Varying views of the roman empire using attached document as sources.
Varying views of the roman empire using attached document as sources. ON Varying
views of the roman empire using attached document as sources.This week, you have
examined the rise and development of the Roman civilization with particular attention
given to the divergent views of the Roman Empire. The glory of the Roman Empire led to
many to ask, “What is a good society?” Drawing evidence from the historical readings for
this week, compose an essay on the varying views of the Roman Empire. There are a range
of issues you may choose to focus on such as what qualities made Rome great, whether God
or the gods had chosen Rome for greatness, and so forth.This essay should be based on the
historical readings from the course. There are no outside sources required for this paper.
Based on your reading and analysis of the historical documents, write an essay based on
your thesis statement. A thesis is a focused argument based on your reading of the historical
documents. The essay should use evidence from the historical documents to your
thesis.Requirements: The essays should be 1000-1250 words in length. The paper should
primarily rely on the historical documents to your thesis.Citation: Any form of citation
(e.g., APA, Turabian) is allowed as long as you remain consistent throughout the paper.
Citations, including in-text citations, do not count towards the overall word total.Varying
views of the roman empire using attached document as
sources.attachment_1attachment_2attachment_3attachment_4attachment_5Unformatted
Attachment PreviewAelius Aristides, The Roman Oration/ The Blessing of the Pax Romana
In 155 AD, Publius Aelius Aristides (117 or 118 – ca. 180), a wealthy landowner whose
family had received Roman citizenship, visited Rome. This was during the reign of
Antoninus (one of the Five Good Emperors) which was a high point for peace and
prosperity within the Roman Empire. Aristides delivered a public speech of praise on the
glories of the Pax Romana. He captured the seintiments of many of the educated elite within
the Roman Empire at that time. “It is an age-old tradition that travelers who journey forth
on land or water offer a prayer whereby they pledge to fulfill some vow – something they
have on their mind – on reaching their destination safely…. The vow I took as I journeyed
here was not the usual stupid and irrelevant sort, nor was it one unrelated to the art I
profess. I simply vowed that, if I arrived safely, I would …You do not reign within fixed
boundaries, and another state does not dictate the limits of the land you control; rather, the
sea [Mediterranean Sea] extends like a belt, situated in the middle of the civilized world and
in the middle of the land over which you rule. Around that sea lie the great continents
[Africa, Asia, and Europe] massively sloping down to it, forever offering you in full measure

what they possess…. Whatever each culture grows and manufactures cannot fail to be here
at all times and in great profusion. Here merchant vessels arrive carrying these many
commodities from every region in every season and even at every equinox [without any
break], so that the city takes on the appearance of a sort of common market for the world.
One can see cargoes from India and even, if you will, from southern Arabia in such numbers
that one must conclude that the trees in those lands have been stripped bare, [of aromatics
from southern Arabia and various spices from India and points east] and if the inhabitants
of those lands need anything, they must come here to beg for a share of what they have
produced…. Your farmlands are Egypt, Sicily, and all of cultivated Africa. Varying views of
the roman empire using attached document as sources.Seaborne arrivals and departures
are ceaseless, to the point that the wonder is, not so much that the harbor has insufficient
space for all these merchant vessels, but that the sea has enough space (if it really does).
Just as … there is a common channel where all waters of the Ocean [Ancient Greek and
Roman geographers believed that the three continents were surrounded by a single great
ocean.] have a single source and destination, so that there is a common channel to Rome
and all meet here: trade, shipping, agriculture, metallurgy – all the arts and crafts that are or
ever were and all things that are produced or spring from the earth. What one does not see
here does not exist. So it is not easy to decide which is the greater: the superiority of this
city relative to cities that presently exist, or the superiority of this empire relative to all
empires that ever existed … As vast and comprehensive as its size is, your empire is much
greater for its perfection than for the area its borders encircle…. The entire civilized world
prays with one voice that this empire endure forever…. For of all who have ever gained an
empire, you alone rule over free men…. You, who conduct public business throughout the
whole civilized world exactly as if it were one city-state, appoint governors, as if it were by
election, to protect and care for the governed, not to act as slave masters over them…. One
could say that the people of today are ruled by governors sent out to them only to the
degree that they wish to be ruled…. You have divided into two parts all men throughout
your empire… everywhere giving citizenship to all those who are more accomplished, noble,
and powerful, even as they retain their nativeborn identities, [Aristides, for example,
retained his citizenship in the Anatolian city of Smyrna while simultaneously possessing
Roman citizenship] while the rest you have made subjects and the governed. Neither the sea
nor the great expanse of intervening land keeps one from being a citizen, and there is no
distinction between Europe and Asia…. No one is a foreigner who deserves to hold an office
or is worthy of trust. Rather, there is here a common “world democracy” under the rule of
one man, the best ruler and director …. You have divided humanity into Romans and non-
Romans, … and because you have divided people in this manner, in every city throughout
the empire there are many who share citizenship with you, no less than the share
citizenship with their fellow natives. And some of these Roman citizens have not even seen
this city [Rome]! There is no need for troops to garrison the strategic high opints of these
cities, because the most important and powerful people in each region guard their native
lands for you…. Yet there is not a residue of resentment among those excluded [from Roman
citizenship and a share in the governance of the provinces]. Because your government is
both universal and like that of a single city-state, its governors rightly rule not as foreigners

but, as it were, their own people….Additionally, all of the masses of subjects under this
government have protection against the more powerful of their native countrymen, by
virtue of your anger and vengeance, which would fall upon the more powerful wihtout delay
should they dare to break the law. Thus, the present government serves rich and poor alike,
and your constitution has developed a single, harmonious, all-embracing union. What in
former days seemed impossible has in your time come to pass: You control a vast empire
with a rule that is firm but not unkind…. As on a holiday, the entire civilized world lays
down the weapons that were its ancient burden and has turned to adornment and all glad
thoughts, with the power to realize them…. Cities glisten with radiance and charm, and the
entire earth has been made beautiful like a garden…. Like a perpetual sacred flame, the
celebration is unending…. You, better than anyone else, have proved the truth of the
proverb: The earth is everyone’s mother and our common fatherland. It is now possible for
Hellene and non-Hellene [by this time the term Hellene did not refer simply to an ethnic
Greek. It meant anyone who was a Roman citizen and who shared in the Greco-Roman high
culture of the empire. Thus, Aristides, a native of Asia Minor, was a Hellene. A nonHellene,
or barbarian, was either someone from outside the empire or one of the empire’s
uneducated masses], with or without property, to travel with ease wherever he wishes, as
though passing from homeland to homeland…. As far as security is concerned, it suffices to
be a Roman citizen, or rather one of those people united under your rule…. Let us pray that
all the gods and their children grant that this empire and this city flourish forever and never
cease until stones float on water and trees cease to put forth shoots in spring, and that the
Great Governor [the emperor] and his sons be preserved and obtain blessings for all.” The
Aeneid In the Aeneid, Virgil tells the story of how Aeneas made his way from Troy to Italy
and founded the precursor to the city of Rome. The following is an excerpt from Virgil’s
Aeneid. As you read this work, be sure to keep in mind Virgil’s task. He wants to show that
Rome has a destiny. He wants to glorify Roman virtues of patriotism, sacrifice for state, duty
and honor. Brackets are placed throughout in order to help the reader understand the text.
BOOK 1 OF THE AENEID [Virgil begins by announcing his theme] [1] Arms and the man I
sing, who first from the coasts of Troy, exiled by fate, came to Italy and Lavine shores; much
buffeted on sea and land by violence…and much enduring in war also, till he should build a
city and bring his gods to Latium; whence came the Latin race, the lords of Alba, and the
lofty walls of Rome… [Virgil asks his Muse why it was so hard for the Trojans to make it to
Italy and establish Rome. He argues that the goddess Juno hated the Trojans. Juno loved
Carthage, whom Rome would eventually destroy, so she attempted to keep the Trojans from
ever reaching Italy] [8] Tell me, O Muse, the cause; wherein thwarted in will or wherefore
angered, did the Queen of heaven [Juno] drive a man, of goodness so wondrous, to traverse
so many perils, to face so many toils. Can heavenly spirits cherish resentment so dire? [12]
There was an ancient city… Varying views of the roman empire using attached document as
sources.Carthage, over against Italy and the Tiber’s mouths afar, rich in wealth and stern in
war’s pursuits. This, ‘tis said, Juno loved above all other lands…Here was her armour, here
her chariot; that here should be the capital of the nations, should the fates perchance allow
it, was even then the goddess’s aim and cherished hope. Yet in truth she had heard that a
race was springing from Trojan blood, to overthrow some day [Carthage]; that from it a

people [the Roman people], kings of broad realms and proud in war, should come forth for
[Carthage’s] downfall: so rolled the wheel of fate. [Juno], fearful of this [the downfall of
Carthage] she tossed on the wide main the Trojan remnant, left by the Greeks and pitiless
Achilles, and kept them far from Latium [Italy]; and many a year they wandered, driven by
the fates o’er all the seas. So vast was the effort to found the Roman race. [Aeneas and the
surviving Trojans take to the sea. Juno brings a strong storm against them. Eventually,
Neptune, god of the sea, stops the storm. Aeneas and the Trojans head for the nearest land,
which happens to be Carthage] Travels of Aeneas …[157] The wearied followers of Aeneas
strive to run for the nearest shore and turn towards the coast of Libya [Carthage]. There in a
deep inlet lies a spot, where an island forms a harbour with the barrier of its side, on which
every wave from the main is broken, then parts into receding ripples. On either side loom
heavenward huge cliffs and twin peaks, beneath whose crest far and wide is the stillness of
sheltered water; above, too, is a background of shimmering woods with an overhanging
grove, black with gloomy shade. Under the brow of the fronting cliff is a cave of hanging
rocks; within are fresh water and seats in living stone, a haunt of Nymphs. Here no fetters
imprison weary ships, no anchor holds them fast with hooked bite. Here, with seven ships
mustered from all his fleet. Aeneas takes shelter; and, disembarking with earnest longing
for the land, the Trojans gain the welcome beach and stretch their brinedrenched limbs
upon the shore. [Aeneas attempts to encourage his fellow travelers, speaking of their great
destiny ] [198] [Aeneas speaks] “O comrades – for ere this we have not been ignorant of
misfortune – you who have suffered worse, this also God will end. You drew near to Scylla’s
fury and her deep-echoing crags; you have known, too, the rocks of the Cyclopes; recall your
courage and banish sad fear. Perhaps even this distress it will some day be a joy to recall.
Through varied fortunes, through countless hazards, we journey towards Latium, where
fate promises a home of peace. There it is granted that Troy’s realm shall rise again; endure,
and live for a happier day.” [Aeneas was half human-half god. His mother was Venus. Venus
comes to Jupiter to speak on behalf of her son and the Trojan people. She criticizes Jupiter
for sending the Trojans such woe. She speaks about the greatness the Trojans should
someday claim] [223] Now all was ended, when from the sky’s summit Jupiter looked forth
upon the sailwinged sea and outspread lands, the shores and peoples far and wide, and,
looking, paused on heaven’s height and cast his eyes on [Carthage’s] realm. Varying views of
the roman empire using attached document as sources.And lo! as on such cares he
pondered in heart, Venus, saddened and her bright eyes brimming with tears, spoke to him:
“You that with eternal sway rule the world of men and gods, and frighten with your bolt,
what great crime could my Aeneas – could my Trojans – have wrought against you, to
whom, after many disasters borne, the whole world is barred for Italy’s sake? Surely it was
your promise that from them some time, as the years rolled on, the Romans were to arise;
from them…should come rulers to hold the sea and all lands beneath their sway. What
thought, father, ahs turned you? That promise, indeed, was my comfort for Troy’s fall and
sad overthrow, when I weighed fate against the fates opposed. Now, though tried by so
many disasters, the same fortune dogs them. What end of their toils, great king, do you
grant? [The Trojans] are betrayed and kept far from Italian shores. And thus is piety
honoured? Is this the way you restore us to empire? [Juno promises that Aeneas and the

Trojans will become great] [254] Smiling on her with that look wherewith he clears sky and
storms, the Father of men and gods gently kissed his daughter’s lips, and then spoke thus:
“Spare your fears…; your children’s fates abide unmoved. You will see [Latin’s] city and its
promised walls; and great-souled Aeneas you will raise on high to the starry heaven. No
though ahs turned me. This your son – for, since this care gnaws your heart, I will speak and,
further unrolling the scroll of fate, will disclose its secrets – shall wage a great war in Italy,
shall crush proud nations, and for his people shall set up laws and city walls…Here then for
thrice a hundred years unbroken shall the kingdom endure under [the Trojan] race, until
Ilia, a royal priestess, shall bear to Mars her twin offspring. Then Romulus [founder of
Rome], proud in the tawny hide of the she-wolf, his nurse, shall take up the line, and found
the walls of Mars and call the people Romans after his own name. For these I set no bounds
in space or time; but have given empire without end. Spiteful Juno, who now in her fear
troubles sea and earth and sky, shall change to better counsels and with me cherish the
Romans, lords of the world, and the nation of the toga. Thus is it decreed…From this noble
line shall be born the Trojan Caesar, who shall extend his empire to the ocean, his glory to
the stars, a Julius [Augustus], name descended from great Iulus! BOOK 3 OF THE AENEID
[Virgil and his companions continue on the difficult journey of finding a new homeland.
They eventually meet Helenus, a Trojan prophet, who also escaped the Trojan Wars.
Helenus prophesizes to the Trojans about their destiny] [374] [Helenus spoke]:
…“Moreover, if Helenus has any foresight, if the seer may claim any faith, if Apollo fills his
soul with truths, this one thing, Goddess -born [Aeneas], this one in lieu of all I will foretell,
and again and again repeat the warning: mighty Juno’s power honour first with prayer
[appease the goddess Juno who dislikes the Trojans]; to Juno joyfully chant vows, and win
over the mighty mistress with suppliant gifts. So at last you will leave [Sicily where they
were staying] behind and be sped triumphantly to the bounds of Italy. Varying views of the
roman empire using attached document as sources.And when, thither borne, you draw near
to the town of Cumae, the haunted lakes, and Avernus with its rustling woods, you will see
an inspired prophetess, who deep in a rocky cave sings the Fates and entrusts to leaves
signs and symbols…Here let no loss of time by delay be of such importance in your eyes –
though comrades chide, though the voyage urgently calls your sails to the deep and you
have the chance to swell their folds with favouring gales – that you do not visit the
prophetess and with prayers plead that she herself chant the oracles, and graciously open
her lips in speech. [Essentially, Helenus warns Aeneas to be sure to go see the prophetess as
soon as he lands in Italy] The nations of Italy, the wars to come, how you are to flee or face
each toil, she will unfold to you; and, reverently besought, she will grant you a prosperous
voyage. These are the warnings that you are permitted to hear from my voice. Go, then, and
by your deeds exalt Troy in greatness unto heaven!’ BOOK 4 OF THE AENEID [Book 4 shows
us the dedication that Aeneas has to the destiny of establishing the Trojans in their new
homeland. As a way to keep the Trojans from reaching Italy, the goddess Juno led the Queen
of Carthage, Dido, to fall in love with Aeneas. Dido wants the Trojans to remain in Carthage
and for Aeneas to marry her. Aeneas also loves Dido. Yet Aeneas has a duty to fulfill. The
gods remind Aeneas of his destiny. He secretly attempts to set sail for Italy but he is found
out by Dido.] [305] [Dido yells at Aeneas] “’False one! Did you really hope to cloak so foul a

crime, and to steal from my land in silence? Does neither our love restrain you, nor the
pledge once given, nor the doom of a cruel death for Dido? [Aeneas responds] [331] She
ceased: [Aeneas] by Jove’s [Jupiter] command held his eyes steadfast and with a struggle
smothered the pain deep within his heart. At last he briefly replies: “I will never deny,
Queen, that you have deserved of me the utmost you can set forth in speech…Had destiny
permitted me to shape my life after my own pleasure and order my sorrows at my own will,
my first care would be the city of Troy and the sweet relics of my king [essentially, Aeneas
says that if he could have what he wanted, Troy would never have been destroyed]. But now
of great Italy has …Apollo bidden me lay hold, of Italy the Lycian oracles. There is my love,
there my country! If the towers of Carthage and the sight of Libyan city charm you, a
Phoenician, why, pray, grudge the Trojans their settling on [Italian] land? We, too, have the
right to seek a foreign realm. Each time the night with dewy shades veils the earth, each
time the starry fires arise, in my dreams my father Anchises’ troubled ghost brings me
warning and terror [about his destiny]…Now, too, the messenger of the gods sent from Jove
himself – I swear by both our lives – has borne his command down through the swift
breezes; my own eyes saw the god in the clear light of day come within our walls and these
ears drank in his words. Cease to inflame yourself and me with your complaints. Varying
views of the roman empire using attached document as sources.It is not by my wish that I
make for Italy . . .” [Aeneas leaves Dido to continue on his mission—he shows his duty to
Rome. Eventually Aeneas and the Trojans reach Italy and defeat the Latins] TRANS. BY H. R.
FAIRCLOUGH Augustine of Hippo, City of God Preface The glorious city of God is my theme
in this work, which you, my dearest son Marcellinus, suggested, and which is due to you by
my promise. I have undertaken its defence against those who prefer their own gods to the
Founder of this city [Christian God],–a city surpassingly glorious, whether we view it as it
still lives by faith in this fleeting course of time, and sojourns as a stranger in the midst of
the ungodly [Christians are aliens in this world], or as it shall dwell in the fixed stability of
its eternal seat, which it now with patience waits for, expecting until “righteousness shall
return unto judgment,” and it obtain, by virtue of its excellence, final victory and perfect
peace. A great work this, and an arduous; but God is my helper. For I am aware what ability
is requisite to persuade the proud how great is the virtue of humility, which raises us, not by
a quite human arrogance, but by a divine grace, above all earthly dignities that totter on this
shifting scene [glory comes from humility and not from means]. For the King and Founder of
this city of which we speak, has in Scripture uttered to His people a dictum of the divine law
in these words: “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” But this, which
is God’s prerogative, the inflated ambition of a proud spirit also affects, and dearly loves that
this be numbered among its attributes, to “Show pity to the humbled soul, And crush the
sons of pride.” Book 1, Chapter 1 And therefore, as the plan of this work we have
undertaken requires, a …Varying views of the roman empire using attached document as
sources.