Post-Classical Era

I expect that the post-classical era is going to be about the rebuilding of all the societies that have collapsed. Each region will find new ways to rise out of chaos and reform a civilization. Trade routes will open up again and new cultures and religions will form and be spread throughout the world. The cycle of building up a civilization and having it eventually collapse will restart. I believe that the cultures, traditions, and religions that are prevalent in the post-classical era will have had a major influence on the cultures and traditions of today.

Han emperor's view on Roman Empire

Having received this letter, the Han emperor would probably see Rome as neutral, both friendly and possibly a threat. Their neutrality is clear because they haven't made any significant move to make an alliance with China, but also have not instigated any conflicts with them. Rome could possibly be seen as friendly as some of the Roman citizens claim to be from China and want to visit it. They say that they have been trying to communicate with China, showing that maybe they are reaching out a hand of peace to China. The Han emperor could also interpret this letter as meaning Rome is a threat, as they seem to be very large and very successful. The system of government seems to be effective and the Roman empire has "more than four hundred smaller cities and towns."

Silk Road Map

Silk Road map

I'm having a terrible time trying to post my Silk Road map to my blog but I'll try to figure it out. Additionally, one challenge I had with this assignment was that it was difficult to find a map that corresponded with the written description we were given. Also, different maps showed a little bit different routes so it was hard to get an accurate depiction of the road. Lastly, my drawing skills leave much to be desire so I had trouble even with this simple drawing assignment.

Image of the Roman Empire

I have a positive image of the Roman Empire based on the reading about marriage and divorce in Rome. The treatment of women in marriage and divorce is surprisingly close to equal with that of men. Compared to other ancient civilizations, women have a much more equal say in both marriage and divorce. In Ancient Rome women and men could divorce simply by stating the desire to divorce. Women who divorced their husband without a good cause would have to give up their dowry. Equally, husbands who divorced their wives without a reason would have to return her dowry. In contrast to other societies in which the families are heavily patriarchal, marriages had to have the consent of both partners, giving women a greater say in their marriage, although families still mostly arranged weddings. Also, a Roman wife was not under total control of her husband. Most wives entering a marriage remained under the control of their father, giving husbands less authority over their wives. This somewhat equality between husband and wife leads me to have great faith in the Roman Empire.

Roman Republic to Empire

The Roman transition from republic to empire took place in a series of steps. First, the Twelve Tables were written and enforced, allowing the common people to be more controlled. Despite these laws, the patricians believed they were above them and used their wealth and power to inhibit decisions or people who would undermine their power, by any means possible. In addition, Rome continues to expand and turn into a large region, with roads connecting the distant parts of it. Because of this large expansion, more conflicts arise, especially between competing classes of power. These skirmishes lead to the death of Caesar and Augustus taking over as Emperor and establishing the Roman empire. This empire lasted for a long time, suggesting that a transition from republic to empire was the right move to make.

Alexander the Great as President

I do not think that Alexander the Great would be a popular US candidate. He is a little too crazy for the public's liking. They would probably tear apart the fact that his father had many wives and would definitely not appreciate the fact that he killed his friend. They would also not like that Alexander is very much subject to his own whims, especially when he drinks, and he drinks a lot. His recklessness in invading innocent nations would not appeal to the US citizens.

King Abdullah II

I think that King Abdullah's attempt to maintain a constitutional monarchy in his country of Jordan will be successful. Although the countries surrounding Jordan have all transitioned into democracies, due to the Arab Spring, I believe that the Arab Spring will affect Jordan differently, as it has with every country. King Abdullah said that he has already changed one-third of his constitution, most likely in an attempt to pacify the Arab Spring movement. Because of this, I believe that the Arab Spring will not cause Jordan to become a democracy. Also, the people of Jordan seem happy with a constitutional monarchy and with King Abdullah as their leader. If the citizens of Jordan are content with their government, it is very unlikely that an uprising will occur to change the leadership. Once problems start arising in the government, that is when rebellions will happen.

Democracy

I think that a democracy is better suited for a smaller society. In a democracy, all citizens have a say in the major decisions in the society. In a small society, citizens will for the most part agree on certain topics and minorities in the vote will be relatively small. In a larger society, however, there will most likely be more people unhappy with the decision that is made since there will be more disagreement amongst the citizens. If lots of people are discontent with the democratic system of government, someone could attempt to overthrow this type of government and seize control as a tyrant. Since all citizens have an equal say, there is no one that really has supreme power, making it difficult to put down large coups.