Today's United States vs Ancient Rome (Egyptian, economic, invaded, Japanese)

[ekw]

I think that generally, historians consider a country's height of power to be the beginning of its downfall. It may not be a steep decline as it was in Mexico when the Aztecs were at the height of their power and influence when Cortez arrived, but usually a country is well into its decadence by then and the seeds of decline are well-sprouted.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by John Walmsley

There is an interesting 2006 recorded interview on the NPR website titled Drawing Parallels Between Ancient Rome and the US Today. In the interview, Robert Harris, author of several historical novels, including one called Imperium, says that, in researching his book, he found several parallels between situations in ancient Rome and those growing out of the 9/11 event. During the rule of Pompey the Great, "stateless desperadoes," (actually Cilician pirates), brazenly attacked Roman shipping fairly close to the city of Rome. This caused great consternation among the populace and the Roman senate. Despite bitter debate in the Roman senate, fear carried the day, and the people were willing to surrender their liberties and their control over the government and grant sweeping new powers to Pompey. Eventually, Pompey was able to neutralize the threat, but the people's powers were never returned. Julius Caesar and his successors inherited the same powers.

Pretty weak in my opinion.
Have you read about the powers granted and enforced during WW2? Rationing, travel restrictions, internment camps?
Wouldn't the comparison have been much more apt back in 1943?

Basically, the only change I've experienced since 9-11 is that they took my toothpaste tube from me at the airport because it was too big.
(Translation: A lot of the consternation over stuff since 9-11 is somewhat valid but also somewhat loaded with partisan fearmongering on both sides)

[Mathguy]

The Romans were surrounded by enemies and were conquered militarily.
The US has no risk of invasion and immense geographical advantages.

[JRBurwell]

I have 30 years of America military experience and am currently a Command Sergeant Major. That having been said, being an amateur historian, given equivalent weapons and proficiency in the use thereof, why do you think that the USMC would route the Roman Legion?

Originally Posted by cpg35223

I'm also guessing that the US Marine Corps would have completely routed the Roman Legions. Just a guess on my part.

[Stac2007]

Like Rome the U.S. has a real problem controlling the greed and self indulgence of many of its people. Right now we are robbing the middle class of the American dream and shattering their hopes of a future just so that the privileged few can live like kings and queens. Why would any one want to fight for a country which prevents the economic future of its people?

[cpg35223]

Originally Posted by JRBurwell

I have 30 years of America military experience and am currently a Command Sergeant Major. That having been said, being an amateur historian, given equivalent weapons and proficiency in the use thereof, why do you think that the USMC would route the Roman Legion?

Well, I was making a joke, because the Marines have automatic rifles, artillery, tanks, assault helicopters, and Harrier jets. Meanwhile the Romans would have only had bows, spears, short swords, and calvary. It would have been over in about 30 seconds. The Super Cobras would have swooped in, the Roman high priests would have said, "Holy Jupiter, it's the Gods!", panic would have swept the legion and they would have broken ranks and fled.

All kidding aside, I think the level of combat training and physical honing of the Marine's would be superior to that of the Romans. They were unmatched in their day, but no match for today's well-fed, well-trained professional soldiers.

[MrBlueSky_]

Rome prospered for 500 years until embracing Christianity, then fell a short time later. Something to think about..

[Stac2007]

Originally Posted by MrBlueSky_

Rome prospered for 500 years until embracing Christianity, then fell a short time later. Something to think about..

That's because Rome twisted Christianity to fill their own needs and interest.

[Sunnydee]

Originally Posted by bchris02

America is quickly going the way of Ancient Rome. I fear I will see it in my lifetime. America is destroying itself from the inside-out and most people today do not even see it. American culture no longer has an values, heroes, or meaning, only an 'if it feels good, do it' philosophy. That is the philosophy that dominated in Roman times.

I share your fear. The people who work hard, lead decent lives, are responsible and honorable are being robbed by their own government to give bail outs and
hand outs to people who only care about themselves. How can this be good?

[Stac2007]

Originally Posted by Sunnydee

I share your fear. The people who work hard, lead decent lives, are responsible and honorable are being robbed by their own government to give bail outs and
hand outs to people who only care about themselves. How can this be good?

I agree with both of you. When our government's most important concern is about making the economy produce for the nation’s elite, thing are pretty bad. Our days are numbers. How much more can people take?