Abstract
This paper discusses the Roman Coliseum as it stood and as it was utilized during the first two centuries AD. In particular, it reviews the noteworthy architecture of the Coliseum as well as what the Coliseum stood for and what it was used for. The paper argues that the Coliseum, while a remarkably modern structure, was a symbol of exploitation and its presence on the Roman landscape today raises a number of dark issues about the psyche of the brilliant civilization that brought it into being.

From the Paper
"In closing, the last several pages have provided a brief historical sketch of the Roman Coliseum as it stood during its height - and the height of Roman power - in the first two centuries after the death of Christ. The paper has reviewed in particular the architectural features of the Amphitheatre and the paper has also examined what purposes it served and the uses to which it was put. Furthermore, the paper has illuminated the dark and exploitative elements which are also a part of the Coliseum's historical legacy. In the final analysis, what should emerge from this paper is an appreciation for the exquisite skill required to erect such a monument and a concomitant appreciation for the dark forces which linked the Coliseum with acts of almost unspeakable cruelty."

Tags:empire, exploitation, legacy

Abstract
The paper shows how the architectural influence of the Coliseum and the Circus Maximus provides a detailed historical influence on the way that modern sporting arenas are constructed. The paper explains that the idea of a circular and highly accessible functionality for these buildings was essential, since they were housing many thousands of people. The paper further explains how the premise of squared buildings could not create the functional form that would be needed to provide the equidistant view of the center stage needed for such vast populations of spectators.

From the Paper
"This architectural study will analyze the influence of the Roman Coliseum or the Flavian Amphitheater on modern sports arenas and facilities. By understanding the circular pattern of seating in the tradition of the roman amphitheater, a wider population of viewers could watch a particular sporting event. The interior design of the Coliseum is an example of how to maximize seating potential, as well as how it brought about greater functionality for the gladiators or athletes brought forth to entertain the masses. In this manner, the ancient Coliseum brought many important architectural influences on the sports arena of modern times."

Tags:coliseum, sports, events

Abstract
This paper focuses on the role of public entertainment in the late Roman Republic, explaining that the civilization of ancient Rome was one of the most remarkable civilizations in history. The paper recounts that Rome grew from a city-state Rome to become the superpower of the known world. Its cultural, political and military influences were immense. So it is not surprising. the paper asserts, that this civilization left behind many monuments and buildings as pieces and reminders of Roman and European history. Among these the best-known are the buildings designed and raised for the sole purpose of the public entertainment

From the Paper
"The civilization of ancient Rome was one of the most remarkable civilizations in history. It grew from a city-state Rome to become the superpower of the known world. Its cultural, political and military influences were immense. So it is not surprising that this civilization left behind many monuments and buildings as pieces and reminders of Roman and European history. Among these the best-known are the buildings designed and raised for the sole purpose of the public entertainment. Few of us had not heard for the famous Coliseum in Rome, Circus Maximus, Roman ..."

Tags:empire, classic, period, ampitheatre, coliseum

Abstract
This paper provides a discussion meant to coincide with the visual display of architectural works from ancient Greek, Roman and Islamic culture. How these cultures used such works to define themselves and reinforce their values and beliefs is the main focus.

From the Paper
"Ancient Greek, Roman and Islamic cultures created great architectural works that have lasted to this day from the Greek Parthenon and Roman Coliseum to the Islamic Taj Mahal. Greek architecture heavily influenced Roman culture which would in turn influence Islamic architecture. As Roberts notes; "The Greek search for excellence defined for later peoples what excellence was." For all three of these cultures, architecture was one attempt to define cultural identity and functioned differently depending on the values, beliefs and practices..."

Tags:dome, arch, vault, public works, politics, religion, Coliseum, Taj Mahal, Parthenon, temples

Abstract
The paper discusses how the Roman Empire lasted for around five hundred years, in large part due to the Roman ways of war, which evolved over time. The paper explains that the ideals the Romans held steadfast to and continued to practice in war can be attributed to the success of the Roman Empire that was self-sustaining all those many centuries (Drinkwater & Grunewald, 2004). The paper describes how the Roman army was a professional organization that dedicated itself virtually full-time to the development of skills that would contribute to combat leadership, professional advancement within the ranks based on merit, and rewards based on competence (Drinkwater & Grunewald, 2004). The paper relates that the Roman system was an open order of battle, which permitted small division leaders to move behind the battle lines effectively (Dodge, 1963).

From the Paper
"The Roman Empire lasted for around five hundred years in large part due to the Roman ways of war, which evolved over time. It has been said that the ideals the Romans held steadfast to and continued to practice in war can be attributed to the success of the Roman Empire that was self-sustaining all those many centuries (Drinkwater & Grunewald, 2004)."

Tags:roman, war, battle

Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a discussion of how the presence of non-Romans in the Roman imperial army, plus the emergence of Christianity across national/ethnic boundaries had the effect of weakening the strength of Rome by diluting Roman identity and loyalty.

From the Paper
"The popular image of decadent Roman emperors and imperial courts belies evidence of Great Rome as a culture governed at least in theory and original intent by laws and institutions. The identity of Roman citizen Civis Romanus sum carried with it certain privileges that even the lowliest citizen had access to. A much-cited instance of the privileges attaching to Roman citizenship is the ability of Paul the Apostle also Paul the Roman citizen to avoid being scourged and to have his chains removed when he was arrested."

Tags:Roman Empire, national, ethnic, Christianity, Roman Army, Christianity, Barbarians, Roman Republic

Abstract
In this article, the writer examines and discusses the Roman Empire's system of roads. The first section of the paper provides a brief description of the Roman roads. The second section of the paper discusses the multiple benefits that made the Roman roads so important to the empire. The final section of the paper develops conclusions about the Roman roads and their importance based on the foregoing analysis and discussion.

From the Paper
"Out of a small agricultural community living on the Italian Peninsula in the ... th century BC grew one of the largest empires known to mankind, the Roman Empire. While there is much that the Roman Empire is known for one feature that puts it above all others is the fact that it was the first empire to envision a systematic construction of roads linking its capital city Rome to all of the ..."

Tags:Roman Empire, Roman roads

Abstract
This paper presents a positive review of Arther Ferrill's study on the Roman Empire, "The Fall of the Roman Empire". The paper includes a discussion of some of the book's weaknesses, but focuses on the book's ability to deliver an informative, historical account of the decline of the Roman Empire. The paper also applies the lessons learned from the book to the current political situation in the United States and asserts that these lessons should be heeded in light of the comparisons that can be drawn between the political, economic, and military power of the United States and that of the Roman Empire during its time.

From the Paper
"The Fall of the Roman Empire by Arther Ferrill (1986) provides well written and interesting reading for the non-historian. While Ferrill breaks down many areas of the Roman Empire and it's decline, there are other areas where the author's description of some important details remains sketchy and leaves the reader wanting more information. Ferrill breezes over some very important explanations concerning why the Eastern Empire survived despite the Eastern army suffering the two major defeats of Adrianople and Julian's failed Persian campaign. Ferrill also does not support the argument that the Fall of Rome was the result of a successful conquest of barbarism and religion. He instead maintains that uncomplicated military failures contributed to Rome's decline. The case he presents supports that these were created by political blunders, and that enough of the blunders created the misfortune that resulted in the decline of the Roman public spirit."

Tags:civilized, productive, lifestyle, oppressed, barbarians, minorities, national, liberation, battles, defense, in, depth, federated, status, roman, army

Abstract
In this article, the writer explores the Roman funeral rite and the ability of the Romans to successfully inculturate elements of this ritual into the other cultures that they touched. The writer supports the thesis that the successful inculturation of funeral rites into mainstream society is a result of the willingness to adapt the ritual to include elements of the culture that they wished to acquire, rather than getting them to submit by sheer brute force. The new funeral rite then represents a perfect blend of two cultures.

Outline:
Understanding Inculturation
Roman Funeral Rites Past and Present
Inculturation of Roman Funerary Rites
The Jewish Funerary Liturgy
Developing a Plan for Inculturation
On Liturgy and Faith
Inculturation Methodology

From the Paper
"As the pagan practices of the Roman Empire became entangled, and later replaced by Christianity, many of the pagan practices became obsolete. In some cases, they were no longer allowed, particularly those that honored pagan gods. However, as the Roman religion transformed into the Roman Catholic Church, many elements of the old funeral rites survived. The survival of these elements demonstrates a high degree of inculturation of the old Roman practices. The modern Catholic funerary service still maintains the basic structure of the old Roman ceremony.
"The modern Roman Catholic Church requires that burial rites contain three distinct lithurgical sections. A funeral must contain all three sections."

Tags:customs, Roman, Empire, practice, body

Abstract
This paper provides a comparison and contrast of upper-class (patrician) and lower-class (plebian) Rome during the Roman Empire, including a number of daily lifestyle aspects from meals and housing to clothing and public entertainment. The significance of reinforcing social distinctions through public display for Roman society is addressed.

From the Paper
"The distinctions among social classes in Ancient Rome were an integral part of the functioning of Roman society. As Barbara McManus asserts; "Ancient Rome was very much a 'face-to-face' society, actually more of an 'in-your-face' society and public display and recognition of status were an essential part of having status. Among the patrician, plebian and slave classes, such distinctions of status were signified by a number of different aspects of daily life, including meals, housing, clothing, work and others. This analysis..."

Tags:Coliseum, Circus Maximus, slaves, wine, government, wealth, poverty, social welfare, emperors