By the second century CE the Roman Empire, now encompassing the Mediterranean basin and beyond, was in its glory days. With conquest largely completed, the pax Romana (Roman peace) generally prevailed and commerce flourished, as did the arts and literature. The empire enjoyed a century (96-180 CE) of autocratic but generally benevolent rule. In 155 CE a well-known scholar and orator form the city of Smyrna on the west coast of Anatolia (present-day Turkey) arrived for a visit to the imperial capital of Rome. He was Aelius Aristides (ca. 117-181 CE), a widely traveled Greek-speaking member of a wealthy landowning family whose members had been granted Roman citizenship several decades earlier. While in Rome, Aristides delivered to the imperial court and in front of the emperor, Antonius, a formal speech of praise and gratitude, known as a panegyric, celebrating the virtues and achievements of the Roman Empire.
Read the following excerpt The Roman Oration by Aelius Aristides in 155 CE.
Answer the following questions, in paragraph form, following the guidelines on the Forum Instructions and Grading handout (shared with you in Google). You do not have to address each question in order, but you must address all five questions within your answer. Your answer should be multiple paragraphs. Include citations from the article, The Roman Oration (Doc 1) and from textbook Ways of the World chapter three (Strayer 149).
1. What does Aristides identify as the unique features of the Roman Empire? Which of these features in particular may have given the empire a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of its many subject peoples? What other factors, unmentioned by Aristides, may have contributed to the maintenance of Roman authority?
2. What does Aristides mean by referring to the empire as a "common democracy of the world"?
3. Why might Aristides, a Greek-speaking resident of a land well outside the Roman heartland, be so enamored of the empire?
4. To what extent does Aristides' oration provide evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman Empire.
5. How does this speech compare, in both style and content, with that of Pericles' Funeral Oration?
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ReplyDeleteAristides is referring to the empire as a common democracy of the world because it is under the rule of one man, the best ruler and director. They divided humanity into romans and non-Romans ."because you have divided people in this manner, in every city throughout the empire there are many who share citizenship with you, no less than the share citizenship with their fellow natives"(Docg1). Aristides identifies how each of the five emperors displayed a sensitivity to law and good government. He also states that he gave citizenship everywhere to all those who are more accomplishes, noble, and powerful. Aristides says" Because your government is both universal and like that of single city-state, its governors rightly rule not as foreigners but, as it were, their own people" (Doc h1) These are some of the unique features the Roman empire has. I think the features in particular that may of given legitimacy in the eyes of the people are, that their government were both universal and like that of single city-state. The other factors that may have contributed to the maintenance of Roman authority is how they gave citizenship to everybody who deserved it. Aristides, Greek-speaking resident of a land well outside the roman heartland, be so enamored of the empire. I think because of his religious views and values. This speech and Pericles' Funeral Oration is similar in style because there both informing us about democracy, and how power is divided between the people. Aristides oration provides evidence for the development of Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman empire because he says " Let us pray that all the gods and their grant that this empire and this city flourish children flourish forever and never cease until stones float on water and trees cease to put forth shoots in spring, and that the Great Governor(Emperor) and his sons be preserved and obtained blessings for all" (Doc p.s.t).
ReplyDeleteI agree ,democracy is quite common with other places.Aristides and Pericles civilization was very similar in a lot of ways. Also with the religious views and values ,His speech is similar in style because they are informing us about democracy and power divided between people by providing evidence with the roman empires. Doc 1 g,h
DeleteI agree with you with the fact that you said it was ruled under the rule of one man, the best ruler and director. Reason being like it was all the power to “one” but they always tend to pick the best one that showed for example trustworthiness not caring their born region. Showing that it was democracy by being able to elect the “right one” to protect them and represent with honest power in hands. As well as that it was quite similar to Pericles civilization.
DeleteI agree with you on the fact that you said it would be ruled by one ruler. the best ruler or director. being that it would be a democracy, and that people would choose their king or emperor.
DeleteI agree with you on when you said that Rome was “under the rule of one man, the best ruler and director”. Even though Rome had elected governors, the emperor had the most power in the “political ladder” (Thats just a metaphor I made up). Due to the fact that Rome was democracy, they chose the best of the best, the one who showed the true characteristics to be a leader of an empire, as their ruler.
DeleteI agree with you when you say they were under rule of one man, because they were under rule of a good man. I liked how you included that many people were given citizenship. It shows you that the common people in Rome were participating in public things.
DeleteI agree with you that Rome itself would be ruled by just one individual ruler rather than multiple people or the society as a whole. I agree with you because Rome, like Andy said in his comment, was a democracy so they would pick who they felt was best for the job as ruler. This person would have to fit all the qualities for the ruler they desired, showing that the one ruler who was best would prevail.
DeleteThe retained citizenship (doc. 1 d). To show they can treat people fairly and freely to gain trust with others. Obedience since they have a retained citizenship they wouldn't want it to be taken away by not listening and following instructions. Rights of voting was the same as other democratic countries, no major difference. How strong and successful it's become he would listen because how successful that are would make them wiser
ReplyDelete1.) The features is that one man will rule the empire. (Doc 1, I.) Particular features is that "present governemnts serves rich and poor alike, and your consitution has developed a single, harmonious, all-embracing union... You control a vast empire with a rule that is firm but not unkind...." (Doc 1, N&O). The people will have protection against the more powerful of their native countrymen (Doc 1, M.) They have divided the people into Romans and non-Romans (Doc 1, J).
ReplyDelete2.) Aristides is referring to the empires as a world democracy under the rule of one man, the best ruler and director. (Doc 1, I.)
3.) Aristides has very religous views and values thats why he resident of a land well outside the Roman heartland.
4.) Aristides provides evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman Empire because he tells his people "Let us pray that all the gods and children grant that this empire and this city flourish forever and never cease until stones float on water and trees cease to put forth shoots in spring, and that the Great Governor (the emperor) and his sons be preserved and obtain blessings for all." That means that Roman citizen or rather one of those people united under your rule.... (Doc 1, Q.)
5.) Pericles' Funeral Oration speech talks about about democracy, and how power will be divided between the people. This speech almost in the same way talks about power. Thats how they are the same.
I agree , pericles funeral oration speech talks about democracy , and that how power will be divided between the people. However , i disagree with the speech almost in the same way talking about power. I think it talks about courage . (Doc 1 j)
DeleteI disagree with your statement that the empire is under the rule of one man. In Aristides' speech, he discusses the democracy of the Roman Empire and how it is not set up under one man, but is governed by it's citizens. The empire is so vast and large that it has governors who each govern a city and all together these cities are under the rule of the democracy. Thus, the empire is not ruled under one man, but several people.
DeleteI disagree with you with the fact that you said they are similar on how they talk about power. I personally see that it was not just power itself that was similar. They kind of both talked about choosing the right position due to the thought of their citizens. For example they didn’t just care about a good ruler but also one that would treat and represent their people correctly. Maybe it was basically power, but I think there was a little more thought to it though.
DeleteI fully agree with you about how you said Aristides love the roman empire, and also about how this article/ speech is similar to Pericles funeral orientation speech about how them want to be divided among the people basically.
DeleteI agree with you I think that the two speeches were about democracy and how well they used it at that time. They did also explain that this governments gave the people make rights then they would normally get at the time. Most people having rights in an empire wasn’t really seen around this time either. That’s why the both talked so much about the empire giving rights to the people because nobody was doing that, but as the speeches explained this help keep the empire strong because they people weren’t trying to rebel against the ruler.
DeleteI agree with you when said Pericles' Funeral Oration speech talks about about democracy, and how power will be divided between the people. However, the speeches are not talking about the same power. Aristides is explaining how he see the Roman Empire (doc 1 b)
DeleteAristides came to admire Rome and fall in love with it. He delivers a 'panegyric' in the imperial court of Rome. 'Panegyric' means is a formal public speech of praise. He praises the glories on the Pax Romana, and captured the spirit of prosperity, cosmopolitanism, and universal mission that characterized the attitude of so many of the Roman Empire's ruling elite during the second century C.E. He refers to the Roman Empire being a common democracy because it's under the rule of one man. I believe Aristides might be so impressed by the Roman Empire because of the structure and the traditions/designs the Romans follow. Thus allowing their empire to look fancy and rich thus causing Aristides to be so impressed by it. Aristides most likely admires how they divide their power and the way their democracy is structured. Their speeches both are similar considering they both talk about democracy and power being placed throughout the civilian world. They both present their highly stylized addresses in a high manor, filled with cliched phrases and hyperbolic flourishes about traditions. (Doc 1 A, B, C, F, L, M, O)
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statements on Aristides and the reasons he was so impressed with the many aspects of the Roman Empire. Because he was a Greek philosopher, he seemed to enjoy the way things worked and the traditions and cultures of Rome. Aristides also admired the Roman democracy and how unique it was. He seemed to enjoy the different aspects of it and how it worked, even though it was so uncommon and different at the time.
DeleteI agree with the way you described the time of Pax Ramona. You used the word "cosmopolitan" which could mean experienced or worldly-wise. It's true that the Romans were familiar with other cultures such as the Greeks. (Doc 1 D) They were able to accept them into their empire without a battle, letting them cross through their homeland whenever they wanted to. But they were also strict with what one can and can not do as a non-Roman and a Roman. (Doc 1, F, H)As an empire, I think that is one of the most important things to do. To lay down the laws. A government has to have rules or else anybody would feel free to overrun the empire because they see it as weak, so I believe that the Roman's government system was well put together.
DeleteAristides describes power and government as a unique way of the Roman Empire . Despite a number of weaknesses within the Roman imperial system, the Roman Peace held up rather well for two centuries,it was a good empire .Aristides says, “The land you possess equals what the sun can pass over, and the sun does encompass your land… You don’t reign within fixed boundaries, and another state does not dictate the limits of the land you control.” This means that the land has the same amount of qualities as the sun.Some things that might have come up with the maintenance of Roman authority are trade, shipping, agriculture, and metallurgy. All arts and crafts were things that were produced from the earth. When Aristides refers to the empire as the “common democracy of the world,” he is trying to say that you’re under the rule of the best ruler and director.In every city throughout the empire there are many who share citizenship with you, no less than the share citizenship with their fellow natives .The emperor Aristides created enamored him.As a vast and comprehensive as its size is, your empire is much greater for its perfection than for the area its borders encircle . You as an individual, rule alone over free men. You are the one who conducts business throughout the world .Aristides Oration of Pericles provides evidence that its culture became Greco-based. It had power in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people.This speech and The Funeral Oration of Pericles compare to each other by Aristides Oration shows how power, laws, and own decisions can make a government come together .In the speech we just read, he tells us how the farmlands were, the size of the empire, and that the world has a common democracy (Doc 1,A,b,c,,d,f,h)
ReplyDeletea) {1} Aristides identifies the Roman Empire as a one man common democracy. As well as the native people get protection from under their power (Doc K1 and M1). Especially since the cultural was has large growth it was impossible to fail the expansion (Doc B1). Not only that but he saw the common channel as a great thing(s) since most things came for earth itself during spring. By this he thought it was one of the best things one could ask for (Doc D1). A couple of features that were particular in may have given the empire legitimacy in the eyes of its subject people was that if they were noble he would grant them with citizenship (Doc G1). The other factors that were unmentioned by Aristides that may have contributed to the maintenance of the Roman Authority was how the cultural contributed in a large part.
ReplyDeleteb) {2} Aristides referrers to the empire as a “common democracy of the world” because that the way he sees it in his eyes. For example he says no one is a foreigner who deserves to hold office.. by saying this he is showing that not only the very rich and high power civilians deserve power and trust but foreigners as well (Doc H1, J1, L1). Not only that but he says “….Governors rightly rule not as foreigner but, as it were, their people..” meaning that not only because others rule doesn’t mean they go crazy and punish brutality instead as if they have lived there ever since. With this my conclusion has come to say that is shows a “common democracy of the world” because one person ruler but with a voice of the community without twisted rule upon them (Doc L1).
C) {3} Aristides, a Greek-speaking resident of a land well outside the Roman heartland would be so enamored of the empire because he see it a fatherland and motherland on earth (Doc Q1). In other words he was religious and saw the traditions and beliefs of the Romans as adornment (doc 1 P1). Not only that but he got his citizenship in the Anatolian city of Smyrna while still having a Roman citizenship. Their actions showed him that the Romans accepted him even though he was a foreign. Perhaps this is appreciation of kindness led him to endure the Roman Society from then an on.
D){4} The extent of Aristides’ provided evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman Empire by stating that “ it is now possible for Hellene and non-Hellene” and it meant that every Roman citizen and who shared Greco-Roman high culture (Doc R1). Meaning that, Roman citizens that had/valued Greek cultural were considered Hellene at the time. As well as the holiday they celebrated helped show the proof of the thoughts and power (Doc P1). In which it shows it united the people as a whole rather than being torn apart with different civilians and beliefs (Doc S1).
e){5} The speech compares in both style and content, with that of Pericles’ Funeral Oration because it talks about how the people have power which is also explained by Aelius Aristides (Doc 2 A1). As well as in the way that they both value the rights of civilians with having the right people rule rather than any “person”. For them both the significance in politics was quite important even though Aristides doesn’t say it directly but how they chose a certain ruler chose how essential it was for them (Doc 2 D, Doc 1 I). The content in both are quite similar on how they show what they values were and the importance of rightful rulers likewise the style on how it was explained. In different ways, but very uniquely alike they
I disagree with you when you said it talks about how the people have power which is also explained by Aelius Aristides because Aristides wanted one man to rule the empire not the people of the empire ( doc1 d).
Delete1.) Aristides identifies Rome's government and their power in a unique way. He ended up falling in love with rome and their government. How it was governed and organized, and the land mass (doc 1,c, d, e). He interacted with the Roman citizenship (doc 1, f). Aristides means by the empire is one democracy in the world because it is controlled, ruled, and governed by one person (doc 1, J). I think even though Aristides isn't a roman, the he's not living in the heart or the mainland of Rome he's still concerned and he loves the Roman empire (doc 1. h) and his values and religious views. Aristides provides evidence for the Grecko-roman because at the end he is telling people to prey for gods and children (doc 1, t). This and the percales speech have basically the same thing in common, basically saying that the empire or country will be divided among people.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that he fell in love with the roman government, because that is true, he very much liked the way they ruled things as a democracy. Another thing I agree with is that he did care for the roman empire, even though himself he was not roman.
DeleteI agree when you say that "he ended up falling in love with Rome and their government," because he did feel very strong and passionate towards the way they governed. He loved the Roman's empire so much because what they did was successful, well thought out and organized. This empire was structured perfectly and he admired the way it all ran smoothly. I think Aristides also loved it so much because he aspired to be like that.
Deletei agree with you when you said he fell in love with the roman government, because he really liked his empire and he took great care of it. I also liked how you said Aristides means by the empire is one democracy in the world because it is controlled, ruled, and governed by one person
DeleteAristides identifies a vast empire, control over goods, stable political structure, a fair government, and the ability to unify everyone under their control in a peaceful was as the unique characteristics of the Roman Empire. Aristides states that the Roman Empire is so big that it doesn’t have fixed boundaries set by another state instead the sea it’s what dictates its boundaries (Doc 1 A). The Roman Empire has the control of agriculture, trade, shipping and metallurgy as well as arts and crafts (Doc 1 C). The reason why the Roman Empire had a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of many subjects was because they had such a stable political structure. Governors were by election and the people felt as though they were “ruled by governors sent out to them only to the degree that they wish to be ruled” (Doc 1 D). The government was also fair, it served the rich and the poor the same which led to a greater loyalty for many people not just the nobles. Another factor that lead to someone like Aristides, a Greek-speaking resident of a land well outside the Roman heartland to be so enamored of the empire was that the Roman Empire was universal. Foreigners were allowed to have Roman citizenship as well as keep their own citizenship from their own countries (Doc 1 H). A person was able to enjoy the benefits of that the Roman Empire had as well as keep their identity as a citizen from their own country.
ReplyDeleteWhen Aristides refers to the empire as a “common democracy of the world” he means that the Roman Empire is truly universal and fair with the many territories it conquered. The governors rightly ruled as if it were its own people (Doc 1 I). Many people had Roman citizenship even though they were far away and had never seen Rome (Doc 1 I). The oration provides evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman Empire by giving the oration. He says he gives the address to the city as a tradition that when someone has reached their destination safely they pledge to fulfill a vow. Finally this speech compares with the Pericles’ Funeral Oration in that both are made to honor a country. They both talk about the good points of the Empire/city-state. They have a similar style by praising.
I agree with everything you said. When you described Aristides definition behind "a common democracy of the world" you claimed that the oration provided evidence for the development of a Greco-Roman culture. I would like to add on that Aristides also wanted to praise their form or governing while also providing it as proof. (Doc 1 J, I) He seemed to admire their, like you said fair way of treating citizens. I believe that the fairness the empire displayed was one of the reasons it was so unique.
DeleteAelius Aristides, a Greek orator, describes the Roman Empire as an accepting and unified society. (Doc 1 G, H, B) He gives credit to the empire for having a long time of peace and for having expansion by military force, allowing them to build more buildings such as temples, houses, markets, etc. Expanding also gave them more agricultural land. (Doc 1 B, C) But even though the Roman Empire was big, Aristides didn’t want to show it off for its size but for the fact that it was so uniquely organized on the inside. The citizens and the government in the empire were ones that focused on peace and unity and making sure everyone felt as normal as any other citizen in the empire. (Doc 1 F, G, H, I) They wanted freedom. The Romans also had, without a blueprint, creating an empire that surrounded the entire Mediterranean basin and beyond. (Strayer 130) Aristides refers to the empire as a “common democracy of the world” because the government will serve both the rich and poor, Romans and non-Romans. (Doc 1 G, H, I) Aelius sounds like he admires what Augustus had done as a Roman leader. “As vast and comprehensive as its size, your empire is much greater for its perfection than for the area its borders encircle…” (Doc 1 F) Greeks and Romans weren’t completely separate from each other. They met at channel to trade tools and different material. Greeks were looked at as equal to a Roman. Anybody in the empire, Hellene or non-Hellene was to travel at ease to whichever homeland one wishes to. (Doc 1 F, K) In comparison to Pericles’ Funeral Oration, both talked about the peace within their people.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with all of your arguments. Greeks and romans were both looked at as equal and had a few things in common aswell. You had very good citation/evidence to back up your responses. The government and citizens did both focus on unity and peace. The romans were like the oratation said firm but not cruel.
DeleteAristides identifies unique features such as the government which is both universal and like a city-state, the fact that the Roman Empire possessed land vaster than Persia, and that culture and manufacture thrived in Rome (Doc 1. C, D, G). The empire's government may have given the empire a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of the people as the governors ruled rightly, treated the rich and poor alike, and greatly protected the people ( Doc 2. E, H, I). Other factors which may have contributed to the maintenance of Roman authority was the fact that the government was an aristocracy and a democracy, where it's citizens were given extra rights and powers, which was not found in most other governments of the time.
ReplyDeleteWhen Aristides refers to the empire as a "common democracy of the world', he is referring to the fact that the empire, which takes up most of the world, is ruled through governors which govern over certain cities and the cities are then governed under all of Rome (Doc 2. J).
Aristides might have been so enamored of the Roman Empire as he was a Greek philosopher and the empire adopted several concepts which originated with Greece. He also might have been fascinated with the Roman government, which included a democracy, and the fact that it worked so well, although it was so unique.
Aristides provides evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and a sensibility within the Roman Empire while discussing the fact that the people of Greece could freely travel throughout the empire, which was unusual for a culture with numerous slaves, and the fact that this idea originated with Greece (Doc 2. H).
This speech compares with Pericles’ Funeral Oration in both style and content as both compliment and boast of the democracies in which they discuss. Both also use elaborate wording to discuss what details make the democracies so great.
I agree with you completely when you stated the extra factors that contributed to the maintenance of Roman authority. Giving extra privileges and power to the people can contribute to a steady grip on the maintenance of Roman authority. Giving more power to the people makes them happy, and pleasing the people makes it easier to “control” (When I say control, I mean more like keeping them “calm” and not completely out of control). However, when theres a disagreement among the masses (rich and poor), you're going to have a bad time.
DeleteI agree with you I think that one of the main reasons that Aristides showed so much love for the Roman empire was because they took some things from the Greek culture and made them their own. So he may be interested in how well or poorly they used those greek cultures and made them their own. Also think that he was interested in how well the Rome government work because thats one if the things they are known for and like you said not very many empires were using this type of government at the time.
Delete1) Aristides finds that Rome's empire being ruled by one king and that “The present government serves rich and poor alike” (Doc 1) are unique features of Rome. The fact that Rome had elected governors gave the people an opportunity to have power gave the Empire a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of its many subject peoples. (Doc 1 F)
ReplyDelete2) Aristides is talking about how Rome was ruled by a single ruler. (Doc 1 E)
3) Aristides, being a man who focused on values and religion, see’s Rome as a massive city with many riches and a lot of cultural diversity. (Doc 1 C)
4) How he refers to Greco-Romans compared to Non-Hellene (also known as barbarians) show that Greco-Romans had more privileges and in most societies, the masses that consist of the same ancestors had the most rights. Showing that Greco-Romans consist of most of the populations and formed their culture. (Doc 1 G)
5) Both Aristides and Pericles talk about the government of an empire can either make or break the country. They also talk about how the power the government has on the people can make a effective government. Not too much. Not too little. (Doc A,B,F)
I agree with your answer on number three that he did see Rome as a massive city with many riches and cultural diversity, but I don’t see how he being religious and focused in values made him enamored by the empire. The implication that he was a religious man who had values doesn’t really explain why he would be so attracted to the Roman Empire. I think that Aristides was enamored by the empire not only because of its many riches but because of the freedom and equality people who had double citizenship, just like him, had in Rome (Doc 1 H).
DeleteThe reason Aristides refers to the Roman empire as a “common democracy” because it did have the characteristic that most democracy’s have. “the present government serves rich and poor alike…” this is an example of how their democracy was “common” because on if the main points of a democracy is that it gives everybody the same rights (doc 1 G). This type of government is one unique feature that the Roman empire had. They also strived to have a large trade market by having a large sea trade and allowing many different cultures to trade in their market (doc 1 B, C, F). I think that having reasonable/fair leaders and helped the Roman empire maintain their power for such a long period of time because if the people don’t have a problem with the government then they have no reason to rebel against them. Which means they have one less enemy to worry about. This would be a good reason of why Aristides loved and spoke so highly of Roman Empire simply because of their rights and how they treated everyone. Aristides is from Greece and in Greece their democracy is a little different from Rome. In Greece mainly the rich or the men that were citizens could be involved with the politics. Whereas in Rome rich and poor were allowed to have a part in the politics, so its possible that Aristides could not be involved in the politics in Greece which is why he like Rome more. Aristides also shows how the Roman empire made an impact or helped create Greco-Roman Culture. One main reasons is because he said that they should take advantage of the many places they own and allow different cultures to be expressed especially in trade (doc 1 B). By having cultures trade to other cultures they can mix cultures and use things from other cultures in their own, which could be how Greco-Roman culture was started because of the combining of cultures. I think that the two speeches compare because they are both explaining their love for their empires and they great things they achieved. They both show and explain why they are so proud of the empire and how they why it was ruled also affected the people that lives there.
ReplyDelete1) Aristides identifies that the roman empire uses the seas for great use. The merchants would come and set up a mini market for them to use these products in everyday life (doc #1. D). As well as anybody who was noble was granted citizenship (doc #1, H).
ReplyDelete2) He's saying that his democracy was one for the world to use, as well as the democracy would protect the empire from becoming something it wasn't (doc #1, I).
3) Aristides believed in religion to keep the empire living, he believed that even though he wasn't born in Rome it should stull stand.
4) He talks about there trade a lot, saying that merchants would bring their ships and have a market. As well as the growth of the agricultural (Doc #1, C,D).
5) His speech talks more about the success of what the Roman empire has accomplished. He talks about what made them last even longer then others.
By reading Aristides' panegyric, it is easy to see what he admired most about the Roman empire. He describes a vast empire with great agricultural resources, immense trade, connecting cultures, and diversity (Doc 1: B, E, D, C). Aristides admires the way that products from many different places can all be found in a single location in a large amount and the cultivation of the lands, so in other words, the Roman empire had a tremendous amount of good resources (Doc 1: D, E). Some of the most important qualities of the Roman empire were the fair rulers, unity of the people, equality, freedom, and easily attained citizenship (Doc 1: G, J, I, K, H). I believe that these traits were what Aristides appreciated the most from the empire since Aristides himself had to gain Roman citizenship. Citizenship in Rome was not hard to get, they gave equal chances to all kinds of people and treated them all the same. In his speech, Aristides says "there is here a a common 'world democracy' under the rule of one man...". By this, I believe he is trying to say that diverse people are all brought together under one empire and is describing the unity of all the different people that there are in the Roman empire. Many of these characteristics that welcome non-citizens into the empire might have been a big reason for why the empire stood for so long. Other reasons that could have added to that may have been the fact that Rome was way more advanced than other places, because of their welcoming nature, at that time which probably caught a lot of attention. Comparing Aristides' oration to Pericles' Funeral Oration, they both spoke about democracy and their advancement and although in different ways, they both spoke about equal justice.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with you when you mentioned how you believe that these traits were what Aristides appreciated the most from the empire since Aristides himself had to gain Roman citizenship, because they valued the Roman, because citizenship was not hard to get, they wanted to treat everyone equal.
DeleteAristides was a wealthy landowner from Anatolia, that delivered a panegyric on the glories of the Pax Romana(doc1 C). He identifies many unique features of the Roman Empire such as the vast and comprehensive empire, goods, government, and a political structure. When Aristides is referring to the empire as a “common democracy of the world “ it means one man will rule the empire (doc1 d). Aristides might be so enamored of the empire because he managed nonetheless to capture the spirit of prosperity (doc1 d). Aristides' oration provide evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility within the Roman Empire because he quotes “The earth is everyone's mother and our common fatherland. It is now possible for Hellene and non-Hellene [by this time the term Hellene did not refer simply to an ethnic Greek. It meant anyone who was a Roman citizen and who shared in the Greco-Roman high culture of the empire. Thus, Aristides, a native of Asia Minor, was a Hellene. A non-Hellene, or barbarian, was either someone from outside the empire or one of the empire's uneducated masses], with or without property, to travel with ease wherever he wishes, as though passing from homeland to homeland (doc1 m)....” This means the Greek and Roman culture is united as one. Pericles' Funeral Oration speech discusses the power being dividing between and the democracy . Aristides’ speech explains how the democracy of the Roman Empire will be ruled under one man(doc1 d) .
ReplyDeleteAstrides identified a couple different unique features such as having, "trade, shipping, agriculture, metallurgy," (Doc 1, A). This was important and unique because they were basically good at many aspects of a civilization. They weren't a "one-trick pony," they had many great qualities that led them to be a good empire.The feature that my have given the empire a measure of legitimacy in the eyes of subject peoples is that everyone had citizenship. The Romans did not limit to just nobles, all levels of society had somewhere that they belong. Aristides says that the empire is "common democracy of the world" and by this he means that "no one is a foreigner who deserves to hold an office or is worthy of trust," (Doc 1, B).
ReplyDeleteAristides was so enamored of the Roman empire because they were successful. He loved it because they possessed so many different qualities. They were good at a lot of traits, rather than just being good at one thing. This speech compares to Pericles Funeral Oration because they both were similar in the way they addressed the people. They were kind and to the point, but attention grabbing. Aristides provides evidence for the development of a composite Greco-Roman culture and sensibility. He shows this evidence for development by making improvements and not just staying in one place as an empire.
I strongly agree with all of your claims and you provided good evidence to back it up. I liked how you contrasted The Romans to a one trick pony. It was a good way to help the reader understand the fact that Rome was very strong in multiple categories necessary to be a empire. I disagree with one thing though. I don't believe Aristides ortion was attention grabbing I felt it was more calm and collective. I do believe Pericle's oration was attention grabbing ecause the tone he had.
DeleteAristides refers to many things that are unique features of the roman empire. The unique features are: Rome didn't reign in a fixed boundary, no other state dictates the decisions of the emperor, and appeared as a global marketplace. (Doc1. A B D). Other features include combined unity of religion, the ruler ruled over every man in the empire, they appoint government, the division of non-Roman and Roman citizens.(Doc.1 K I J). I think the fact that one ruler ruled everyone kept government authority. Some other factors may contain the money value, level of education, and the law system. Aristides refers to the empire being a common democracy of the world. This means it is ruled by a single ruler and there is a difference between non Roman and Roman people.I think Aristides was enamoured within the Roman empires, because he was stunned by the contrasts in the ways his empire was ran and how the Roman empire was huge. The oration provides evidence from when Aristide stated, “ It meant anyone who was a roman citizen and who started in the Greco-Roman…”, This provides evidence that in fact there was a Greco Composite that had developed. Both of the orations talked about power if you compared aristides to Pericles. (Doc 1. K I J). In contrast the style of both were different. Pericles was more strong going and respectful, while Aristides was more his opinion and laid back.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the styles of the Pericles’ Funeral Oration and The Roman Oration are different. In the Funeral Oration, Pericles is boasting about his own country. He sounds very patriotic and proud of what Athens has become and what they stand for. In the other hand Aristides is just praising the Roman Empire he isn’t really boasting about anything. In the Funeral Oration is almost as if Pericles is stating facts in contrast Aristides is stating his opinion on how the Empire look and what it is.
DeleteI indeed agree with this as well, as Sonia pointed out Pericles does seem quite confident and proud of Athens and their stand of what they have developed into. Yet Aristides is very cautious and seems to almost bow down and sweeten his words for the Roman Empire's approval.
DeleteAristides identified unique features in the roman empire because they had a common channel to rome, they had trade, shipping, agriculture, metallurgy (Doc1, E) This helps them create a better civilized empire. The public business saw the whole civilized world as a city-state, appoint governors, by election, to protect and care for the governed (Doc1, D). What the Aristides mean by referring to the empire as a "common democracy of the world" is neither the sea nor the great expanse of intervening land keeps one from being a citizen, and there is no distinction between Europe and Asia, no one is foreigner who deserves to hold an office or is worthy of trust (Doc1,H) You have divided humanity into Romans and non-Romans, and because people divided in this manner, in every city throughout the empire there are many who share citizenship with them (Doc1, I). Greek-speaking resident of a land well outside the Roman heartland, was so enamored of the empire because they believed in religion to keep there empire alive (Doc, L). Anyone who was a Roman citizen and who shared in the Greco- Roman high culture of the empire (Doc1, M). In comparison to Pericles’ Funeral Oration, both talked about the peace within their people, it also explain how the democracy of the Roman Empire will be ruled under one man (Doc1, O)
ReplyDeleteAristides described Rome as a dominant empire,he fell in love with Rome and its many characteristics.He especially likes the way Roman government worked.He thought of it as the peoples government because it served the rich and the poor(Doc 1,I).Some things that may have contributed to the maintenance of Roman authority would have been the equality of the empire.Due to the government serving poor and rich alike Rome was thriving so many people did not believe anything needed to change or be fixed.Aristides refers to empire as “common democracy of the world” because of the way the Roman empire’s government worked.In Rome only one person would rule and have comeplete power,however the citizens elected a representative with their oppinions and views to influence the government.So anyone in the empire could make a difference in the government no matter if you were rich or poor thats why it was common(Doc 1,E).Aristides simply just fell in love with the Roman empire.Aristides was enamored by the Roman empire because of how different and beneficial it was compared to where he usually lived.One of the major reason why Aristides fell in love with the Roman empire was because the government provided an environment of equality whether you were poor or rich(Doc 1, I).Aristides was also enamored by how the Roman empire would give citizenship to anyone as long as you were of use to the empire(Doc 1,F).Aristide's story of the Roman empire had a lot of evidence because he actually experienced it himself.However it is only his point of view and his opinions,no one else.This speech compares to “Pericle' Funeral oration” because it describes the experiences of Aristides,while the other one describes the experiences of pericles.The styles to these texts are different in many ways.This text explains the great characteristics of the Roman empire through Aristides experience.“Pericles’ Funeral oration” is Pericles himself talking about his experience.
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ReplyDeleteAristides talks about power and government as a unique way of the Roman Empire . Besides a number of weaknesses in the Roman imperial system, the Roman Peace held up well for two whole centuries, it was a good empire . Aristides says, “The land you possess equals what the sun can pass over, and the sun does encompass your land… You don’t reign within fixed boundaries, and another state does not dictate the limits of the land you control.” This means in my opinion means the amount of sun that shines is the same amount of possibilities with your land, endless. Some things that might have come up with the maintenance of Roman authority are metallurgy, shipping, trade, and agriculture.. In every city throughout the empire there are many who share citizenship with you, no less than the share citizenship with their fellow natives .The emperor Aristides created enamored him. As a vast and comprehensive as its size is, your empire is much greater for its perfection than for the area its borders encircle . You as an individual, rule alone over free men. You are the one who conducts business throughout the world . All arts and crafts were things that were produced from the earth. When Aristides refers to the empire as the “common democracy of the world,” he is trying to say that you’re being ruled by the best ruler. Aristides Oration of Pericles provides evidence that its culture pretty much became Greco-based. It had power in the hands not of just specific people but of the whole people.This speech and The Funeral Oration of Pericles compare to each other by Aristides Oration shows how power, laws, and own decisions can make a government come together . In the speech, he tells about how the world has a common democracy, farmlands were, and the size of the empire.(Doc 1,A,B,D,F,G,H,I)