Month: November 2023

Rome’s Western Contributions and America’s Dying Liberty

November 29, 2023

Few nations throughout history invoke so many varying emotions as Rome. Its influence on Western civilization is arguably unmatched. The nation contributed militarily, literately, architecturally, and philosophically, but its greatest contribution may have been its tale of liberty.   Roman literature and poetry are remembered today. In many ways, they borrowed and built on the … More Rome’s Western Contributions and America’s Dying Liberty

Saint Augustine’s Impact on the Christian Church

November 28, 2023

Few theologians live up to the legendary status of St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD). His theological treatises are vast and extensive. In fact, St. Isidore of Seville said if anyone claimed to have read all of St. Augustine’s writings, they were lying because he wrote so much. However, some say St. Isidore’s comment is … More Saint Augustine’s Impact on the Christian Church

Horace and Ethical Causation

November 27, 2023

Horace was a renowned Roman poet who lived under Emperor Augustus’ reign. As a close associate to Maecenas, Emperor Augustus’ right-hand man, Horace was a well-informed witness of Rome’s transition into imperialism. The man was politically connected. However, he lived in an age of stringent regulations against pro-republic literature and avoided political poems for the … More Horace and Ethical Causation

Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’: A Tale of Gross Misconduct

November 13, 2023

Ovid’s Metamorphoses was about the fascinating fictional tale of Rome’s founding. The book went through the world’s birth from chaos, the creation of humans, battles between gods and men, Romulus and Remis, and the death of Julius Caesar. It was a gripping tale of deplorable dissension and cunning bravery. The book painted a very vivid … More Ovid’s ‘Metamorphoses’: A Tale of Gross Misconduct

The Visigoth Invasion and Rome’s Destruction

November 10, 2023

            After Rome’s Imperial Crisis during the 3rd century, when emperors were repeatedly assassinated and deposed, the empire was weak by the 4th century. Diocletian implemented reforms in 284 AD to stabilize the Roman Empire, such as forming the tetrarchy, with two augusti (emperors) in the East and West and two caesars (vice-emperors). The caesars … More The Visigoth Invasion and Rome’s Destruction

Ethical Dissensions Between Christianity and Ancient Rome

November 10, 2023

            A prior essay addressed the similarities between Christianity and Roman/Greek philosophy. This essay will focus on the differences and how Christianity represented an alienation from Roman ideals—stoicism, in particular.               Where the Stoics and Christians agreed that fate/Godly providence would have its course on destiny (i.e., that a greater power governs our future), … More Ethical Dissensions Between Christianity and Ancient Rome

The Monks and Their European Contributions

November 3, 2023

            Unbeknownst to most people, the monks did more than pray and read scripture in seclusion. Beneath the world’s eyes, the monasteries secretly held the world together after Rome collapsed. Through the Classical Period and into the Middle Ages, the monks’ contributions permeated Europe. This essay is about those contributions.             Monasticism developed when zealous … More The Monks and Their European Contributions

Livy and Ovid on Roman Optimism and Mass Bloodshed

November 2, 2023

Livy and Ovid were Roman historians who lived under the reign of Octavian Augustus. I use the word “historian” loosely, as Livy’s sections on how Rome was founded are dubious at best. Ovid is on another matter entirely. Regardless, they are still Roman classics, recommended under Dr. Gary North’s literature course, not Tom Wood’s history … More Livy and Ovid on Roman Optimism and Mass Bloodshed