When analyzing today's world, one would say that our civilization is based upon technology, democratic governments, prevention of terrorism/war, and freedom from religious control. When analyzing the ancient periods of Rome and Jerusalem, one would say that the civilizations were based by religion, power, and money, which seems different than today's world. These two statements then bring up an interesting question. How are the ancient civilizations of Rome and Jerusalem comparable to today's society? The answer to the question is that the United States, Rome, and Jerusalem are comparable because of how they sought power through expansion, provided aid to the poor, and honored leaders or soldiers after victory or for tradition.
The first parallel between the ancient civilization and America is that they all have sought most of their power through expansion of their culture and society. Rome, for example, was always defeating other civilizations just to obtain more land for their citizens and power for the empire. The king of Jerusalem, Alexander Janaeus, expanded the most by defeating cities which had belonged to Greek culture by using his mercenary troops (Rome and Jerusalem; Martin Goodman p.50-51). The United States somewhat follows this same pattern that was used by Rome and Jerusalem, but in a different manner. America does not go into other countries just to conquer and to turn the people into slaves. However, the United States does go into other countries to spread our beliefs there for causing our country to have more power. For example, this country has been in war in Iraq so that we could turn their once dictatorship government into a democratic government. This type of action has given America more power and has allowed our country to become the "world police" because America is the country that people look at when in need of help.
The second parallel is that both Rome and Jerusalem had accounts of the emperors or leaders giving aid to the poor and America also follows that same pattern. In each of the three civilizations, the aid that is given is not given to help obtain a higher class, but just enough to survive on. In Rome, some emperors decided to rely less on building new monuments and buildings and give aid to the people of Rome (Goodman). This aid, however, was not set up to help people reach richness or anything in particular. Instead, this aid was set up to just help them survive. We have the same system in America. When people lose their jobs or when people need help such as T.A.N.F (temporary assistance for needy families), which gives people below the poverty line access to funds. These funds do not help the families reach success or get above the poverty line. This aid just helps the poor to stay alive and continue to feed their families.
The last parallel that the three civilizations share is that they all provide a ceremonial event for their leaders whether it is for victory or for tradition. In Rome, it was tradition that whenever an army conquered new land they were given an exclusion to the law that stated no army was to enter the city borders of Rome. After the senate gave them this exclusion they would walk their army down the via sacra in a celebration form. In Jerusalem, it was also tradition that once a year the high priest would enter the deepest room of the center in the Temple and give the holy sacrifice to god. In the United States when a war is going on and the soldiers return from deployment, a huge town celebration happens especially in the smaller towns. Not only do the soldiers receive celebrations, but the President of the United States receives many celebrations in his honor. When he first wins his election he is given the Inauguration ball allowing for all of his supporters to join him in celebration of his victory.
The ancient civilizations had many ways that are similar to how we live today. America is a successful country because it has followed the positives that these ancient civilizations had and manipulated them to create something that is better. In fact, is that not the idea of history? Should we always look at history and live like how past generations did but in a new improved manner? If people would just follow this practice of looking at the past then our generation and future generations can be very successful in what ever they do or plan to do.
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