Rome had great accomplishments ranging from beautiful art to architecture achievements. But they were a society built on much more than that. Rome was a civilization that was formed from war and law. Rome made a switch from having a singular ruler to having a republic around 550 BCE, this was viewed as a political innovation. Rome then went on to acquire most of the land that we know refer to as the Roman empire. This is lead Rome to have a combined respect towards popular sovereignty and a hierarchy. This made it possible for military veterans, well establishment men, as well as rookies to make a change and shape the political world. It was laws created by the people for the people. Much like the an America we were formed from.
Ancient Rome's structure and legacy seems to be a loved subject much like the 1980's and their outfits and 1990's and their cartoons. Will there ever be a time where we remembering and celebrating Rome is irrelevant? Or is our lives so in tuned to a Roman way that we will never not reference it?
I personally have deep seeded issues with Rome due to the fact that they wouldn't let me into the Colosseum when I was 12.
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ReplyDeleteIn short, I'm not exactly sure that there is a definite answer to these questions. But with speculation, I would say no. I doubt that, at least anytime soon, remembrance and celebration of the Roman Empire will be "irrelevant".
ReplyDeleteMaybe irrelevant isn't the right word, because I'm not sure that even when it is referenced on Mean Girls or at a "frat party", that it is being used for its 'relevance'. However, I do think that the romanticism associated with the ancient Roman Empire will remain for years to come.
"Romanticism" is clearly the word for it! Both in its origins and in the contrast that Parson's makes between Rome in our imaginings and Rome as experienced by people of the time.
DeleteSo, first I should probably say that I'm very sorry to hear about your traumatic experience at the Colosseum. Oddly, visiting the Colosseum at about 12 years of age is one my defining childhood memories!
ReplyDeleteI think your points about Rome in popular imagination are well-taken. It is startling to think of all the ways we encounter references to Rome in the 21st century. I would, however, be very cautious about identifying even the Roman Republic with popular sovereignty. Although the plebians did have some access to protection via the work of tribunes and published law codes, it is clear that power rested primarily in the hands of an elite class of people.