Abstract This paper explores the relationship between Marcus Agrippa, Maecenas, and Octavius in Cassius Dio's text. The author analyzes how the interaction of these three characters provides insight into their characters. The author believes that the central theme is humane ambition.
Abstract Throughout "Antony and Cleopatra" by William Shakespeare there is a sharp contrast between the bawdy humour and entertainment of the east and the stern morality and politics of the west. The paper shows that this is best seen in Antony's downfall; his death is caused by a romantic but illogical attempt at conquering Rome. Alsom the battle of Actium shows the decadent Egypt destroyed and the sensible Rome victorious. The paper shows that in Rome, Antony was at his best as a man, a soldier and a statesmen, whereas, as Antony says, "in the East my pleasure lies", as does his downfall.
From the Paper "Charmian: "My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian.
Cleopatra: As well a women with a Eunuch played as with a woman"?
This short exchange presents Egypt as a place of sexual innuendo and entertainment. Such conversations never take place in Rome, and this shows the more impertinent nature of Egypt. There is also a contrast in the treatment of tragic events between Egypt and Rome. In Rome, they are taken very seriously (for example the military aggression of Pompei), but in Egypt they are often given a comic undertone, for example when Cleopatra is speaking to Antony about the death of his wife, Fulvia. At a point of sadness and tragedy, Cleopatra remarks "Can Fulvia really die"?. The word die has a secondary meaning in Elizabethan English, to reach sexual climax. Shakespeare illustrates the more irreverent nature of Egyptian life by treating such a tragic issue with bawdy humour."
Abstract This paper examines the rule of King Herod over Idumea, Galilee, Judea, Batanea, Samaria and Peraea. It discusses why his relationship with the Jews was so tense and reasons for their hatred of him. It looks at the culture of the time and how the rule of Herod influenced cultural norms of society.
Introduction
Herod's Regime from 37-25 B.C
The Pharisees
The Ruling Class
The Hasmonean Family
Cleopatra
Herod and Octavius The Death of Mariamne
The Death of the Last of the Hasmoneans
Herod Regime from 25-14 B.C.
Herod as Master Builder
Jerusalem
Masada
The Herodion
Jericho
Caesarea
Herod's Household Affairs
Augustus and Herod
Pleasing the Subjects
Marriage of Herod's Sons
Herod's Rule from 14-4 B.C
Matrimonial Issues
The Conspiracy for Succession
Foreign Disturbances
Trial of Alexander and Aristobulus
Antipater's Conspiracy and Failure
A New Will
The Divine Indications of Jesus? Birth
The Rabbi Rebels
Imprisonment of all Jew Noblemen
Antipater's Execution and Change of Will
Death and Deliverance
Herod's Religious Implications on Judaism & Christianity
From the Paper "Quite a variety of members belonging to the royal dynasty had their names Herod being originated in Edom or Idumea after John Hyrcanus in 125 B.C was obligated to adopt the Jewish religion (1). The Herod family ruled in Palestine as vassals of the Romans. Followed by Maccabees, the history of this dynasty mainly relates to the political history of Palestine during this whole era (1). Romans in 40 B.C made Herod I the Great, son of Antipater the king who managed to keep hold of his throne even during the times of changes in the government at Rome (1). Herod's kingdom included Idumea, Galilee, Judea, Batanea, Samaria and Peraea, which was more or less the same size as the kingdom of David and Solomon (1). Though Herod had outstanding leadership skills, yet he was greatly detested by the Jews. One of the reasons for disliking him was his attitude toward the Maccabean dynasty to which he was linked in terms of marriage, while his impudence and brutality, infuriated Jews more (1)."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between Marcus Agrippa, Maecenas, and Octavius Caesar in Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra". The author emphasizes how the interaction of these three characters provides insight into their characters. The author feels that this play depicts excess ambition.
Abstract This paper looks at the rule of Augustus Caesar in ancient Roman times. It discusses how his rule changed aspects of Roman society and which dramatic changes he instituted. It also discusses military rule and battles fought at the time.
From the Paper "In the early days of January, 27 B.C.E., Octavian made an appearance before the Roman Senate and made it known to all those in attendance that his power in Rome was supreme and undeniable. It was at this meeting that Octavian honored himself by assuming the name of Augustus Caesar, an action that was well-accepted by most members of the Senate, due to the fact that Octavius had chosen a good number of them himself. In addition, the entire Senate took a pledge of allegiance to Augustus Caesar and made him emperor of Rome. In essence, this act not only made Augustus the most powerful man in the known world but also set the stage for fundamental changes in Roman culture which would determine the destiny of Western civilization."
Abstract This paper examines the careers of Julius Caesar and Augustus and discusses their importance in Roman history. The paper provides biographical information on each figure and looks at how each one entered the political arena and rose to the top. It looks at their careers as leaders of the Roman empire and their importance in history.
From the Paper "After returning to Rome, Caesar built up a reputation as a skillful advocate and orator, and was considered second only to the famous orator, Cicero in the powers of persuasion. He carefully developed contacts in Rome's corridors of power, and supported popular causes. Other stepping stones on his path to political prominence include his election to the College of Pontiffs in 73 BC, Military Tribune in 72 BC, and as quaestor in 69 BC under the governor of Spain. He was also elected as the "curule aedile" (urban magistrate)?a position which enabled him to arrange spectacular public entertainments such as gladiatorial games and fund lavish building projects. He also supported the politically powerful Pompey and Marcus Crassus, a rich patrician, forming an unofficial three-way alliance that has become known in history as the ?First Triumvirate.? In order to cement the political ties Caesar also gave his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage and was duly supported by Pompey in his election as consul (59 BC), followed by appointment as governor of Roman Gaul in 58 BC."
Abstract This paper discusses Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar". The paper analyzes the speeches given by Antony and Brutus. The paper contends that while Brutus does not comprehend the power of human emotion and is completely possessed by reason, Antony has a very good understanding of emotion and ironically, he uses logic to harness and manipulate it.
From the Paper "Who says that sensitive, emotionally perceptive men don't succeed in the political arena? In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Julius Caesar, Brutus and his fellow conspirators murder Julius Caesar and an oration then follows at which Brutus and Antony speak. After the speeches, sides are drawn and a civil war follows in which the second triumvirate (Antony, Octavius, and Oepidus) prevails. Shakespeare writes this play to illuminate the assassination of Julius Caesar and the resulting history that follows. The play demonstrates that when dealing with fickle human beings, emotion will more often overrule logic in matters of moral justice. Brutus does not comprehend emotion in the least and relies solely on logic, which inevitably leads to his downfall. Antony however, understands and is able to utilize emotion, this makes him the more effective orator which results in his success."
Abstract This paper describes the rise to power of Octavian in 27 BCE, looking at how Cicero first supported Octavian as a potential leader of the Roman Republic and a bulwark against the threat of Antony's dictatorship over Rome and later opposed him when Octavian took sides with Antony. The paper then describes the defeat of Brutus at the hands of Antony and Octavian, the demise of Antony at the hands of Octavian and Octavian's final ascent to power.
From the Paper "Cicero hated tyrants and spent much of his later political life seeking a leader who would restore the Roman Republic. To this end, he tried to use Octavian as a potential bulwark against the threat of Antony's dictatorship over Rome, but to Cicero's great dismay, Octavian was only the lesser of two evils. He, too, sought absolute political power and, using Cicero's popularity and controlling the Senate, he reached his goal (in 27 BCE, crowning himself princeps, and later, emperor.) In many ways, Cicero opposed Octavian's rise to power, especially when Octavian joined forced with Antony in a triumvirate with Lepidus. In 43 BCE, this "second" triumvirate had Cicero executed as an enemy of the state. "
