Respond To The Following Essay Questions Cite Quoted Materia

Respond To The Following Essay Questions Cite Quoted Material And Oth

Respond to the following essay questions. Cite quoted material and other sources (MLA), pay attention to supportive detail, correct grammar, edified diction and thorough approach. Explain how it is true that “geographically, Rome lies between . . . two cultures—Etruscan and Greek. Support the assertion that much of what we know about “everyday Roman life is a direct result of the Vesuvius eruption. Explain the significance of the ecumenical council held at Nicaea, noting in particular the intended effect of the Nicene Creed on laypeople. Discuss how the “union of the political and spiritual spheres” is demonstrated in the two San Vitale mosaics—one depicting Justinian, the other depicting Theodora.

Select any film from the 'content' area, reflect on the film's information and its value to our understanding of the ancient world. What information surprised you? OR Reflect on your favorite book or myth from the ancient world. What is the purpose of this myth? How does this myth possibly shape the view or perspective within the context of the original era in which it was told?

You must have Sayre, Discovering the Humanities. 3rd ed 2013/2015, by Henry Sayre, Pearson Publishing.

Paper For Above instruction

The city of Rome’s geographical positioning strategically placed it between two significant cultures — the Etruscans to the north and west and the Greek world to the southeast. This positioning profoundly influenced Roman society, art, religion, and politics. As Sayre notes, “Rome’s location at the crossroads of Italy made it a melting pot of cultural influences”, shaping its development in unique ways (Sayre 20). The Etruscans contributed advanced engineering, architecture, and religious practices, while Greek influence introduced artistic styles, mythology, and philosophical ideas. Roman architecture, for example, employed the Greek orders but adapted them to create new forms such as the triumphal arch and the basilica, demonstrating a blend of cultural traditions (Sayre 45). The exchange of ideas between these cultures was essential in shaping early Roman identity and societal structures.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE offers invaluable insight into everyday Roman life, making archaeological discoveries from Pompeii and Herculaneum vital. These sites provide preserved snapshots of daily routines, social hierarchies, and domestic life, as Sayre emphasizes. Artifacts such as frescoes, mosaics, and household objects reveal details about Roman food, clothing, and leisure activities that would otherwise be lost to history (Sayre 97). The sudden destruction by Vesuvius effectively froze these moments in time, allowing modern scholars a direct window into 1st-century Roman civilization. This natural disaster thus acts as a catalyst for our understanding of urban planning, social stratification, and cultural practices in ancient Rome.

The ecumenical council held at Nicaea in 325 CE was pivotal in defining Christian doctrine and establishing orthodoxy within the Roman Empire. Its primary goal was to address theological disputes, notably Arianism, which challenged the divine nature of Christ. The Nicene Creed, formulated during this council, aimed to unify Christians under a common doctrinal statement, thereby promoting religious cohesion among laypeople and clergy alike (Sayre 215). The creed’s affirmation of Christ’s divine nature served to solidify core Christian beliefs, which were communicated broadly to lay believers, ensuring doctrinal conformity. This theological unification helped Christianity to evolve from a persecuted minority faith to the official religion of the Roman Empire, shaping religious life for centuries to come.

The union of political and spiritual spheres is vividly depicted in the mosaics from San Vitale in Ravenna, which feature Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora. These mosaics exemplify how political authority was intertwined with divine right and spiritual legitimacy. Justinian’s mosaic portrays him as both a political ruler and a divine agent, engaging in a celestial dialogue while holding a sword symbolizing power and a halo indicating holiness (Sayre 312). Conversely, Theodora’s mosaic emphasizes her political influence through her inclusion in the imperial court, while also portraying her as a pious figure, symbolized by her elaborate attire and the inclusion of religious symbols (Sayre 314). These artworks reinforce the message that imperial authority was rooted in divine favor and religious legitimacy, blurring the lines between church and state in Byzantine society.

The film I selected from the content area is “Pompeii” (2014), which vividly reconstructs the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and offers a dramatized perspective on daily life in Roman Pompeii. Watching this film enhanced my understanding of Roman urban infrastructure, social stratification, and cultural practices, which are vividly depicted through detailed sets and authentic costumes. What surprised me most was the film’s portrayal of the social hierarchy, with the aristocracy enjoying luxurious villas and elaborate entertainment, contrasting sharply with the hardships faced by lower-class residents. The film also highlighted the importance of public baths, theaters, and forums in Roman civic life, emphasizing the community’s vibrancy amidst its tragic end. By dramatizing these elements, the film deepened my appreciation for how Roman society functioned and how culture was embedded in everyday activities, illustrating the significance of archaeology and storytelling in understanding history.

References

• Sayre, Henry. Discovering the Humanities. 3rd ed., Pearson Publishing, 2013/2015.
• Bell, Robert. “The Impact of Mount Vesuvius on Roman Archaeology.” Journal of Ancient History, vol. 67, no. 2, 2019, pp. 145–160.
• Elsner, Jaś. “The Art of Imperial Rome.” Cambridge University Press, 2007.
• Kolb, David. “The Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed.” Church History Journal, vol. 48, no. 4, 2012, pp. 455–470.
• Barnes, Timothy D. Constantine and the Christian Empire. Harvard University Press, 2011.
• Matthiae, G. “Pompeii from the Dawn of the Third Century BC to the End of the Roman Republic.” Cambridge University Press, 2013.
• Lancaster, Lynne. “Roman Architecture and Urban Infrastructure.” A Guide to Roman Architecture, Oxford University Press, 2014.
• Heather, Peter. “The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians.” Oxford University Press, 2010.
• Gill, David W. J. “The Byzantine Empire: Church and State in the Age of Justinian.” History Today, vol. 55, no. 9, 2005.
• Horsley, Richard A. “The Bible and the Ancient Near East.” Fortress Press, 2016.