Polybius Describes the Romans’ Worship of Their Ancestors
1. Polybius admired the Roman Republic a great deal, in fact, he believed the roman republic to be a perfect form of government. He believed the success of the Roman Republic was tied to the Romans’ principle mosmaiorum, “the code of elders”. One of the main features that sets apart the Romans from the other civilizations at the time, was their devotion to their ancestors. The Romans’ practice during funerals showcased their devotion and respect to their ancestors. Therefore, Polybius emphasized on the roman funerary practices to highlight the Romans’ dedication to their ancestors, and therefore, to highlight his admiration for the Roman Republic.
The roman identity was defined mainly …show more content…
In Plutarch’s description Cleopatra is an independent, powerful and witty person. Moreover, she is depicted as a seductive woman, who uses her beauty to achieve her goals. Plutarch also states how Cleopatra captivated Antony with her persuasive talk. An ideal Roman woman however, as depicted by Lucretia, would commit suicide rather than dishonor her family. An Ideal Roman woman would remain loyal to her husband, and she would be under the control and rule of her husband. On the other hand, Cleopatra had almost complete control over Antony; she was the opposite of what a Roman woman was supposed to be.
2. In Plutarch’s description Cleopatra had significant control over Antony. Plutarch states that Cleopatra had such hold over Antony that he was in Alexandria with her, while his wife was at war on his behalf. Moreover, Antony was wandering around peoples’ houses dressed as a slave and being made fun of. He was not portrayed as a dignified roman ruler, rather he was portrayed as a man under the spell of a seductive woman. Plutarch’s portrayal of Antony didn’t reflect the level of masculinity, maturity and leadership the ideal Roman leader was supposed to have. A roman reader would believe that Antony has dishonored his roman ancestry, and that he is not a true roman …show more content…
Although the exact reason is still unknown, the Romans began to expand, and they conquered their neighboring cities. In 264 BCE the Romans entered into a war against the empire of Carthage, which was more developed and wealthier than Rome. The Carthage Empire had a vast territory stretching from Tunisia to Spain, and they had a well-developed fleet. The Romans invaded Messina, an independent Greek state. Consequently, the Carthaginians sent warships to Syracuse, to oppose the Roman aggression, marking the beginning of the first Punic
1. Polybius admired the Roman Republic a great deal, in fact, he believed the roman republic to be a perfect form of government. He believed the success of the Roman Republic was tied to the Romans’ principle mosmaiorum, “the code of elders”. One of the main features that sets apart the Romans from the other civilizations at the time, was their devotion to their ancestors. The Romans’ practice during funerals showcased their devotion and respect to their ancestors. Therefore, Polybius emphasized on the roman funerary practices to highlight the Romans’ dedication to their ancestors, and therefore, to highlight his admiration for the Roman Republic.
The roman identity was defined mainly …show more content…
In Plutarch’s description Cleopatra is an independent, powerful and witty person. Moreover, she is depicted as a seductive woman, who uses her beauty to achieve her goals. Plutarch also states how Cleopatra captivated Antony with her persuasive talk. An ideal Roman woman however, as depicted by Lucretia, would commit suicide rather than dishonor her family. An Ideal Roman woman would remain loyal to her husband, and she would be under the control and rule of her husband. On the other hand, Cleopatra had almost complete control over Antony; she was the opposite of what a Roman woman was supposed to be.
2. In Plutarch’s description Cleopatra had significant control over Antony. Plutarch states that Cleopatra had such hold over Antony that he was in Alexandria with her, while his wife was at war on his behalf. Moreover, Antony was wandering around peoples’ houses dressed as a slave and being made fun of. He was not portrayed as a dignified roman ruler, rather he was portrayed as a man under the spell of a seductive woman. Plutarch’s portrayal of Antony didn’t reflect the level of masculinity, maturity and leadership the ideal Roman leader was supposed to have. A roman reader would believe that Antony has dishonored his roman ancestry, and that he is not a true roman …show more content…
Although the exact reason is still unknown, the Romans began to expand, and they conquered their neighboring cities. In 264 BCE the Romans entered into a war against the empire of Carthage, which was more developed and wealthier than Rome. The Carthage Empire had a vast territory stretching from Tunisia to Spain, and they had a well-developed fleet. The Romans invaded Messina, an independent Greek state. Consequently, the Carthaginians sent warships to Syracuse, to oppose the Roman aggression, marking the beginning of the first Punic