Introduction
It is interesting to realize that over the years, from the onset of civilization, the challenges that people face in life are relatively similar with few differences. The way people live has not evolved to a larger extent. The primary reason for the transition of lifestyles is hinged on technological advancement, especially during the late twentieth century to the present. A study of historical accounts can provide a clearer insight into the comparison of peoples’ routine affairs. One such comparison is the analysis of the lives of the people of Roman Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The examination of the historical period focuses on social, political, and economic systems and compares them to present-day life. Technological advancement has not fully transformed the lives of people because there are facets such as theism, which existed in the past centuries and continue to define life in modern times.
Life in Roman Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius’s Eruption
The political system of the ancient Romans in Pompeii was stable and well-founded with various actors. The government was efficient with an emperor who had total power over the empire (Gonzalez 19). However, the system was disrupted by the volcanic eruption in 79 AD. The ancient empire was buried in the cloud of dust, and many people lost their lives, with few survivors who fled and abandoned the place. The empire was a hereditary monarchy with several titles given to the emperor, most of which were not tied to their obligations. After the monarch, senators were next in the chain of command. They were appointed based on their family name and social status.
The city was relatively industrialized, and its location at the foot of the mountain enhanced its agricultural production. People mainly engaged in farming olives and grapes on their pieces of land. Orchards of olives and grapes were a common sight as these crops were mainly grown for sale as they attracted huge profits due to their high demand (Scandone et al. 28). The city was a prominent trading center as it was closely located to the coast. Artisans sold products varying from ceramics, woodcraft, stonework, and metalwork (Petrone 70). Moreover, the successful merchants displayed their merchandise of jewelry and clothing in the market stalls. Prostitution was also a common practice, as evident in erotic paintings and writings engraved on the city walls.
The society was, however, chauvinistic as they held beliefs that men were the head of the family unit as well as the political structure. For instance, some social events and drinks were only attended and served to men (Scandone et al. 28). It is also assumed that Roman Pompeii had schools where children learned how to read and write. The assumption is based on the paintings engraved on the walls of a boy being beaten, probably for failing to adhere to school rules (Moos 94). The people of Pompeii trusted in the existence of a goddess Isis, who offered life after death and looked after the affairs of the mariners (Petrone 73). The Temple of Isis was located at the heart of the city, and the followers of Isis were numerous despite the controversies that the religion was against the morals of the Romans.
Life in Contemporary England
In contemporary England, the queen is the head of state, and the economy is thriving. Despite it being a monarchy, the queen does not possess complete authority over the running of state affairs (Moos 57). The power is diffused to other people, for example, the prime minister. The government of England has three basic structures, the legislature, executive, and the judiciary, with elected members of parliament (Conradson 34). Moreover, the economy is diversified primarily due to technology with extensive use of machines and robotics in production, processing, and service (Moos 40). The use of capital-intensive methods of production has reduced the cost and increased the quantity and quality of the products.
Historical Comparison
The similarities are numerous, for example, the stability of the state to economic growth, although the means used have changed drastically. In Pompeii, the leadership was under the absolute control of the emperor, unlike the current queen in England, who is assisted by other arms of the government. There are even other positions that citizens participate in electing suitable candidates. Gender equality has been achieved presently with women taking similar positions of power as men, unlike in the past. Other elements of life, such as theism, are still intact as they were in ancient times. Although there are different religions and doctrines, most people still believe that there is a supernatural being that controls the universe (Conradson 34). The moralistic views are significantly dependent on religion, just as the residents of Pompeii believed in Isis.
Conclusion
The past is often relatable to the present, especially regarding social, political, and economic systems within most societies. The improvement and advancement of the present-day lifestyle borrow heavily from the norms and doctrines of the past. One such example is the mechanization of agriculture due to industrialization. In essence, for a society to take great strides economically, it must diversify its operational activities to cushion itself from periods of economic recession. Furthermore, issues such as the need for a democratic political system originated from the inefficiencies of the dictatorial regimes. However, some aspects of life tend to remain constant over time, such as the belief in the afterlife.
Works Cited
Conradson, David. “The Experiential Economy of Stillness: Places of Retreat in Contemporary Britain.” In Therapeutic Landscapes, edited by Allison Williams and Susan Elliott, Routledge, 2017, pp. 33–48.
Gonzalez, Giovanni. “The Untold Hero: A Review of The Shadow of Vesuvius and The Sacrifice of Pliny the Elder.” History in the Making, vol. 13, 2020, 23.
Moos, Katherine A. “The Political Economy of State Regulation: The Case of the British Factory Acts.” Cambridge Journal of Economics, 2020, beaa034. Web.
Petrone, Pierpaolo. “The Herculaneum Victims of the 79 AD Vesuvius Eruption: A Review.” Journal of Anthropological Sciences, vol. 97, 2019, pp. 69–89. Web.
Scandone, Roberto et al. “Death, Survival and Damage during the 79 AD Eruption of Vesuvius which Destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.” Journal of Research and Didactics in Geography, vol. 2, 2019.