"All history is biography," said Emerson, and he's certainly right in thinking that an understanding of the lives of individual men and women is essential to history. Fortunately for us, many ancient writers shared Emerson's idea of the importance of biography, and they've left us many fascinating accounts of important Roman leaders. Among the most interesting biographies are those contained in Plutarch's "Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans." Please read one of the following selections from Plutarch. Cite an incident or sentiment that seems to you particular important in understanding Roman character/values/history, and explain why you chose this particular passage/event.Abridged versions:
Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus, Fabius Maximus, Cato the Elder, Camillus
Unabridged versions:
Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus, Fabius Maximus, Cato the Elder, Camillus
13 comments:
I read the story of Tiberius Gracchus. He was a very good man who held several high offices in Rome. He was esspecially known for his military skill. In one situation Tiberius was sent to make peace with the enemies when Rome had been surrounded. He avoided the unneccesary death of many becasue of his ability to compromise and make peace with the enemy.
I think this speaks highly of his character and of Rome. This is not the only time Rome was willing to compromise to avoida fight. They generally had very good relations with their neighbors and this may be one key to the succes of the Roman empire as a whole.
The story of Cato the Elder is probably the best one out of the ones available. Here was a Roman who lived as frugally as possible, who thought that men should own nothing they could do without and that only useful servants who could work were allowed in his household, all others were to be sold as soon as they showed signs of old age. He believed in the quality of his virtus and showed it in his lifestyle. Of course he carried too far, his wife and son died under his inept medical care, but that stubbornness seemed a consistent quality of most of the great Roman leaders. His congratulations offered to a man who avenged his parents seemed especially suitable of him, "the tears and sufferings of their enemies are better" to be offered than mere animal flesh. Only hard men like Cato could have led Rome to the top of the world where they stood for a long time.
-Louis Brown-
I read the story of Caius Gracchus who was a Tribune of the romans. His duty as a roman and one who holds office is to help his fellow romans and make life better for them. To do this he suggested colonizing several more cities, building roads, and making public graneries. He also passed many other laws giving more power to the common people and restricting the senates power, and he always does this not for himself but the people, this is a hero they can follow and admire because everything is for rome and not himself, one part of roman character is the state is the most important thing in life, and Ciaus always tried to make it a better place.
I read the story of Tiberious Gracchus. It goes a long way to trying to understand the story when you read about how popyular he was everywhere he went, and in every office he held. It speaks to his character greatly when reading about the things he accomplished as a leader in Roman society.
The incident I found most interesting was when Tiberious attempted to get all land accumulated from war divided equally among all citizens even though initailly the rich and powerful few had taken control, like usual. This of course, even though very popular previously, made him very unpopular with the rich of Rome. It actually led to his violent death. He knew fighting for the poor average citizen of Rome could be dangerous but it did show the kind of standards he stood and died for. Although the few were able to get to Tiberious, and kill him, the civilization as a whole proved to value him and it showed after his death on they treated those who were responsible.
I read the story of Fabius Maximus. He was someone who helped the Romans in a time of need when they were having trouble with Hannibal. After a defeat of their army, Fabius was elected to run the public affairs office and the first thing that caught my eye was when he used the religious side to show that the defeat was because of neglect to the gods and not because of the Romans courage. He told then that all they needed to do was gratify the gods and they would come back to the side of the Romans and this helped to encourage confidence in themselves again.
This seems to be a key value for the Romans because it is one factor that they have on their side either in battle or just with the people in general. What it is, is them truly believing that they are the right on the gods side and as long as they please the gods they will always come out on top. This is something that is key to them being a success because when you know that the gods will be on your side it puts you more at ease and you will have less to worry about and you will most likely fight better with this in your mind.
Eric Bengs
i read about Tiberius Gracchus. i foundit perticularly interesting how he fought to have the land, that rome had ganed, equialy devided among the people of rome, giving the poor a place of there own. he was very passionate about this idea that he wouldent let it go and even had another tribune removed from office so that he could accomplish this.
i think this shows us that collectivily it was important to rome that there people be taken care of and be given a fair share. shows that its not just the interests of the rich that matter but the poor as well. and Tiberius's passion and dedication to this is a good example of the roman charector. determned to see the right thing to go threw.
I read the story of Tiberius Gracchus. It seems that the people of Rome found Tiberius to be a very noble leader and thought extremely high of him. He encounters numerous occasions where he betters the Roman people. This is why I find it somewhat interesting as to why the attitude of some of the Roman people changed toward the end of the story, and some people wanted to get rid of him even when Octavius was running against him. After he won this election he even asks the crowd that his family might be provided for, because he did not feel that his life was safe. Well obviously his life was not safe, but it wonders me why such a honorable leader would be killed by such a few amount of people. It sounds to me that Tiberius did a good job in what he did and thats what made this story interesting to me.
I read the story of Fabius Maximus. His story takes place while Hannible was invading. Through out all the losses and victories fabius held strong to his beliefs. He showed not only patience but strength in not giveing in to what the masses wanted. He was branded a coward but yet he still wouldnt relent. His comrades turned there backs on him and his friends dided but he still held true. He did not fear for his life as much as he feared for his country. He showed honor, fortitude, patience, and faith.
I read the story of Camillus. He was a General and he was a brave and smart leader. He was also a vain man and did cause some displeasure among the Romans. He did many things that could be used to show the Roman sentiment. He was the one who wouldn't accept the children as ransom as we heard in class. I am going to pick the story when he was accused of taking to much of a ransom. Rather than have his friends pay off his debt he decided to go into voluntary exile. This shows the nature of what Romans thought of a character. They would rather go into exile than bring any shame to themselves or to their family. After he was in exile he still loved Rome and helped them when they were being attacked by the Guals. That also shows great character to not want revenge for the wrong that came to you. Camillus was a very cool dude.
I read the story about Fabius Maximus. It seems to me that the Roman peope didn't like him until they desparately needed him. He was a consul during the time when Hannibal had invaded Italy through Spain after crossing the Alps. Fabius Maximus never really wants to fight directly with Hannibal because he knows that if they fight directly Hannibal will crush them. The Romans kept calling Fabius Maximus a coward and eventually the other consul decided to attack them and he died making Fabius Maximus the dictator. Eventually Fabius Maximus ended up fighting Hannibal at Cannae and ended up with a major defeat.
I think this story shows us a lot about the character of Fabius Maximus. He seems to be a very honorable man who doesn't let people get to him. He knows his values of family and honor. It states how he gives a tremendous speach at his sons funeral. Also, when the people call him a coward he doesn't rush into battle to prove them wrong. He seems like a very smart person. Knowing this about Fabius Maximus makes it easier to understand that even though the odds weren't in Rome's favor, it's easy to see why they were able to succeed.
I read the story of Caius Gracchus and while he may have just been searching for personal glory, in the process he did a great deal for the lower class citizens of Rome. He had the cajones to pass laws that blatantly granted power to the plebians and took it away from the senate. Something very dangerous to do, especially if you look at what happened to his brother.
I think this shows a great deal about his character; while he may have been slightly vane, in a time of corruption at the top, he was the one shining light for the small guys which is something hard to find in most cases.
I chose this event because it is something that happens over and over in history that usually leads to major events. One person stands up to the corrupt and either gets killed before he can accomplish anything or he makes a lasting impact, in this case I think Caius made a lasting impact and improved the life of the plebians in Rome.
I enjoyed the story of Tiberius Gracchus. I think he made an interesting example of what could happen after a Tribune lost their position. While they may have been untouchable during their office, as soon as their term was up (and they were not re-elected) there were serious consequences (for him, fatal).
I think this says a lot about the character of the Roman Senators, of whom we hear so much Roman history from. They were so determined to take him down and completely ruthless to those who opposed them. This story is a definite example of their short-sighted selfishness.
Cassandra Stangeland
I also read Tiberius Gracchus. I think that one of the most proving parts of the story is when he leaves the decision of Octavius' office up to the people. His valor and honorable actions spoke to the people enough to make them vote in Tiberius' favor, and therefore cast Octavius out of office. I think that this shows us that the Romans, even when tried by a somewhat unfriendly event, were willing to put it on the line for someone they respected.
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