Today's United States vs Ancient Rome (Roman, events, empire, unemployment)

[censusdata]

The similarities are extensive:
- Both began by the aggressive annexation of nearby lands
- Both were sole superpowers in the world
- Both believed the Eagle symbolized their ideals
- Both were known for decadence and over indulgence

[cpg35223]

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

[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.

[Dd714]

Both had gladitorial combat to the death and executions by crucifixon...

Well, not really, but I predict next year Fox TV will feature a reality show with the above. Oh and followers of Zuess will be the next popular religion.

The similiarities tend to get into cliche's and then you can compare the U.S. and/or Ancient Rome to any civilization or political party in history, that's why I have a tough time taking this post seriously. The differences between the Roman Empire (although I might add - what period? Rome was at any one time a republic, a dictatorship, a vassel state, and a network of city-states) and the country of the United States on the other hand are too numerous and vast to count.

[Towhee]

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.

How true. I mentioned this to my husband just yesterday. We are like the perverbial frog in the pan of water on the burner. The heat has been turned up but no one is noticing it ! I am thankful that I will not be on the earth too much longer, but I fear for my granddaughters.

[Dd714]

This topic can still be saved as a good viable historical discussion and not a political-current events disscussion if we remove the silly U.S. comparisons and blaming the fall of Rome to "decadence and overindulgence" and discuss and debate the real historical reasons for the fall of rome:

Depopulation of Italy and advancement of the Germanic tribes
Over expansion and reliance on foreign soldiers in the legions (Germanic and Gual),
The rise of Christianity
Almost constant civil wars and the failure of complete unification.
And finally just a decision by an emporer to move his home from Rome to Constantinople.

Just my opinion...

[Thyra]

Another problem, was that Rome was importing most of it's food...
Thanks,Dd 714 for reminding us to keep this thread from becoming politcal

[censusdata]

Here is an interesting website that give several reasons for Rome's fall:
- Decline in Morals and Values (including high poverty and crime
- No efficient system to keep stability when new emperors take power
- Middle Class unemployment caused by slavery
- High inflation and imported food

Reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire (http://killeenroos.com/1/Romefall.htm - broken link)

[Dd714]

Originally Posted by censusdata

Here is an interesting website that give several reasons for Rome's fall:
- Decline in Morals and Values (including high poverty and crime
- No efficient system to keep stability when new emperors take power
- Middle Class unemployment caused by slavery
- High inflation and imported food

Reasons for the fall of the Roman Empire (http://killeenroos.com/1/Romefall.htm - broken link)

Good site, 32,000 prostitutes in Rome? Whoohooo.

Problem with that site is it gave examples from Rome's height of power, not it's decline phase 200 and 300 years later. It also listed symptoms more than causes. What caused the food shortages and inflation?

Well Rome had a good run - 500+ years. Not bad for any empire.

[RMoore007]

They both have italian restaurants
They both have taxi's
They both have flea markets

Also, they both have theaters, indoor toilets and people who wear sandals and toga's.....traffic jams, literers and heads hanging on the square. Well maybe not that.