Social & Economic Ripple Effects of Empire - Graecia capta

Social & Economic Ripple Effects of Empire

Graecia capta

  • Date: 26 April 2023

  • Theme: Exploration of the social and economic ripple effects resulting from imperial expansion, focusing on the relationship between Rome and Greek-speaking populations.

The Project

  • Discussion sections led by Teaching Assistants (TAs) will explain the project details this week.

Course Content So Far

  • Migration and evolving political structures

  • Nomads and Markets (the Bronze Age)

  • The Rise of the City-State (the Iron Age)

  • Regional conflict and the year 338 BCE (Relation of West & East)

  • Concentrations of power

  • Wars & Empires

    • Concept of the subjugation of people.

  • Roman Imperialism

    • Key focus on Carthage.

  • Ripple effects from empire

Ripple Effects from Empire

  • Social & Economic Ripple Effects

    • Examining the interactions between Romans and Greek-speaking individuals.

  • Political Ripple Effects

    • Focus on the Gracchi and political philosophy.

  • Empire and Its Consequences

    • Case study on Julius Caesar.

  • Midterm Exam

    • Notes: Students are required to bring two blue books to class on 5 February along with their notes.

Social & Economic Ripple Effects: Graecia capta

  • Polybius goes to Rome

    • The significant cultural and political exchange initiated between Greece and Rome.

    • The arrival of Polybius highlights the complexities and richness of Greek influence in Rome.

  • A Rome Full of Greeks

    • The cultural assimilation and blending that occurred as Rome expanded into Grecian territories.

  • Opposition

    • There were notable resistance sentiments against the incorporation of Greek culture.

Polybius Goes to Rome

  • Polybius of Megalopolis: Major historical figure whose works provide insights into the political landscape of Rome and Greece during this period.

Timeline of Conflicts

  • 1st War with Carthage: 264 – 241 BCE

  • 2nd War with Carthage: 218-201 BCE

  • Romans vs. Pyrrhus: 280-275 BCE

  • 1st Macedonian War: 214-205 BCE

  • 2nd Macedonian War: 200-197 BCE

  • Romans vs. Antiochus III: 192-188 BCE

  • 3rd Macedonian War: 171-168 BCE

Map Analysis of Mediterranean at 218 BCE

  • Reference: Map showing major conflicts and territories during the First Macedonian War and interactions with Carthage.

Cultural Exchanges

  • Livius Andronicus (Tarentum): The first Roman to translate Greek texts, such as Homer’s Odyssey into Latin around 272 BCE.

  • Plautus: Notable playwright (254-184 BCE) contributing to Rome's cultural landscape using Greek influences.

Polybius’ Histories

  • A comprehensive work consisting of 40 volumes covering the rise of the Roman Republic from 220 – 144 BCE.

    • Chronological Order: Organized using Olympiad dating.

    • Commitment to Truth: Avoidance of bias, featuring practical political guidance.

    • Study of Causation: Drawing parallels and lessons from historical events.

  • Polybius is described as the first Roman historian alongside Fabius Pictor, shedding light on Rome’s expansion strategies.

The Superiority of Roman Constitution

  • Polybius argues for the mixed constitution of the Roman Republic as superior compared to other forms of government.

    • Constituents: Monarchy (Consuls), Aristocracy (Senate), and Democracy (Assemblies).

    • Reflects Aristotle’s theory of governance, particularly from Book 4 of "Politics".

Opposition Against Greek Culture

  • Cato the Elder (234-149 BCE): A Roman politician known for opposing Greek influences.

    • Actions: Fought against indulgence in Hellenistic culture, sought to expel Greek philosophers from Rome.

    • Cato criticized moral decay due to luxury and expounded on how Rome’s expansion brought vices associated with Hellenistic culture.

  • Quote from Cato (Livy 34.4.1-3): Expresses concerns over greed and luxury as factors leading to the decline of great empires.

Cultural Consequence of Roman Conquest

  • Polybius on Roman Behavior: Points to Romans adopting aspects of ‘Greek laxity’ post-conquest.

    • Describes indulgence in banquets and amorous relationships influenced by Greek culture.

    • Notable among Roman commanders like Scipio Aemilianus, who attempted to enforce discipline among troops to reject Greek luxuries.

Effect of Graecia Capta

  • Horace's Epistle to Augustus: Emphasizes the cultural capture of Greece over its conqueror, stating “Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit et artes / intulit agresti Latio”: