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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential comparisons between the Roman Empire and the United States, particularly through literature. Participants explore historical parallels, differences in governance, economic conditions, and the relevance of such comparisons in contemporary contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that there are significant similarities between the Roman Empire and the United States, particularly regarding their origins as republics and their status as superpowers.
  • One participant recommends Peter Heather's book, which discusses the Roman Empire's fall and its emperors, hinting at parallels with U.S. presidential elections.
  • Another participant argues against the relevance of comparisons, stating that the Roman state began as a kingdom and highlighting differences in governance and economic structure.
  • Some participants assert that both empires faced debt issues, with one claiming that the U.S. government has grown similarly to the Roman government in size and scope.
  • Others challenge the notion that the Roman state was in debt, clarifying that while citizens may have been indebted, the state itself was not, and they argue that the economic dynamics were fundamentally different.
  • There are discussions about misconceptions regarding the extent of Roman rule and its awareness of other empires, such as the Han Empire and the legacy of Alexander the Great.
  • Several participants express confusion about the historical context of debt and the implications of comparing the two empires.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for clear arguments supported by peer-reviewed research when making claims about historical comparisons.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit a range of views, with no consensus reached on the validity or relevance of comparing the Roman Empire and the United States. Disagreements persist regarding the economic conditions and governance structures of both entities.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various assumptions about historical governance, economic conditions, and the nature of debt in both empires, indicating that the discussion is influenced by differing interpretations of historical events and contexts.

  • #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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