Explore BrainMass

Explore BrainMass

    Roman Law, Politics, & Religion

    Politics, law and religion were closely tied together in ancient Rome. Romans attributed their success as a world power to their relationship with the gods, viewing expansionism as a divine duty. Most of their public officials also served as augurs, pontiffs or priests. For example, Caesar was Pontifex Maximus before being elected consul and eventually dictator¹. Religion in ancient Rome was very practical and nature and treated as a contract by many citizens. Spirituality was based on knowledge, praying, ritualizing and sacrificing in the right way to please the forces they believed to control their existence and well-being. Romans worshiped many deities. They had twelve major gods and in some occasions, would even deify their Emperor, including Julius and Augustus¹.

    Rome’s government and politics were dominated by an elite, male, landowning group. Half of Rome’s population was slaves or free non-citizens and most others were plebeians¹. Less than a quarter of adult males had voting rights and even fewer were able to exercise them. Women, as was standard at the time, had no vote². Rome had an impressive system of checks and balances in respect to other civilizations. The senate acted as advisors to the elected consuls and caretaker of the relationship of Rome with the gods².

    As Rome evolved from its Kingdom to Republic to Empire, it gradually became more and more inclusionary. Eventually, most people who acknowledged Roman hegemony and were in good standing would theoretically be able to maintain their own cult and calendars².

     

     

    References:

    1. Roman Religion. Retrieved from http://www.roman-empire.net/religion/religion.html

    2. The Roman Empire. Or Republic. Or...Which Was It?: Crash Course World History. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPf27gAup9U

    © BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com March 28, 2024, 1:48 pm ad1c9bdddf

    BrainMass Solutions Available for Instant Download

    Roman Empire Longevity

    Why was Rome able to maintain an empire that came to dominate the Mediterranean world, whereas the empires that rose in Egypt and Mesopotamia who had more stable and streamlined governments failed to rise to such strength? Be specific in your use of evidence.

    Roman and American Society

    I need help completing a research paper (5 pages not including title or reference pages). I need to compare/contrast Roman Republic with the current day civilization, 2013. (It is my first time using this website. Please contact me if my question was not specific enough. I am also willing to adjust bid as needed since I am not s

    Nero and the Traditional Roles and Expectations of a Roman Emperor

    See attached document. I would like some help with some key points and ideas based around the passage and contextualized around the question. Primary and secondary reference sources would help too. 1. Suetonius, Nero 16 and 18. He devised a new form for the buildings of the city and in front of the houses and apartments he

    The Early Middle Ages

    1)In the 4th century, we see a "triump of Christianity" in Western civilization that would last more than 1,000 years. (please explain) 2) How did increasing contact between Roman civilization and the Germanic barbarians transform both?

    Renaissance Popes

    What are some of the contributions of the "Renaissance Popes"? How did they affect the culture and geography of their time? How did their activities eventually lead to the Protestant reformation?

    Slavery in Roman society

    Slavery was a basic element in Roman society. How were slaves acquired and how were they employed by the Romans? Why did slavery decline in importance?

    Religion in Roman Empire

    My question that I need your help is: 1. Describe how the role of religion within the Roman Empire changed much from its early days to the death of Constantine. Thanks for your assistance!!!

    How Roman History Developed

    Please explain to our study group how the Roman Empire developed from an empire controlled by Rome to an empire in which Rome was simply the biggest city?