The Most Important Thing I Have Learned This Year

The most important thing I have learned this year is how the Romans influenced us through their forms of both architecture and religion. They played a major role in the devolvement of the different types of architecture we see even to this day as they introduced many new styles and approaches of classical art whose architectural difficulty still amazes us presently. They also helped Early Christianity it its beginning stages in order for it to flourish and continue is a testament to the great importance it held. The Roman people as a whole generally accepted it because it differed from their original foundation religion- the Roman Pantheon.

The many styles of Roman architecture that is still being imitated in today’s building techniques include domes, arches, vaulted ceilings, as well as columns, the three primary ones being Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. This is important because without these many influences, we would not have the many magnificent buildings in existence today. Some of these structures include the Pantheon, Colosseum, and several amphitheatres that display this marvel of engineering and these public buildings also connect to the importance of religion because many of them were used to hold religious events. The large open dome of the Pantheon was designed to fit the requirements for sacred services and they are among the most impressive remains of the Roman Empire, with many still being used to accommodate these purposes in modern times.

This then leads to the importance of the dome, public baths, and the arch. The dome was used in constructing vaulted ceilings, which provided large covered areas that were ideal for numerous people to gather. It was this key factor that made public baths popular and it was these two components that made the Baths of Dioclecian as well as the Baths of Caracalla significant. This then lead the Romans to take advantage of the sculpting of the arch. This was a symbol of power on earth, which transformed architecture and was first utilized with the Christian basilicas. This symbol of power on earth transformed the Roman Empire when it was in its worst times and on the verge of collapse. The arch was usually set before an altar, to represent the triumph Christ had over death through his resurrection.

This directly relates to the importance of religion, but specifically Christianity, and the profound influence it had on the Roman Empire. Although it took a while for the Roman people to fully accept the basic principles of this new religion, as portrayed through much persecution, they eventually put their trust in it, having it displayed throughout many aspects of everyday life. These areas include creating religious festivals and ceremonies, as well as putting leaders with Christian values in authority. The Roman's eventual adherence to Christianity displays that the people realized it had a political nature, seeing that it had inseparable ties to the state, having a tremendous opportunity to dramatically reform Rome for the better.

A great opportunity was greatly taken advantage of with the role of Christian emperors and many of them took it to the point were it became such a focal point that Christianity became the official religion of Rome. When looking back at this period in history, it is evident that some of the best leadership was experienced during this age, and under the Christian influence. Even back then they displayed today’s motto of “one nation under God" and when truly trusting in this statement, the God-ordained institutions within government work much more efficiently. This is due to the fact that they followed the original design God laid out for how a government was intended to function.

As you can see, these two areas of the Roman Empire were very crucial in both its development and legacy. It was of great importance to me to learn this because it has major implications even in the world today. When looking around at the prominent buildings, there are usually many references to architecture that originated in Ancient Rome and still enjoyed today throughout modern society. We are imitating a great achievement met in that time, and reproducing it bringing its life into our modern world. The second vital influence was that of Christianity. Without it overcoming a period of intense persecution, it would have never brought the guiding light that both the people of Rome, and Rome itself desperately needed. Christianity brought about much needed change and revival within the Roman Empire and was probably the most important factor of that time for that region.

The Swine Flu Outbreak

Swine influenza, more commonly known as the swine flu, is a respiratory disease from pigs that causes a strain of influenza virus. As with all other common flu viruses, the swine flu viruses are constantly changing. When flu viruses from the various species of pigs infect them, the strains have the capacity to trade genes, causing new viruses to result. These outcomes can include a mixture of both swine and human viruses that emerge to form different cases. The most recently reported viruses, known as H1N1, is very contagious, and is spreading from human to human as we speak.

This newly discovered virus is not only affecting people within the United States, but around the world. These countries include Mexico, the United States, Canada, Europe, China, Germany, and sixteen others. A total of 778 people have been infected with this flu worldwide, and 226 of them in the United States alone. It came into the United States through people from Mexico crossing the boarder, entering in, and therefore introducing this virus or people traveling to Mexico and returning.

A key question that many people are asking is where did this virus come from? This concern has provided a light, turning us to look at where the new found virus came from within the period from which it evolved. Its relative strain is what flu scientists refer to as "quadruple reassorant", which were three viruses that made up the genes from the common seasonal flu of the H3N2 family, which are the North American bird virus and a common swine flu. Scientists say that this flu "swap" was what gave rise to the swine flu outbreak today. It was the "quadruple reassorant" that extended throughout several swine in North America, Mexico, and Europe, but was not yet able to affect people. It was these factors that combined and it was in the current year, 2009 that the first case arose in Mexico.

This question then leads to why it is called the swine flu. This is because many of the laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this influenza are very similar to the ones that normally occur in pigs in North America. However, extensive studies have shown that this strain differs from what normally circulates. It only contains two of the genes from flu viruses that circulate in the countries stated above. It is these countries that are reporting several people sick with this new virus, and is spreading in such a way as the common seasonal flu does.

When seeing that many people have come down with the virus, it leads to how severe this virus must really be. It is not completely clear yet as to how detrimental the flu will effect the general population, as some people may be more prone to infection, hospitalization, and a more serious reaction to it. To get an idea as to what the outcome will be, the normal seasonal flu is an excellent example. It is within this that certain people are at more risk that others, which include people 65 years and older, children under five years old, and pregnant women. At its current standings, the swine flu is affecting mostly younger children, teenagers, and young adults. The main cause of its spreading is though people coughing, sneezing, as well as touching objects.

The swine flu is rapidly spreading throughout the United States and other countries, after having its origin in Mexico. Many people have been affected, and the numbers are growing each day, on the verge of a worldwide pandemic. While its increasing numbers are frightening many people, there is no need for any serious alarm. By abiding by regular flu standards, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, as well as others will help in the efforts to avoid acquiring the virus. Despite the two virus related deaths in the United States, the general population who get sick will be able to overcome the strain of this influenza, and make a full recovery.

Although within the past week the initial response of panic has calmed to one relative ease and many questions still remain the most essential weeks and months ahead. Some poignant questions remain such as will it continue to grow within countries detrimentally affecting impoverished countries? Will it fade only to return in the fall in a more virulent form? Will an effective vaccine be available by summer’s end? Some important questions remain unanswered at this time and it is still not clear if this new swine flu strain will run a relatively quite course or break into a storm as it gains strength. Only time will tell but until then it is wise not to panic and manage this flu outbreak as you would any other by taking obvious known precautions.

How Badly Pompeii was Affected by the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

By the first century, Pompeii had many little cities and towns located near the base of Mount Vesuvius. This is where a substantial population grew, and had an affluent agricultural richness. However, it was on August 24, 79 that disaster struck. Mount Vesuvius literally blew its top, for the first time in 700 years, causing masses of molten ash, along with pumice and sulfur gas, suffocating both the inhabitants of Pompeii, along with people in adjacent cities. It also produced leaping flames coming off of several different points, whose bright glare was emphasized by the darkness of night. It was at this point that men, women, and children alike started to flee the city. "You could hear the shrieks of women, the wailing of infants, and the shouting of men; some were calling their parents, others their children or their wives, trying to recognize them by their voices."(Berry, 22) Many knew that a gruesome fate that was ahead for their relatives, which was death. Many prayed for the aid of the gods, however many thought they no longer existed.

Vesuvius had entered a history of volcanology with an eruption in 79AD.This explosion of the famous volcano had destroyed Herculaneum, Oplonti, along with the major city of Pompeii. Before its major eruptions, several earthquakes occurred, but were disregarded by the local community as just another phenomenon. "Wells dried up and springs stopped flowing. Dogs howled and birds were strangely silent. But Pompeiians went about their daily business, oblivious to the rumblings under their feet or the strange behavior of their pets."(Roberts, 16) However, Vesuvius’ major destroying eruption would not go unnoticed.

Residents quickly gathered as many personal belongings as possible out of their homes, and evacuated quickly to escape the choking ash. Much of the residue from the hurling debris gathered on rooftops, causing them to collapse. Slaves guided their masters through the streets on chairs, while livestock and carts were crowded all along the walkways. By dusk, ninety percent of the population had reached safety, and more would have most likely been out of harm if they were aware of what the mountain had in store. Instead they chose to ignore all of the warning signs including many earthquakes that shook the land beforehand.

The city was left in a state of devastation. An estimated 20,000 people died within the six surges of the eruption. The inhabitants who did not flee or die during the eruptions, were the first to be turned to an alternate technique of climbing trees in desperation in order to escape the dense pumice and debris that crowded the streets. However, many still died; the two primary causes being suffocation from the fumes, and broken bodies from the force of the eruption. Although most people were able to escape from the town, many still perished within the city of Pompeii and the nearby countrysides. It would not be until many years later through different avenues of excavation and rebuilding would frightening signs of death be present, such as extremely precise figures and outlines of the destined Pompeianites who were unsuccessful in their attempt to escape. Reisn and plaster would be used to capture the victims in their last seconds of life with supernatural expressions on their faces with detailed, disinct life like characteristics.

The city of Pompeii had not only endured severe damages to the land itself, but also the population. About 1,150 bodies were found through a recovering process within the ash deposits. The city of Pompeii was not rebuilt at that time, as the townspeople did not want to undertake the very extensive work that would need to take place in order to revitalize it. Much of the village and towns have been forgotten, as they are buried under several feet of ash due to the lava flow. Additionally, weathering erosion, and light exposure have all damaged the city over the years. The lack of air and moisture have allowed for the objects to remain underground, which makes the site good for analysis to understand more of this disaster. This remarkable tragedy, though terrible, has been in a state of conservation, providing its legacy to live on.

Even though the city of Pompeii was completely buried, it was revived to a degree again beginning in 1748 after more than 1600 years since its destruction at the hands of volcanic activity. Although many of the people were found buried under twelve layer of soil, astonishingly enough, many of the buildings were well preserved as well as the bodies which were frozen in time often dipicted in those just going about their daily routine of life that fateful day the volcano erupted. The ruins at Pompeii have imparted archaeologists much indispensible information with regards to how the people in the Roman Empire lived. The city of Pompeii is a fashionable travel destination today and one of the most visited cities with a prosperous income produced from curious travelers eager to get a glimpse of pop culture and history.

Berry, Joanne. The Complete Pompeii. London: Thames and Hudson Publishers, 2007.

Roberts, Russell. Mt. Vesuvius and the Destruction of Pompei, AD 79. United States: Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2005.

Stoic Movement in Ancient Rome

The single most important philosophy in Rome was Stoicism, which had its start in Hellenistic Greece. The substance within the worldview was very applicable to Roman religion, particularly because its insistence on agreeing that all situations were acceptable. This created a mindset for the people of being able to achieve their own level of virtue. However, the core of Stoicism was the concept of logic, and achieving virtue and worth through naturalistic beliefs. To them, this is what gave meaning to the universe.



Stoicism was the philosophy of both the Greek and Roman philosophers. These people were known as "Stoics" because of the school's founders, who were Zeno and Cyprus. These leaders taught at the Stoa Poikile(the painted porch) which is how the name came about. Their primary focus was on having a thriving relationship between cosmic determinism and human freedom, which included having a virtuous relationship and living in harmony with nature. "An effect of this portrayed their beliefs as a way of living, and thought that the best sign of an individuals outlook was not by words, but actions. "(Strange, 23) In was in Rome’s Ancient history that people such as Seneca and Epictetus accentuated that "virtue is sufficient for happiness"; a main theme within this movement.


The basic tenets of this movement were that it provided a correct outlook on the world through naturalistic ethics and formal logic. Logic to the Stoics referred to the meaning of an individual through the extent of sentences. "They used this method and stated that a sentence has no meaning unless it is completed, which implied that everything that happened on a daily basis was part of a bigger meaning, in painting the picture of history."(Sellars, 45) It was a component to greater good or reason. A quote that explains the connection between logic and using words to express it states, "Make yourself a definition or description of the thing which is presented to you, so as to see distinctly what kind of a thing it is in the substance, in its complete entirety, and tell yourself its proper name, and the names of the things of which it has been compounded, and into which it will be resolved. For nothing is to productive of elevation of mind as to be able to examine methodically and truly object to what is presented to you in life." This statement is essentially saying that we as human beings can create our own reality to live by, according to our own logic, paving our on way, relying only on ourselves.



They also emphasized ethics in a way that based itself off of human knowledge, and in addition was an agent for teaching of self control and morals. By gaining understanding through this, it taught people how to be good thinkers, and to comprehend universal reasoning, making improvements on them as a person. Another saying that goes along with this is "Virtue consists in a will which is in agreement with nature." In order to have virtue and live correctly, you must adjust your life according to natural law.


The idea of Stoicism is very contrary to our currant system in our world today. It is evident that Stoics concentrated on the values of simplicity and equality amongst their people. In our modern culture, we do not view all people the same and are very critical and quick to judge within society. We also do not use common logic often, which would be looked down upon from their culture.



Another component of the Stoic structure was their ethics, which are seen very rarely today. Contrary to ethics being the only way to both achieve and understand true good, we have almost completely discarded ethics, which has the effect of corrupt souls. There are no sufficient means for happiness anymore, as our culture is extremely secular. A corresponding idea recited by a Stoic says that "the person who has achieved perfect consistency in the operation of his rational faculties, the "wise man", is extremely rare yet serves as a prescriptive for all." This sufficiently explains our culture today in comparison with Stoicism- we have fallen from conducting our lives with logic and morals, making prudent individuals hard to come by.

As stated above, it is very clear that the Stoic movement had its primary values that composed their belief system. It was through logic and naturalistic concepts that Stoics formed their worldview and outlook on life. Contrary to the modern Society, we do not take the time to think through situations with the precise logic this movement presents, but rather settle for mediocrity, not caring if we understand the world around us fully. Despite these differences, and the poor outlook the Stoics might have on our society, both are their own views on the world that can easily be contrasted, which is a key factor in understanding both histories.

Sellars, John. Stoicism: University of California Press: 2006.

Strange, Steven K. Stoicism: Traditions and Transformations: Cambridge University Press: 2004.

Early Christian Movement: Impacted by the Roman Empire

The underpinnings of Christianity as it relates to the Roman Empire is one that benefited from great widespread expansion throughout the height of the empire as never seen before. With Rome under stable control around the time of 27 BC, the society had entered an age of prosperity, expansion, and political stability. It was during this same period that Christianity began to develop. This growth was made possible through the inner orderliness of the church, which caused it to spread and eventually become institutionalized.

The very beginning of Christianity's official growth occrued with the church. "Since the very start of the religion, Christianity was scattered throughout the Roman Empire , however keeping Christianity unified was a major concern of the church leaders."(Novak, 32) It was the structure and arrangment of the Roman Empire that influenced how Christianity first came about. It also affected how it spread throughout other regions, which started out in urban cities, which were mainly populated by slaves and the poor, eventually spreading throughout Rome and a vast majority of the citizens.

One of the most important factors in the growth of Christianity by the Roman Empire was when Constantine was emperor. He saw the religion as a potential coalesce for society, and began to rapidly expand it. He began this by constructing several churches throughout Rome, and also passed decrees allowig many religions to be tolerated, but making clear that the people of Rome would benefit from Christianity the most. Many people were initially skeptical at this idea, since Christianity had taken nearly three centuries to fully develope, but he still adhered to the hope that it would gain imperial support as the others religions of that time had. He also appointed many bishops in order to help him with his movement and thus, Constatine's reign not only made early Chirstianity popular, but also equipped it with prestige in order for it to flourish.

Additionally, another person who would prove to have a significant impact on the growth of Christianity during Rome's history was Theodosius I. Although he was not a very well-known emperor, there is no doubt that he had a major role in expanding Christianity. As Michael Grant put it, "He earned the title Great becasue of his devout Christianity." "The main reason for this was that he used his power to actively enforce the religion, which ended up placing the power under the church, which set a standard for more than a millenium."(Addis, 42) Theodosius first displayed that he was a supporter of early Chirstianity and relied on God's help when he was witnesses in distress during a riot, and was observed publicly pleaded for God's mercy. It was clearly perceived that these actions marked a new chapter in Rome's history- one that would be marked in history as unifying church and state.

Yet another Roman emperor who devoted a majority of his reign in spreading Christianity was Jovian. At this point, both the Roman and Christian Empires celebrated at the arrival of another Christian as the leader of the state and his attention was primarily on impacting the Roman empire by turning all paegan temples in the area to churches. Another major step taken, was reestablishing Christianity as the official religion of Rome and continuing even farther, it was during his reign that Christianity remained the primary religion in both the Western and Eastern Roman Empires.

At the heart of Christianity's rise to prominence within the Roman Empire, credit can be given to many of the emperors named above. In addition, a result of this, many people converted to Christianity as a result of both because of the early church and the Christian emperors who devoted their power and prominence to help it continue in its strength. The ultimate attempt at seperating church and state was no longer possible during this time, as this religion was both the official and dominant belief throughout Rome. Despite its slow progression, early Christianity, under the Roman influence, came to domination.

Novak, Ralph. Christianity and the Roman Empire: Continuum International Publishing Group: 2001.

Addis, William. Christianity and the Roman Empire: Sunday School Association: 2006.

Roman and Greek Pantheons

The Greek and Roman pantheons are a minor indication of one another. When looking at the gods of these two social groups, there is a clear portrayal of cultural rules, as well as vital customs with important implications. The main gods contained within these societies had a substantial effect on the Western culture as a whole, and more importantly how they were thought of and related to in the minds of people inside both the Greek and Roman worlds.

The source of the Roman pantheon and the groundwork for their mythology began with the faceless gods that contributed to the support to the community, while at the same time dwelling in all living things. The early Romans were not very concerned with the specific characters of the gods, but were more focused on whaThe source of the Roman pantheon and the groundwork for their mythology began with the faceless gods that contributed to the support of the community, while at the same time dwelling in all living things. The early Romans were not very concerned with the specific characters of the gods, but were more focused on what each of them were responsible for.“God’s presided over every aspect of life and death, including the phases of the agricultural year and the Romans also integrated their worship to these gods into both their public and private life.”(Bierlein 24) These gods and goddesses also came about from numerous religious influences, many of which had their start in Greek and Etruscan tribes. The various names given from the roots of these cultures lasted many years throughout Rome, and were eventually adopted to the extent that they upheld their names from other societies each of them were responsible for. It was through the syncretization of numerous Greek gods that established the Roman pantheon.

The Roman pantheon really began to emerge when they established their main gods, along with their key roles. Some of the gods which include but are not limited to were known as Jupiter the ruler of the gods, Apollo god of prophecy and the sun, Mars god of war, Minerva goddess of wisdom, Saturn god of agriculture, Venus goddess of gardens and fields, Pluto god of the underworld, and Neptune who was the god of the sea and earthquakes. The Romans envisioned their gods as more of powers than as people and they also thought that all their religious practices were preserved under the “pax deorum” or “peace of the gods”, which guaranteed the publics’ prosperity wealth and well- being.

In comparison to the Roman pantheon, the Greeks also had their primary gods. These gods are most commonly mentioned in their mythology, which were stories that explained the origins of the world, as well as details and adventures of the gods. In contrast to the Roman gods, the Greeks focused more on their unique personalities and genealogy with an example of this being that gods were associated with the various aspects of life. This was also a similar characteristic of the Roman pantheon, and likewise, the Greek gods also had a major influence over the culture and many other areas of life. Several people from these ancient times derived influence from Greek mythology and have discovered its contemporary significance.

In contrast with the Romans, the Greeks also instituted their major gods and goddesses, most commonly referred to as the twelve Olympians. These consisted of: Zeus the supreme ruler of all gods, Poseidon the god of the sea, Hades the god of the underworld, Hera queen of the gods and goddess of marriage and fertility, Demter the god of the harvest, Hermes the messenger god, Athena the goddess of war and wisdom, Dionysus the god of wine, Aphrodite the goddess of beauty, Hephaestus the god crafts, Ares the god of war, Apollo the god of music and prophecy, and Artemis who was the god of the hunt. These twelve gods and goddesses were also common in the Roman pantheon with the primary difference being a change in names, however, despite this, the Romans too had gods who attained these roles.

As detailed above, it is clear that both the Roman and Greek pantheons were so important that they were at the center of everyday life. They regarded it as part of their history, and used them to describe natural phenomena, variations in culture, and traditions in their culture. "For long periods of time the ideas of numerous gods and goddesses took on the prestige of elite knowledge that had a significant mark on history."(Laing, 60) Both of the pantheons had a role in each other, and had a constant, overlapping relationship that helped with their establishment.

Bierlein, J.F.: Myths: Random House Publishing Group: United States: 1994.

Laing, Jennifer: The Greek and Roman Gods: David and Charles Publishers: United States: 1982.

Ancient Roman Art

The year 510 B.C.E. is usually the year cited as the beginning of the Roman era, for it was then that the Roman Republic was founded. This period included a long era of expansion and consolidation in which many territories were brought under Roman rule and with this rule came the ushering in of great works of art. Roman art world evolve to include not only the visual arts that were produced in Rome, but major art forms known as mosaics, architecture, sculpture, and painting. All of these unique styles have their own contribution to Rome through their communication and portrayal of the different aspects of the Roman culture.

The first kind of very popular artwork done by the Romans was the mosaic. These intricate pieces of art were assembled by placing small portions of glass, tile, or stone into a mortar background, that shaped a pattern or picture. The Romans derived this skill from the Greek tradition and established this form of art in the third or fourth century. The mosaics were most commonly used as floors, and illustrated both Greek and Roman heroes within literature, gods, daily life, and impressions of nature. The level of detail in making these was extremely incredible; the great benefit of them being that obtained substantial durability and lasting color. Their durable construction and lasting quality gave way to explaining why floor mosaics remained intact for such long periods of time.

A second type of artwork that was done by the Romans was architecture. It was in this area that Rome produced its greatest innovations. Because the Roman Empire extended over a vastly large region, Roman engineers developed methods of building on a very impressive level. Some of the most renown structures built include the Colosseum and the Pantheon, which required vast progress within the engineering field on a substantial scale.It was during Rome’s Golden Age that the massive building programs of monuments, aqueducts, baths, palaces, and temples emerged. The common Greek and Etruscan influences were also present in these developments as well. This was key in producing novelties such as the round temple and curved arch, both of which were very common and widespread

The third variety of Ancient Roman art was sculpture. It was at its peak of popularity in about 146 B.C. and most were inspired by the Greeks. Statues were most commonly used in decorating houses or villas, and were also used to honor a ruler, commemorate victories, or to promote the government. They were carved in such a way to produce the most realistic views of these things. This was prominent with the public, as for it being a society without any newspapers or photographs, it was the grand sculptures that was a significant source of both information and communication.

A fourth method of art was painting. Romans painted primarily on panels or plaster, as well as the walls, ivory, and wood. Panting were usually done of gardens, woods, groves, trees, channels, coastlines, and rivers. “ This was sometimes done by covering the whole area of the walls with elaborate landscapes, in which depth, atmosphere, and light are rendered in a highly pictorial, illusionist manner.”(Hodge 14)This popular painting technique was known as “fresco” and included brightly colored backgrounds that were separated on walls in different rectangular sections. Not only was painting primarily focused on depiction, but also provides and illustrates a brief history of Rome.

Roman art is vast and wide and has generally been viewed as beginning with the republic in 510 BC with the end of Roman art and the beginning of medieval art occurring with the transition to the emperor Constantine to Christianity. Roman styles which include pagan roman subjects continued for centuries that followed however usually appearing as Christian art because of the influence of Christianity. "Roman art had been historically divided into two main phases the first being the art of the Republic and the second as the art of the Roman Empire with variations emerging depending upon which dynasty was ruling at the time."(D'Ambra, 46)With the initial Republic founding the expression Roman Art was tantamount with the city of Rome and it was only within the last two centuries that Greece and Roman art divided from Etruscan art and before Christ there is seen a unique Roman manner of building, sculpting and painting as described above. Owed to the diverse and expansive geography of the Romans Empire along with the many varied populace, the resultant art to come out of Rome has always been dissimilar with m any variations owing to the distinctive areas individual taste and inclination towards art at the time.

Hodge, Susie Ancient Roman Art: Heinemann Interactive Library: United States, 1998.

D'Ambra, Eve Roman Art: Cambridge University Press: Unites States, 1998.