Greece
Geographical Factors
Greece’s geographic position significantly impacted the empire’s culture, economics, and military. Greece is at the confluence of three continents: Europe, Asia, and Africa (Hornblower, 2018). The Greeks successfully created trade channels with nearby nations like Egypt, Persia, and Rome.
Greece was further exposed to attack from other countries because of its position. Strong empires like Persia and Rome fought to control the Greeks’ territory (Hornblower, 2018). The Greeks created one of the most powerful armed forces in ancient history to protect themselves against these dangers.
Cultural Characteristics
Two unique cultural characteristics of the Greek Empire are its art and philosophy. The beauty and realism of Greek art are well known. The Greeks were adept at producing sculptures that perfectly portrayed human shape and motion (Hornblower, 2018). In addition to being beautiful, their art also had a religious significance because many sculptures portrayed gods and goddesses.
Greek philosophy was also a significant cultural characteristic of the empire. The Greeks were known for their love of knowledge and wisdom, which led to the development of various philosophical schools such as Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Platonism. These institutions studied the purpose of life, morality, politics, and philosophy.
Changes in the Empire
Major Leaders and Their Contributions
The Greek Empire reached its maximum size because of Alexander the Great’s military conquests, who reigned from 336 to 323 BC. He ruled Persia, Egypt, and a portion of India, introducing Hellenistic civilization there (Hornblower, 2018). Pericles, who ruled Athens from 461 to 429 BC during its Golden Age, is renowned for his political reforms that reinforced Athens’ democracy.
Expansion Methods
Military conquests were one of the main ways the Greeks increased their dominion over their surroundings. Diplomacy was another strategy the Greeks employed to increase their level of power (Hornblower, 2018). To acquire the resources and personnel they needed for their military battles, they forged alliances with other kingdoms and city-states.
Initially, the Greeks were organized into city-states, each with its own government and laws. However, as these city-states grew in power and influence, they began to form alliances and federations (Hornblower, 2018). After Alexander’s death, his empire was divided among his generals, who established their kingdoms.
Rome
Geographical Factors
The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history. Its success can be attributed to several geographical factors, including its vast natural resources. The empire’s access to fertile land, abundant water sources, and valuable minerals allowed it to sustain a large population and build a strong economy.
Rome’s agricultural land was one of the most vital natural resources. The Mediterranean region’s rich soil allowed growing crops like wheat, grapes, and olives (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). In addition to feeding the populace, it also produced worthwhile exports.
Cultural Characteristics
The judicial system and the architecture of the Roman Empire were two distinctive aspects of its culture. The Roman architecture was distinguished by its grandness and originality. Massive Roman constructions like aqueducts, amphitheaters, and temples may still be seen today.
In its day, the Roman judicial system was likewise exceptional. Its rules extended equally to all citizens regardless of their social standing or money. They were founded on the ideals of justice and fairness (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). Trials by jury, the freedom to appeal judge-made judgments, and the assumption of innocence until proven guilty were all features of this system.
Changes in the Empire
Major Leaders and Their Contributions
Two major leaders who played a significant role in shaping the empire were Julius Caesar and Augustus. Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and expanded Rome’s territory, introduced reforms to improve the lives of citizens, and established himself as dictator for life (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). Augustus brought stability to Rome by establishing a system of government that lasted for centuries.
Expansion Methods
The empire sought to increase its realm and influence via military and diplomacy. The Roman army was a powerful force on the battlefield because it was well-trained and disciplined (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). To prevent war and keep peace in their lands, they forged agreements with other kingdoms and tribes.
Initially, the Roman Republic was governed by two consuls who were elected annually by the people. Its political structures changed significantly due to internal and external pressures (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2018). Rome’s governance evolved alongside its history from a republic to an autocracy to a complex bureaucracy.
References
Hornblower, S. (2018). Ancient Greek civilization | History, Map, & Facts. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.
The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2018). Roman Empire. In Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.