often. Many feared this huge family because of the great influence they had over Rome. Also the family was almost never ending, since it was so huge they reigned for a while during a certain time period. It is also very unfair to have on particular person decide. This can cause many problems, like revolution because no common ground is found between different views. Republic's also thrive more, many world powers are republic such as the U.S. We have a very successful country. Another republic is England, which is also a world power. Many countries that are in a empire do not thrive as well, such as China. China is like an empire, the rulers enforce rules without much freedom for their people. An example is of how in China, when one person speaks against their leaders they are cut out of society.Rome was better off as a republic, allowing the people freedom and decision. 

Week 5 Part 2 Blog 2

 Why do many historians consider Hadrian to have been the "best emperor"?


There are many different reasons why historians considered Hadrian to be the best emporer. One reason is he in all had a very smooth rule. He was also a very fair leader. He was a good influence to many people of Rome and built many famous monuments. He was a humanist, that wanted to help those of the people, who were in need and create prosperity among the Roman people as well. He traveled to all parts of his kingdom and made it easy for his people to relate to him. He slept among his soliders and humbled himself to them. Hadrian, might have been born into power, but made sure that he showed how honor he was to posses such power. Hadrian might have often been an admirer of the military, but truly believed in "peace through strength". Another reason he was a rare case of an emperor was he thought highly of the arts and cherished them. Hadrian had many valid reasons to why many historians considered him the "best emperor".

Week 5 Unit 2 Blog 1

 Do you think Caesar's killers were justified in their actions?


I do not think Caesar's killers were justified in their actions because he did not do anything wrong or to try and hurt the Roman people he cared so much about. It was also unfair because when Caesar was killed he did not even get the chance to go to his trial. Caesar only meant to help his people, but because the senate did not like his ways, they acted against him. Caesar also had an unfair advantage when he was murdered because it was a group of men against one. These killers were not justified in their actions, Caesar was willing to go on trial and never had the chance. So therefore he was really assasinated for no reason because if he had gone on trial he probably would have been executed anyway. This murder was just to make sure that he did not survive. There was no reason for these killers to assasinate him because all he did was threaten their power, he could have easily brought his army against them. It was very wrong and unneeded in the killing of Caesar, just because he wanted to change Rome to benefit its people does not justify the murder's actions. 

Week 5 Blog 4

 What elements of the Roman Republican political and legal system appear present in the systems of modern democracies?




There are many similarities in our political and legal system to the Roman Republic. One similarity is we both have military. Military is also a very big part of our country, as well as the Roman Republic. Another similarity is we both have a senate or people who represent different areas. Also not only one person made a single decision, other people had to have input or the majority vote. Another similarity is trial, a person could not just be put to death, they had to go through a trial just like in the U.S. Another similarity is of how the ruler, does not have all the influence and must be voted on. There are many similarities between the Roman Republic, and our governments or democracy's today. 

Week 5 Blog 3

 Imagine you are a Roman in the year 264 BCE (the year of the 1st Punic War). What does your future look like? Then, look at the world around you today. What does your future look like? Think about politics, technology, culture, dominance, balance.


If I were a Roman during this harsh time period, I probably would not have a very strong looking future. The war going on was very hard, confining people to their particular areas. It was also a evenly matched war and almost confusing. This was a very difficult time to grow up in, especially for women. Many people lost family members because of large numbers lost in battle. Rome was in favor to win these battles because of their massive army. Politics were strewn everywhere since the war brought on new ideas. Technology was also pushed to the next level because of different ways to use things were established. Technology was greatly affected by the war, more war machines were created, opening opportunities. The balance, was very hard because each force was equal to the other.

Week 5 Blog 2

Please write a brief biography of Hannibal and explain whether or not you think his reputation (in Roman eyes) as a monster was deserved.


Hannibal was known as one of the most talented war leaders in history. Hannibal made his mark when he took on the Roman army, when they attempted to take over Carthage. Hannibal's troops were completely out numbered by the Roman empire. The Roman's gathered their best troops for this battle, thinking they could finish them off. Hannibal did the unexpected and retreated some of his calvary causing the Roman army to be surrounded. This was one of the most embarrassing battles for the Romans. It was also very high in casualties because of the huge slaughter the Romans underwent. Hannibal showed that he was a strong leader and very capable of leading an army, with this famous battle strategy. After this huge battle the Roman's were scared of Hannibal because of how he conquered and slaughtered their huge army with one swift movement. Hannibal's reputation as an monster was very well deserved because he slaughtered the Roman army with his small force. He also caused a great embarrassment to the Roman army, this made him an even scarier figure. Hannibal did deserve his reputation as an monster, since he was such a feared leader in the war. 

Week 5 Daily 1

 How was the Struggle of the Orders influential on later Roman politics?


The "struggle of orders", is basically the transfer of power from the king to senate. Back in the roman time period this was very reoccurring. There were two classes, the Plebians and Partricians.The Plebeins were very poor people who's job's were mostly solider's for the war and low jobs. The Partricians were wealthy and well off, with very high paying jobs and sometimes wealth by a family member. The Plebeins eventually took control of the government and they forced the Partricians to make a law stating they could veto any other laws by any other tribes. This gave the Plebeins many rights and power. This simple change in the government lead to the Laws of Twelve Tables. This gave the Plebeins the right to marry the Partricians. The Plebeins gained power from doing this, making them most powerful and very influential on the government. Overall this influenced Roman politics by making them more complicated and mixed. These orders brought two groups together. 

Essay/ Weekly

Grace Leung

3/9/11

Western Civilization Essay

The life of Alexander the Great was a huge adventure that took him across continents and earned him his reputation of greatness.  The son of a prominent King, Alexander would quickly surpass his father’s reputation and make his own as a brilliant military leader. Tutored by Aristotle and pushed by his ambitious mother, Alexander sought greatness and believed it was his destiny. Even as a prince, Alexander found success on the battlefield. Alexander’s conquests as the ruler of Macedonia would take him across the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa making his rule worthwhile and influential throughout the world.  

After King Phillip’s murder, Alexander easily took over rule of the Macedonian army and quickly sought to fulfill his father’s lifelong ambition of bringing down the Persian Empire. He mobilized his army and marched toward Egypt taking all cities with ease, except Tyre which he battled over for close to seven months. Ironically, the seizes of Tyre and Gaza brought about a letter from the King of Persia, Darius, who attempted to invoke a truce with Alexander, but it was refused as Alexander would not have any peace unless the entire Persian Empire was given to him. By the time Alexander reached the heart of Egypt, the Persian satrap welcomed Alexander and surrendered without a fight. Taking each city with brutal force, Alexander was known for slaughtering the men and leaving women and children for slavery. Alexander had successfully taken Egypt and promptly called a son of a god, for all his power and reign by the liberated Persians.

Having several victories behind him, Alexander continued to move toward his ultimate goal- the Persian Empire. Darius continued to flee Alexander, even leaving behind his wife and children in Tyre. Alexander was noted for treating them like royalty and not harming them. Alexander traveled to the center of Persia’s rule, Persepolis. Alexander attempted to beat Darius with a risky battle strategy which caused Darius to flee from battle yet again. Eventually Alexander caught up to Darius, but to find him already murdered by a fellow Persian, and close friend. Alexander claimed Persia, making him more powerful than ever. Conquering the Persian Empire was a smart and well-constructed move made by Alexander. He also took his first wife, Roxana, a known beauty among Persians and from Persepolis.

Despite having achieved his ultimate victory over the whole Persian Empire, Alexander would chose to continue his ambitious campaign seeking to rule the Far East. His army would divide due to disillusionment, and his most formidable opponent would be a former ally, Spitamenes. Alexander would not win a victory over Spitamenes for two years when he would finally gain control of the Sogdianian region, present-day Afghanistan. It is from this region that Alexander would take his first wife, Roxana, in an attempt to gain allegiance from the locals. A successful strategy that Alexander used when seeking governors for his conquered cities- he gained allegiance by chosing a person from the area. After this victory, Alexander led his troops to another hard battle with India, an area in present-day western Pakistan. Like all the battles before, Alexander proved a genius at battle strategy and won over the Indians. Yet with seven years of marching and fighting done, it is no wonder that Alexander’s troops wanted to turn around, and they talked of a mutiny after the Indian area was won. Although Alexander wanted to press forward toward China, he realized that without his men he could not and began to head homeward.  

          Alexander’s influences are seen today in the trades and sharing of cultures as well as in his brilliance as a military leader. Throughout his rule, Alexander sought to fulfill his destiny as a great leader. He used the wisdom gained through tutoring with Aristotle and the ambition shared by his mother to propel him through his campaigns. Fantastic strategies where shown at each battle while clever decisions were made when choosing who would govern newly won cities. Each step towards victory was a step closer to ultimate control for Alexander. His title of greatness is truly a reflection of his amazing life and its impact on the world as we know it today. 






Works Cited
"SparkNotes: Alexander the Great." SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides. Web. 11 Mar. 2011. <http://www.sparknotes.com/biography/alexander>.
"Alexander the Great." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 11 Mar. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great>.

Week 5 Blog 8

What do you think should have been done after Alexander's death?
After Alexander's death there should have been a uniting of the countries he conquered. Unfortunately Alexander died of a fever from drinking. This was tragic because he died very young at the age of thirty two. Alexander's death was not expected and very unusual. There are also many allegations of foul play or treason. This has never been proven but there are many speculations. Alexander's body was moved around a lot by his successor's. Alexander should  have chosen a better heir to his thrown and should have been more careful on how he left his country. He also should have tried to join his country together before his death because many problems were caused by this. He left different areas to different people, which causes confusion throughout the country. Alexander did not choose wisely, he should have carefully chosen one heir and then created laws and regulations for his country. 

Weekly 5

Grace Leung

3/4/11

Western Civilization

Question: Does Power Corrupt? How or How Not? Why or Why Not? Do you think Alexander was corrupted? And who influenced whom the most: Did Persia become more Greek or did Alexander becoming more Persian?

Power corrupts when it because the focus instead of the tool for achieving greatness, and this was exemplified throughout Alexander the Great’s life. Although born to a well-known ruler, King Phillip, Alexander was influenced most by his mother, Myrtale, and tutor, Aristotle. King Phillip was a successful ruler of Macedonia, but paid little attention to his son while away on campaigns. His mother was ambitious and spent much of Alexander’s younger years focusing him on his destiny as a great ruler. Aristotle was hired by King Phillip to tutor Alexander. Throughout his life, Alexander was pushed to become something great, and focused on achieving power and greatness beyond his father’s rule. Both Myrtale and Aristotles’ influences were evident in Alexander’s campaigns and actions. In the end, the pursuit of power ended up corrupting Alexander’s life as it was the focus of those around him, and eventually his own.

Because King Phillip was busy running a kingdom and pursuing other marriages beyond Alexander’s mother, the influence of Myrtale was quiet intense during Alexander’s formative years. His mother constantly reminded Alexander that he was destined to be great. She also manipulated situations to assure that her son would remain in line for the throne. Many historians believe that it was the influence of Myrtale that prevented Alexander from having a more normal relationship with his father and women. Myrtale passed on her strong desires for power and influence to her son.

Although only with Alexander for a few years of his teens, Aristotle’s influence was strong with Alexander throughout his adulthood. Aristotle was a famous and influential intellect who sparked Alexander’s interest in sciences, especially medicine. Aristotle also had a great respect for hedonism which proposed self-denial and self-control.  He also guided Alexander in viewing outsiders or non-Greeks as barbaric and deserving of slavery status. It was not until Alexander spent time with the Persians that this perception would change.

The influences of Myrtale and Aristotle, and the corruption of power was most obvious in Alexander’s campaigns. Alexander pursued the expansion of his territory with intense focus due mostly to his mother’s influence on him becoming great. Just like his mother pursued Alexander’s rise to power and position, Alexander sought power and expansion. Aristotle’s influences were seen in how Alexander interacted with his troops, often giving them food before eating himself. Aristotle’s greatest influence involved Alexander’s campaign against the ‘barbaric’ Persians. Ironically, it was after Alexander spent time in the company of the Persians and eventually married one that he would come to realize that they were not barbarians. Through Alexander’s marriage and time spent in Persia, he inevitably began to have more respect for Persia and its culture. Although, some Greeks resented Alexander’s new Persian outlook, they were overruled by his authority.

Alexander became ‘Alexander the Great’ because of the corruption of power which was present in his mother and Aristotle who sought to instill ‘greatness’ in Alexander. They both sought power for Alexander, and he came to seek it, too. Alexander the Great spent much of his time in campaigns pursuing the elusive goal of ultimate control over everyone. In the end, Alexander the Great’s life was filled with corruption because of the power-hungry people who influenced him, and his own ambitious thirst for power.  

Week 5 Blog 8

 Could a force like Alexander the Great exist today? Why or why not?
A force like Alexander could not exist today because of how our government is formed and the circumstances. We no longer have one specific "king", we have different branches of government that work together. During Alexander's time period there was one king the people followed and basically worshiped. Now we do not have that sort of tyranny making it impossible for another person like Alexander the Great to exist today. We do have very influential rulers or war hero's, for example many people can win the medal of honor and be considered a war hero. We also have a leader of our country, but not a king. Our leader is called the president, he runs our country but is treated more like an average person. Alexander was a conquerer, but now people who show a threat against another country are usually inielated before anything horrible could happen, or before they could rise to power. These are reasons why a figure like Alexander could not exist today. 

Week 5 Blog 7

Was Alexander the Great a "good leader"? Compare/Contrast with Pericles.


Alexander was not a cruel leader, he tried to be fair to his people, but often manipulated them. He was considered a "good leader" to many people because of the inspirational speeches he gave at the cry of battle. Alexander was also very selfish and wanted power badly. He risked many lives in doing this, he also earned a reckless reputation. He was ego centric risking his troops and his own life for power. He was dangerous in his ways and he caused many problems with other nations. Pericles was different he instead wanted to do the best for the people. He showed them this by caring and attempting to hear what the people had to say. Pericles was not as ego centric and almost an odd ruler for that time period since he cared about his people. He was willing to listen and wanted to keep them safe. Without a doubt Pericles was a better ruler than Alexander, because of many reasons. Alexander might have been a good leader on the battle lines, with amazing strategies, but he was not ready to take care of his people. 

Week 5 Blog 6

Describe relations between Egypt and Persia before Alexander came on the scene.


The relationship between Egypt and Persia was very complicated and violent. The Egyptians and Persians were at war for a very long time, since both were evenly matched in power and strength. The wars between them continued for centuries. Many times one would come into power over the other and then the other would make a huge comeback. Finally Persia took over Egypt, and the Egyptians were under Persian rule. The Persians were cruel and very unfair to the Eyptian people. Alexander the Great changed this when he came into power. He felt that someone needed to get revenge on the Persians. He eventually took over Persia and conquered the Persians regaining and giving power to the Egyptians.Before Alexander the Great Egypt was falling in part in need of a ruler.The Persians were harsh rulers who had no commpassion for the Egyptians.