Discussion Week 1
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1. Why is the Augustan Age considered a high point of
cultural achievement?
[Your discussion should include a short survey of the great literary
productions of the period, especially the works of Virgil, the greatest
Latin poet of them all, Livy, the historian of imperial Rome, and
mention some of the features of Augustan visual arts.]
2. What values were reflected in Roman art, architecture
and
literature, and what role did these play in
Romanization?
[In other words, if you had to define the hallmarks of Roman culture,
what would you pick -
(i) logical and orderly Roman law (which they have bequeathed to the
West),
(ii) good, if at times woefully cruel and stern, government,
(iii) an 'open society' where social advancement in a multi-ethnic
Empire fostered prosperity,
(iv) Roman art and architecture emphasizing the conquests of war and
the veneration of great and heroic ancestors, etc.?]
3. Why did Rome persecute the Christians?
[The Roman empire was polytheistic and witnessed the spread of many
beliefs, such as the mystery cults of Dionysius, Demeter, Isis and
Mithras, which latter came from the Persian empire. One god to the
average Roman was the same as another. Why did they apparently take
such exception to the Christians?]
Copyright ©2008 Aidan Breen, Ph.D.
