Friday, September 19, 2008
Roman Politcal Mess
I was amazed when I read the section on the The Roman Revolution. Reading about all the conspiracy, bloodshed and betrayal of everyone to get what they wanted for themselves. So much selfishness, it seemed like a race to the top to rule the world and people would do anything to get it. The senate was weak and loosing their hold on Rome and things had gotten way out of control. It was easy to bribe or force your way to the top. If you had any standing at all or money you just hire gangs and threaten people to vote for you or you get a couple of buddies together and threaten the senate and there you go you have power. I can't imagine what kind of political world that would be. I can't say they were all bad and selfish. Some good came from some of them. Although the only one that comes to mind at the moment is Octavian/Augustus Caesar. He was the man that grabbed the reigns and gave some direction to the people, for a while anyway. After his death, well things went down hill in hurry again. What a mess!
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Octavian Augustus was a brilliant man, he knew how to give just enough limited power to allow the current management feel powerful, and not threatened. He gave praise to the middle man when needed to boost moral. He a man of the common people, he provided games and entertainment, and no costs to them, so they too could enjoy the same activities as the elite citizens of Rome. Proper balance, between him and the Senate, he had his hand in everything, and yet no one resented him for his present. The only thing he did not take care of, was the secession of empire.
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