"All history is biography," said Emerson, and he's certainly right in thinking that an understanding of the lives of individual men and women is essential to history. Fortunately for us, many ancient writers shared Emerson's idea of the importance of biography, and they've left us many fascinating accounts of important Roman leaders. Among the most interesting biographies are those contained in Plutarch's "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans." Please read one of the following selections from Plutarch. Cite an incident or sentiment that seems to you particular important in understanding Roman character/values/history, and explain why you chose this particular passage/event.Abridged versions:
Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus, Fabius Maximus, Cato the Elder, Camillus
Unabridged versions:
Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus, Fabius Maximus, Cato the Elder, Camillus
I read the passage on Camillus. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It shows the bravery and heroism of Camillus. Camillus was able to bring the spark back to Rome and lead them valiantly.
ReplyDeleteI found the account of the invasion of Gaul interesting as well. When the massive armies of Gaul came into Rome Camillus didn't back down, but instead took them head on and was able to save the city and unite Rome again.
My favorite part was the section about the schoolboy's who whipped their master all the way down the road, after trying to sell them as hostages to the Romans. Camillus stood up and said we can't take these children hostage, and their native city surrendered the next day.
I read the account of Caius Gracchus, the younger brother of Tiberius. Caius was 21 when his brother was murdered in the streets of Rome and as a result tried to shy away from a life in politics in Rome. Instead, he went to Sardina as a quaestor and served honorably by finding the monetary means for providing for the army through terrible winters on the island. He would have avoided a political life if it were not for a dream of his brother who told him he would live and die serving the people of Rome. Ah a bit of prophecy is always great. Anyway, Caius brought about many successful laws and even tried redistributing Roman lands among the common citizens. A move which carried great pull from the plebeians. He also expanded the Senate to house 300 military votes. He was also a great civil designer, building roads, granaries etc. all the while adding to his blooming popularity. Eventually he was brutally murdered by the Senate like his brother for not accepting a lesser role in politics, however unjust that may have come. Caius shows an advancement in Roman civil life and government through his many laws and architectural achievements. This is important to Roman character as well because after his death he is immortalized with a statue, a sign that the Romans respect true valor. This particular event was super interesting as well because of the final chase scene of Caius and his loyal servant.
ReplyDelete-Jackson Pasco
I read the story on Camillus. The part that I found the most interesting is when the Gauls sack Rome and the Romans turn to Camillus to make safe the city. What surprised me was that Camillus would not command an army unless appointed by his countrymen who were locked in the city of Rome. This may have been surprising to me,however, Camillus would take no action against his Constitution that apparently stated he needed approval from Senate. After a daring message delivered to the senate and a valiant defense on the part of the Romans, Camillus arrived with impeccable timing and drove the Gauls from Rome, being regarded as the "deliverer of Rome."
ReplyDeleteThis passage says a lot about Roman values of strength and valor, but to me it spoke in volume of the power of the Roman constitution. Camillus didn't reach out and seize power at such a moment of crisis, but obeyed the law that the Senate needed to approve such emergency powers even in such a dire situation. While this seems to be foolish on Camillus' part and he could have easily gathered an army and saved time in the process, he plays the part of a good Roman citizen who puts the law above himself.
-Zack Krage
I read the story of Tiberius. Tiberius was a great ruler, not only was he a very smart man, he was also a brilliant military leader. When he was leader of Rome he tried looking out for everyone. He did not see only the high class patricians but he also helped the lower class plebeians. Tiberius was popular among most of the population of Rome. His idea of splitting up the land angered some influential people and when Tiberius was going to become king the nobles rose up and challenged him. Tiberius would end up losing his life and the senate for fear of dying would not pursue the ideas that Tiberius had. Nasica was the one who led the attack on Tiberius had to leave Rome because he was abused any time he went into public showing how popular Tiberius was.
ReplyDeleteThe line I choose is from Tiberius Gracchus it is "Then Mancinus sued for peace, but the enemy declared that they would treat with nobody but Tiberius, who had a splendid character in the army, and whose father during the war in Spain had behaved honorably towards the Numantians. So Tiberius was sent, and by the peace he made saved the lives of twenty thousand Roman citizens, besides slaves and others of the army." Behaving honorably and having a splendid character seems pretty important in this line. If one behaved honorably one may be requested in helping settle for peace. This line shows him to be a good person like his father.
ReplyDeleteChristina Grimme