Can the Roman Empire and the United States be compared through literature?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the comparison between the Roman Empire and the United States, particularly through literature. Participants recommend Peter Heather's "The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians" and "The Roman Emperors" as insightful resources. Key points include the differences in governance, with the U.S. operating as a republic with democratic institutions, unlike the Roman Empire. The conversation also highlights misconceptions about Rome's debt and economic structure, emphasizing the distinct historical contexts of both empires.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Roman history and governance
  • Familiarity with U.S. political structure and history
  • Knowledge of economic principles related to state debt
  • Awareness of historical literature and its analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Read "The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians" by Peter Heather
  • Explore "The Roman Emperors" for insights on imperial governance
  • Investigate the economic structures of ancient Rome and the U.S. through scholarly articles
  • Research the historical context of the Roman Empire's interactions with the Han and Parthian empires
USEFUL FOR

Historians, political scientists, literature enthusiasts, and anyone interested in comparative studies of ancient and modern empires.

  • #61
SW VandeCarr said:
Well, this article essentially dismisses the idea of Jesus in Tibet.

i know, that's why i posted it. although i think the idea is interesting because of what i see as philosophical overlap, i don't much buy the story that notovitch wrote.
 
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  • #62


tiny-tim said:
Socrates (Roman ambassador to the court of Alexander the Small, ruler of Asia Minor) said something like "Who is wise? Only he who is aware of his own ignorance."
I know you're likely not being serious but I'm afraid you hurt me and I must correct you in order to feel better. Socrates was a greek from Athens who died before Alexander was born. Aristotle was the tutor to Alexander the Great, and was also from Athens. All of this happened before Rome was even a minor power, and may not have even been founded.

None of this is controversial and is available on wikipedia and at your local public library
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great
 
  • #63
1. No, Aristotle was from Stageira, not Athens.
2. Already in the late 5th century, Rome was the major power in Latium (a tiny area in Italy)
3. During the latter half of the 4th century (after a setback due to the Gaulish sack in 390 BC), Rome was embroiled in the Samnite wars, i.e, contesting for the hegemony of Italy.
 
  • #64
Damnit!
 
  • #65
I recommend starting with some original readings such as Caesar's Gallic Wars (Part I). Better than some textbook.
 
  • #66
Or you could stick to the classics
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51T2CC10AML._SL500_AA240_.jpg
 
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