fandomhigh | Introduction to World History (Terran)

Introduction to World History (Terran) - #5

Introduction to World History to 1600 (Terran)
Monday 1:00-3:00 pm

Seimei moved fluidly, albeit a bit slower than usual as he entered the class. He sank to the floor amid his pillows and composed the in-class discussion question.

Displaying his customary scroll across the front of the class:

Discussion question –

What was considered the center of Roman civilization?

“Also, an announcement,” Seimei’s baritone voice rang clearly through the classroom. “Due next Monday, September 26 is a longer written assignment to discuss the following question.”

He rolled out a secondary scroll.

Examine Roman history and analyze the effect the Roman expansion and empire had on Rome from 509 BC to 180 AD.

“No negotiations on due date.”

((ooc: edited to add)) “Please drop by the roster page to verify your name is on the roll for the correct class. I will be keeping stricter tally of who shows up in class and who does not.”

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*raises her hand*

Urban life was rather central, sir. To be a true civilized Roman, you had to be educated, successful and part of a community, which you weren't able to find in the countryside. Vacations were acceptable, but it was the barbarians that actually lived in the countryside.

It also partly explains why Rome was so highly reverred, and why "all roads led to Rome"

Seimei raised eyebrow and smiled. "Excellent."

I agree, but I would also add that part of the reason the Empire collapsed was this very reason. They spread themselves too thin - their army was almost too good - the empire covered such a great expanse with power bases concentrated almost solely in the urban areas, and eventually the center could not hold. A different system may have worked better in the long run, although perhaps Roman civilization wouldn't have made the advances it did without the great minds of the age being so concentrated in one area and able to interact.

*looks across at Lisa, nodding in agreement*

There were the other factors which contributed to its fall, like Christianity, and their economic problems. But I agree with Lisa, that their urban centers later led to their downfall.

It's why societies need to be more fluid today. But even now, there's problems due to distance between the differing urban and country lifestyles.

Absolutely. There is no one cause for the fall of the Empire, but perhaps a nation such as the United States might want to consider the Romans in their thinking. The US is separated politically along similar lines - urban centers with a majority of the resources, but a vast expanse of land with large numbers of people with less supposed influence, but now they seem to be dictating the nation's behavior more and more. Tides turn quickly, and issues like religion only help stoke the flame.

Often, the problem with the US is the fractures between State and Federal. I mean, if I'm driving along the I-95, and I'm in Connecticut, I can talk on my cell. But as soon as I enter New York state, I have to put it away. It's a fickle example; I'm not saying that we need a federal ban on talking on cells whilst we're driving, like the English do. But it does seem that Washington doesn't listen to those who need the help

That is also a valid point, and having a unified governmental structure is also something that we have seen in our studies pop up time and time again as a potential problem for any large nation.

It sometimes makes you wonder if the US is too large to cope with itself as one country. We need the bipartisan politics, but the difference between them often seems to lead to trouble.

*has been listening*

Man, you guys should travel to my time some day--damn tyrants tryin' to turn the Earth into a world nation that rules over the Colonies, too, causing kids like me to fly weapons of mass destruction. They could learna thing or two from the fall of the Romans, eh? *grins ironically* At least the Romans had good governmental structure in their urban centers, if not all the areas they 'ruled' over--I think that's prolly what kept it together for so long.

*turns to look at him* Really? I suppose that could have been a possibly outcome for us if we'd lost World War II and Hitler had free reign.

The stratification in its society would have helped them remain in control.

Hmm. Agreed. Nothin' like opressing the masses in order to keep your preferred system in control! *laughs* Thing that bugs me, though, is here they are with this grand ol' society with art and learning and whatnot, and yet they gotta blow everything because of military power. If they'da just left things peaceful insteada being power-hungry bastards, things mighta been better off for everyone.

But, they were also being attacked themselves. They have the right to defend themselves... their way of life, their learning and their art...

I'm not a great fan of the military myself, but I do understand the unfortunate reasons as to why we need one.

*agrees* Defense of an idea is alright in my books, but once ya got that, there's no need to go around stompin' in other people's grounds. A fight for peace is alright by me; a few of us've gotta go to hell for all the death and destruction, but not everyone does. *grins*

*smiles warmly* I agree totally

*holds out hand* Elizabeth Weir

*smiles back and shakes her hand* Duo Maxwell! I may run and hide but I never tell a lie! I take it you're from the 1900s? Er, whatcha call that, 20th century?? We don't go by that timeline anymore where I'm from. *laughs*

*laughs* Yes; the very end of it. Although it's actually the start of the 21st now. Where are you from?

*nods* Well, I assume I'm from the L2 Space Colony, though ever since I can remember I was on the streets, so I guess I could be from anywhere! American, though, that much I know. *laughs* Currently its AC(after Colony)195, which is, er, *calculates* about 2240, going by your timeline, although there are a few years after 2045 that no one thought to date, so I could be a little off. *grins* Either way, I'm a Colony boy and my main objective in life has been to free the Colonies from the oppressive Earth rule. Which is why I got this Roman biz under my skin!

I assume you're from Earth, but whereabouts? I been almost everywhere on this rock. *grins*

*listens, fascinated*

Well, I've been quite a few places on Earth myself. Most recently, I've come from Colorado, but I mostly grew up in Washington DC, thanks to dad's work.

DC, huh? Get to beat up any government officials? Or is dad the government official? In which case, get to beat up any government officials? *laughs* I ain't been to nearly enough places in the Americas--mostly Europe and Asia, thanks to my 'work'. *eyeroll* Got stuck in one of the Arabian deserts, once. Very cool, that.

*laughs* Dad was a government official; senator for eight years. Although I've done my share in beating them up... metaphorically, not literally, you understand.

I love Europe; I'd like to go back there soon. Where have you been there?

Ha! I knew it! *laughs* I myself can't find a good government-type and not want to beat 'em up!

In Europe? Let's see...mostly just stop offs here and there, like France once and Germany, I think. *scratches head* I never know where I'm at on Earth, it's too complicated! I remember Siberia, though. *shudders* Waaaaay too cold, and that coming from someone used to living in outerspace...

Other than that? Just Japan and the Middle East on Earth--mostly I hang out in space. Or, you know, in prison on the Lunar Base. *laughs*

I'm a big fan of Earth, though. I just feel weird here, sometimes, ya know? Hey you should check out space! It's fun, I swear! Not everyone is out to kill you, mostly they're after me! *laughs*

*laughs* No, Siberia isn't the most pleasant of places really, is it? I've spent some time in Russia, and I have to admit, that tour wasn't one of the highlights.

I've been to the Middle East a couple of times; not so much Japan. Just the one stop off in Tokyo briefly.

*laughs again* I wouldn't say that... I might have had experiences involving things in space trying to kill me. Unfortunately, it's all classified.

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I make a slightly confused face but speak up anyway. "The Romans started expanding too much and their empire grew too big for them to handle. There were too many differences between their...realms, I guess? Too many considerations made it hard to rule with a firm hand."

And with the fall of the Empire, came the emergence of the first medieval political order. So for the idea of politics, and state control to evolve, the Empire had to fall.

Charlie starts doodling the words to "Anarchy in the U.K." in his notebook as he listens. He finds the whole discussion interesting if a bit baffling.

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