Abstract The paper looks at the role and status of women of the slave class in the Roman world. It explains how the social structure of ancientRome depended on the institution of slavery and how the ruling classes sustained their power in this ancient world. The paper also explains how there is little evidence of lives' of the women slaves.
From the Paper "The social structure of ancient Rome depended on the institution of slavery as a large-scale system. In that society, "unfree" labour provided a large share of the surplus by the control of which the position of the ruling classes was in part sustained" (Scheidel 210). In order to achieve such control, a very substantial number of slaves were required. In Rome, the "slave population accounted for approximately one third of the entire population" (Scheidel 210). When women were situated outside of social structures such as the "world of grand families, social authority, or large-scale patronage" (Fantham et al. 368), evidence concerning their lives is fragmented and scarce."
Abstract This paper looks at how the rule of law served as a basis for the Roman Republic. The research paper is divided into three distinct parts. The first and the introductory part reveals an overview of AncientRome and the old city of Rome. The second part gives a detailed account of the Rule of Law in AncientRome, addressing the underlying philosophy of the Rule of Law. In addition, this part highlights the consequences of the rule of law and explains the downfall of the Republic. The last section discusses the emergence of modern Rome. All the above-mentioned components are connected to the basic theme of the paper that discusses the philosophy of, causes of and reasons for the Rule of Law in ancientRome.
From the Paper "Many civilizations have grown from berserk to better and from reaching the disastrous end to regaining glory and grandeur. However the history has witnessed a good few international cultures that have transformed their weaknesses into strengths, took a stand for a better world where their generations are far more secure. A world that can offer them harmony of soul, peace of mind and a bright future to look ahead to. However after endless feuds and struggles, there are many examples of those civilizations that turned barbaric at the end of the century, recuperating later to be one of the most cultured nations. One such civilization that saw many good and bad phases and covered a sea of tormenting struggles, including taking a stand against despots of their time and fighting for their rights as a nation against the tyrant monarchs is the Roman Empire."
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that ancientRome was ahead of its time in the practice of medicine. The writer points out that much of todays' modern practices of aseptic techniques of medicine came from the early Romans. The ancient Romans wanted to make sure their army was a healthy one and in order to do they used aseptic techniques for preventing disease and even conducted surgeries in which they used different types of pain medicines. The writer discusses that their medicine practice used different rituals, tools, and herbal-based medicines for their patients. The writer concludes that Roman physicians were very concerned with public health and preventing disease. Even though they were not licensed, they still did a great service to the citizens of Rome by helping families as well helping the military in times of war.
From the Paper "Prior to their contact with these cultures, the head of each Roman household would treat his family with various folk remedies and by asking for help from the appropriate Gods. Hippocrates brought the idea that there were four humors: yellow bile, black bile, blood, and phlegm. The Greeks also brought along the idea of neurosurgery to Ancient Rome. Early Roman surgeons would poke holes in the skull to relieve pain and pressure. These early brain surgeons also could reduce depressed cranial fractures. Greek doctors were often prisoners of war and Romans would buy them for their own households. Later, many of these Greeks were able to be freed men and were able to open up their own practices in Rome.
"The doctors of ancient Rome were not always highly regarded and the position was often considered a low social position."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of pregnancy and childbirth in ancientRome. The writer explains that since the birth of a child determined inheritance in Roman families, great care was taken in choosing a midwife who would care for the mother during her pregnancy and childbirth, administer postnatal care and take care of the newborn as well. The writer describes the three stages to a woman's pregnancy, and the many limitations and prescribed rules for each specific stage. The woman was almost helpless while pregnant; because everything was predetermined for her, including whether she would be allowed to keep her child.
From the Paper "The second stage of pregnancy was called Pica and started at about forty days after conception and lasted about four months. Women would have the general symptoms we have today such as nausea, upset stomach, fever, dizziness, and food cravings. These were signs that a human being has begun to form. In order to ease some of these symptoms, the woman was encouraged to do a one day fast and their stomachs were rubbed with oil. Their diets were also still limited in this stage to light foods, and they were supposed to remove anything unhealthy from their diets. Rose oil, myrtle, or unripe olive oil might also be applied to an upset stomach, as well as, a tightly wrapped woolen girdle."
Abstract This paper states that sexual roles were very different in ancient Greece as compared to today. The author points out that the differences between sexuality and gender were even more distinct back in ancient Greece. The paper relates that Odysseus, as he makes his travels through "The Odyssey", frequently pushes the limits of his gender role as presented in chapters 9 and 22.
From the Paper "Sexual roles were very different in ancient Greece, compared to those roles today. In fact, the differences between "sexuality" and "gender" were even more distinct back in ancient Greece. Just as in the modern world, sexual activity had certain strictures and gender roles had well-defined limits. All of these roles with their strictures and limits appeared in the literature of the time. Odysseus, as he makes his travels through The Odyssey, frequently pushes the limits of his gender role. This paper will discuss how he does so both in Chapter 9 and how he resolves this issue in Chapter 22. Over the centuries, men have traditionally been expected to behave "as men." Traditionally, they have taken on the role of family guardian and provider, of warrior and politician. Women have traditionally been the nurturers and caregivers, both soothing and passive."
Abstract This paper examines the social and political significance of the entertainment in the life of ancientRome. The paper explains that even though many forms of entertainment existed, special emphasis was given to the spectacles and public events rather than private events, like parties. The paper then looks at the function of these spectacles and their role in the politics and government of AncientRome. The paper discusses how, as Rome expanded both territorially and in influence, the status of the spectacles transformed - the expansion resulted in significant social and economic changes. The paper points out that entertainment in ancientRome had a function that significantly differs from its function today - it was an opportunity for public gathering during which the people could speak freely and express their concerns. In conclusion, the paper shows that as Rome went from the republic to the empire, the spectacles remained important events and they gave the opportunity to the masses to see their ruler and express their opinion on state matters freely.
From the Paper "The Romans were an agricultural society and their religion can be described as polytheistic paganism. The early religious rituals were aimed at pleasing the gods who, as Romans believed, controlled everything necessary for a successful harvest like crop growth and weather. The rituals were not limited only to the agriculture. They also extended to celebrations of military victories, celebrations of various household deities, etc. As Shelton notes "these days were the days of sacrifice and ritual, but also of holiday merriment, as Easter or Christmas are for us today" (329). In other words, these holidays were a great opportunity to skip a day of hard work, relax, socialize, be grateful for what you have and, through the rituals, do the best to have more next season. As such these holidays did not have any deeper political and social position in the Roman society.
Abstract This paper is an in-depth look at the superstitions and mysticism of ancientRome. The author discusses how magic and witchcraft conflicted with Rome as a modern society. The paper examines the history of spell-casting as a powerful tool among ancient civilizations, and explains the different types of spells and rituals that were popular among the Romans.
From the Paper "To a culture acclimated to the traditional control and directive demands of a host of unseen dominant deities, belief in the potency of divination, binding spells and ritualistic curses came easy and a strong faith and belief in the might and power inherent in the art of magic soon became deeply rooted within much of Roman society. In the arcane secrets and influential chants of magic, the ancients perceived the chance to gain a measure of control over a life and a death traditionally dependant on the whims of the gods as well as a method of counteractive defense against deities whose offenses frequently affected success and often determined survival. Although the philosophers of Rome continued to condemn the practices of magic, much of the ancient citizenry of Rome readily accepted the principles of the magic arts and eagerly embraced its ritualistic practices."
Abstract This essay examines the brutal sport of gladiator fighting in ancientRome. The essay contains a history of the games, an overview of a typical day's activities, and a look at theories for why the Romans permitted such blood sport in their society for many centuries.
From the Paper "The Romans were, in some ways, the most civilized people of the ancient world. Their well-developed cities, with the many shops, service, and design amenities, were models for the rest of the world. However, that advancement and enlightened way of life cannot hide a dark reality which we find unacceptable in our modern world: an almost total disregard for the value of human life and human rights. The most visible aspect of that disdain for humanity was the massive importation and exploitation of slaves by the Romans. We also have a great difficulty understanding their love of the ?games:? the Roman spectacle of gladiatorial combat to the death."
Abstract This paper looks the topic of gynecology in ancient Greece, with a particular focus on the doctor Soranus, who in the early common era wrote a book on the subject. It also provides the content of his theory.
From the Paper "This research examines the topic of gynecology in ancient Greece with a particular focus on the doctor Soranus who in the early common era wrotea book on the subject. The research will set forth the historical and cultural context in which Soranus produced .."
Abstract This paper examines the life of the people who lived in Rome during the height of the Roman Empire rule. It begins with the establishment of the Empire and its growth. The paper looks at the social structure of Rome - focusing on its patriarchal and hierarchal nature. Political ideologies as well as the daily life of the citizens are discussed. The writer also mentions the type of entertainment enjoyed by the citizens, the role of women and the importance of religion. It concludes with the collapse of the Empire and the influence on the citizens.
From the Paper "Though there several reasons that ultimately gave rise to the power of ancient Rome, some of the more significant ones are the influence of the far more advanced Greek civilization, which had entered Italy through the Greeks settling cities such as Cumea. From the Greeks, the ancient Romans learnt fundamental skills such as reading and writing and inevitably borrowing from Greek mythology to derive their own religion. The Roman gods of Jupiter, Mars and Venus find their equivalents in the Greek Zeus, Ares and Aphrodite. Ancient Rome also benefited from its Etruscan neighbors in the north, learning the skills of developing urban civilization and sea borne trade from them (Illustrated History of the Roman Empire)."
Tags: zeus, greek, rome, women, religion, politics, ideologies, patriarchal, society
A look at the roles of women in ancient times through an examination of ancient literature by Hesiod, Sophocles, Aristophanes, Homer, Virgil, and Aristotle.
Abstract This paper analyzes several pieces of ancient literature in order to shed some light on the roles that women played in ancient times and how they were viewed by society. The paper examines Hesiod's "Theogony" and "Works and Days", Sophocles' "Antigone", Aristophanes' "Lysistrata", Homer's "Odyssey", Virgil's "Aeneid" and Aristotle's "Nicomachean Ethics". The paper concludes that, while the heroines and major female characters in these ancient works are certainly worth examination and study, it must be remembered that they are unrealistic in the light of normal ancient life, and that in reality women were barely given any attention at all.
From the Paper "In ancient times, and in ancient Greece most of all, women were usually treated almost as less than human. Men seemed to deal with them as a necessary evil that was kept around for the sole purpose of providing sons. As F.G. Naerebout says, "Whatever else [they] may do - weaving, spinning, directing the female staff - is a pleasant extra (Naerebout 124)." Yet this was not always the case. There are cases in ancient writings where women are shown in a positive light, even cases where women are heroes. Here we shall examine separately each work in which women played a major role, either positive or negative."
Abstract This paper discusses ancient Greece and Rome, noting first that the two major city-states in ancient Greece were Athens and Sparta, and these two cities had different social systems and concentrated on perfecting different aspects of life. The writer notes that the ancient Greeks developed a social system that reflected their geography and climate. The writer further points out that the city-state was the name given to the early kingdoms built around a small city, with the largest political unit being the city itself.
From the Paper "The two major city-states in ancient Greece were Athens and Sparta, and these two cities had different social systems and concentrated on perfecting different aspects of life. The ancient Greeks developed a social system that reflected their geography and climate. The city-state was the name given to the early kingdoms built around a small city, with the largest political unit being the city itself. In time, city-states would join together to form larger political units, creating larger kingdoms and eventually empires stretching across much of a continent or other large area. For the Greeks, the city-state was the basic political unit, and the major ones were Athens and Sparta. The leadership in Athens was democratic, while that in Sparta was based more on strong military leaders."
Abstract The paper highlights the manner in which Rome's elites competed with one another, and in doing so, looks at a variety of issues. The first such issue is the constitutional basis on which Roman politics rested. The paper discusses the distribution and separation of political power combined with the elitist forces of money and patronage, so essential to the system, which fostered the necessary climate for competing influence. The paper states that such competition usually took the form of political argument and manoeuvre. The intrinsic role of the military as a breeding ground for future political leaders meant that an unequivocal link remained between the two forces of state. The paper states that wherever the ultimate power of ancientRome rested, it was always the elite that were in the position to utilise it.
From the Paper "However, it was on this basis the Roman elite completely dominated the functions of government. Moreover, the perquisites required to be a member of the elite were largely financial (Le Glay, 1996, p. 125). As such, Roman politics was organised and directed on the foundation of family wealth and as a consequence, small numbers of very wealthy families enjoyed predominance within the political system. It is therefore unsurprising that the business of politics and the culture that flourished from it was formed on the feuds that existed between leading members of the elite. The fact that the system itself was exclusionary in its very nature inevitably resulted in power struggles between elitist families. Although those seeking election to public office required the consent of the voting populace, the methods adopted to acquire such consent centered solely on the ability to marshal financial might and family loyalties in support of an election bid. As such, differing families and interests had to seek and establish ties and alliances between one another for mutual gain (Kelly, 2004; p. 84). This naturally caused consternation and hostility between competing groups within the elite."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that the laws of ancientRome gave way to the beginning of the law as we know it today. Roman law evolved law and gave way to both unwritten "natural law" and most importantly written law. The writer notes that written law made each law known and so it gave way to the idea of equality for all. The writer points out that the Romans were one of the first governments to actually have written law which helped to govern the people because they could prosecute everyone since each person was required to know the law and go by it. Without written law, our society would be one in chaos. The writer concludes that Rome's history of law through the centuries gave way to law as we know it today and played a very important role in our history.
From the Paper "This law was based on customs and applied only to Roman citizens. Since there were more than just Roman citizens in Rome, a set of laws were put in place titled jus gentium or law of the nations. These laws were set in place to govern both Roman citizens and foreigners. This set of laws would govern even magistrates and was a better alternative to jus civil. Generally, Roman had treaties with foreign states that would protect foreigners who ventured into Rome. For those foreigners whose state did not have a treaty with Rome, jus gentium would protect them as well. These laws would consist of three elements. The first would apply to an existing mercantile law and would be used by traders. The second part of the law would govern the Roman citizens and foreigners collectively and the third part of the law said that the magistrate would use his definition of what was fair and just."
Abstract This paper argues that financial and other practical factors as opposed to supernatural factors shaped the practice of abandoning infants in the real world of ancient Greece and Rome .
From the Paper "To the modern reader the story of how the infant Oedipus was exposed to die on a hillside at his father's insistence is appalling. While it can be argued that the problem of child abuse and abandonment is still very much ..."
Tags: child exposure/abandonment, Greece, Rome, Oedipus, Ion
