Architecture of the Italian Renaissance

The Italian Renaissance theories and examples were based off of Roman example. The renewal of the Roman era was viable in architecture but just as much so in literature as well. 

Roman Empire vs. Holy Roman Empire

One of the main differences between the Roman Empire and the Holy Roman Empire is that the Roman Empire focused on expansion much more than the Holy Roman Empire did.

Roman Powers and Money

Money and power unfortunately seem to go hand in hand in all of history. Specifically in Roman history. However, having money and power together can be detrimental to a society and its people. 

The Roman Empire

The Inheritance of Rome by Chris Wickham is a book written to inform people of the history of the dark ages. Wickham brings forth solidifying knowledge such as the Mediterranean Sea, taxation, and of all rulers of Rome. His insights have brought me to question whether or not poor rule and spreading were the true causes alone of the fall of the Roman empire.

The Greediness for Territory

As a world power, the Roman Empire obviously had clear motives to expand their empire and control as much land as they could. Although the Romans were gaining lots of land through winning wars against their neighboring territories, I believe one of the main catalysts in the fall of Rome was their greediness when it came to expanding their empire. Rome’s territory got so big that they ended up having trouble with taxation, keeping enough troops in each area, and keeping loyalty to the Roman Government.  In “The Inheritance of Rome,” Wickham said “The Roman Empire was centred on the Mediterranean- ‘our sea’ as the Romans called it; they are the only power in history ever to rule all its shores…..By 300 it was recognized that the empire could not easily be ruled from a single centre, and after 324 there were two permanent capitals, Rome and Constantine’s newly founded Constantinople…” (Wickham 23) This quote brings me to the question, how does the whole empire become unified when it is that spread out? And how do they afford to keep soldiers in all territories? Wickham states that in 400, there were some a half million soldiers, and they were by far the Roman Empire’s biggest expense. After expanding an empire so big to where they had to pay for over a half million soldiers, Rome couldn’t have been sitting very good financially. Also, armies were capable of imposing their own candidates for emperor. This makes me wonder how such a big group of people over such a large area can keep one common goal and be unified. Corruption was extremely common and extreme violence was starting to be displayed, especially throughout the western empire.

 

The Vandal Paradox

I found it interesting how in reading it appeared that Roman Empire was destroyed by people much like themselves. The Vandals were the most the most Roman of all the Germanic tribes. The Vandals were the best chance the Germanic tribes had of taking down the Roman Empire. Because the Vandals were like Romans they knew their ways and weaknesses. When the Vandals took over not a whole lot changed.  They even used the same tax system as the Romans. It almost seemed like the Roman or new Vandal Empire did not skip a beat after Rome was sacked and the Vandals came to power. I am sure not all of it was easy but it amazes me how smoothly this transition went. If one of the other Germanic tribes were to have sacked Rome and taken over I am sure the transition would not have gone as easily as the Vandals made it.

Taxation in Rome

Many historians believe that the tax system in Rome was a problem.They believe that the taxes placed on the citizens were outrageous and very high. But this is not the case. If it had not been for the tax system in Rome, it surely would have crumbled much earlier than it did.

To Big to Fail, Rome Wasn’t

Rome as a city is the reason the roman empire fell.  From reading The Inheritance of Rome I found a list of many things that caused the fall of the Roman empire.  These include how large Rome became, corruption, taxes, violence, extreme judicial punishment, and welfare.

Roman Civilizations

The Roman Empire can be seen today as the stepping stones to a modern civilization. The construction of Eastern Roman city-states during the 5th-7th centuries CE can be morphed into today’s cities with little adjustment.

Security of the Eastern Empire

The survival of the Eastern Roman Empire was due to the absence of attackers on the capital city of Constantinople. The Western Empire was constantly under attack by barbarians and Germanic tribes which made them focus on defending themselves, while the Eastern Empire was able to focus on their agriculture and furthering their society as a whole.