Roman Civilization example essay topic

Roman Civilization and Contemporary America The civilization of the Roman Republic and the Empire that followed it was the first of its kind. Earlier civilizations had been based on a more abstract worldview that led humans to be creative for the will of the gods or to preserve the institutions that fostered rational thought. Rome started as a simple, self-reliant nation made up of farmers who lived the best they could to support their families and community. With an intense drive to succeed and its advanced military, Rome became the greatest civilization of its time. The civilization of 21st century America can follow its roots two thousand years back to Rome. Rome could not have succeeded without the personal freedom and individuality granted to its citizens.

This nurtured a creative and inventive mind, which would not be hindered by the limitations of oppressive monarchies. People lived for their own greater good more than the government, as in America. America and Rome both produced technologies that made their economies dominate over their neighbors, appreciating the value of their currencies. A strong sense of peace and order helped each country thrive, as the fear of trading and making money dissipated. The Roman military was the most advanced of its day. Soldiers were more equipped and armed than any other army, and the best methods of siege craft were employed in battle.

The American military shares the same type of advantage over other nations, as soldiers are dressed in body armor with the best machine guns, and cruise missiles can be guided by satellites and lasers to destroy almost any enemy fortification. Both Romans and Americans are known for allowing their conquered to enjoy a certain amount of liberty. A less glorious similarity is the Roman and American social welfare systems. Straying from using the imagination and classical problem solving, both civilizations have expended their resources to quiet the cries of the hopeless, without building any hope for their unfortunate citizens. Roman law influenced much of the American legal system, especially in the area of criminal justice.

America has followed in the footsteps of the Romans in many ways, for better or for worse. Although the Romans and Americans have many similarities, there exist equally prominent differences. One main difference between Roman and modern American civilization is the technology available to each. Americans have enjoyed the benefit of the Industrial Revolution and the Information Age, requiring less hard labor and more efficient production. The Romans had to employ slaves from conquered nations to reap great harvests, mine precious metals, and build long roads. A lot of that work has been made easier in America, as machines have replaced hand-shovels and pickaxes.

The lack of passable roads in Rome was a hindrance to its trade, while Americans can blow out a mountain and build a relatively more level road for its goods to be carried on efficiently. The dawn of the Information Age has given Americans a closer eye on society, especially its political institutions. While almost every working of the Roman government was done behind closed doors, American citizens have the luxury of observing some government activity, which can influence the American vote. The right to vote is a lot more widespread in America than it was in Rome, as American women, minorities, and members of the lower class can easily exercise their right to vote.

Roman politics was mainly controlled by the land-owning class. American civilization is ultimately better than Roman civilization, because more of the freedom of the individual is guaranteed. There are social programs to promote opportunity, not merely support life. American politics can always be checked by the freedom of the press. However, America today seems more involved in the military affairs of other countries, so its credibility as a protectorate of freedom is hurt with every American bomb that drops in foreign cities.