Begin with a strong thesis statement followed by relevant evidence from the readings and lectures.

Cite Cole as (Cole pg.#); cite the articles by the first significant two words in the title of the document for example (“Speciating Sea” 454 or “Egypt – Beginning” 557) ); and cite the presentations/lectures as Colling + lecture/slide #, e.g. (Colling 5/42).

Question: What were the key issues in the decline of Rome as a civilization? Did it begin with the transition from Republic to Empire, or did it happen later in the 5th century? Are there any parallels with the current U.S.? This Discussion requires your personal opinion, but an opinion that is backed up by evidence. You may use the Internet to get information about the U.S., but you must rely on the assigned readings and lecture when talking about Rome.

You must respond to one other student’s posting. You can agree or disagree with the student, but you must provide evidence to support your argument.

Respond to this student:

In my opinion, I think that throughout the decline of the Roman Empire was multifaceted because there were some few key factors that was destruction from the old empire. I believe that these factors were uncorrelated because of their common deterioration. Also, I believe that there were some uncanny similarities between the modern day American empire because they would consider the crown jewel of the civilization for that era. Some of the factors would stand out in the fall Roman Empire. “An aristocratic general named Lucius Cornelius Sulla had fought with distinction in the so-called Social War of 91-88 B.C.E.: a conflict between Rome and its Italian allies. Sulla seemed the likely person to lead Roman’s army to war in Anatolia, but Marius forced the Senate to deny his claim.” (Cole pg.#163). This means that the empire couldn’t no longer represent a united because of the Germanic territories. In my opinion, I do believe that there are parallels with the current U.S because of the American military that can been seen through the fashion of the marines. Roman Empire were aggressive expansion due to the unforeseen financial instabilities. “The fact that the empire had few defensible borders was another problem. Hadrian had attempted to establish one after 122 C.E. by building a wall between Roman settlements in southern Britannia and the badlands of northern tribes, but this act was more symbolic than effective.” (Cole pg.#189). This means that Hadrian want to build a wall between the Roman and Britannia because they believed that this was going to be more symbolic than effective. Being able to call yourself roman citizen was no longer allowed as a symbol because it was a target for tax collectors that was given to the masses. Also, in my opinion, I do believe that the Roman Empire and the United States couldn’t be better because of the portrayed of each other. “During the fourth century, Rome itself ceased to be the capital of the empire, sharing its prestige with the new city of Constantinople, named by the Christian emperor who found it.” (Cole pg.#184). As we can see there are many parallels in the history of the Roman Empire because in the 5th century we as humans should ask ourselves is there a change where we could repeat history. Also, in my opinion, I believe that we as humans should create a peace between the religions and culture.

The grade will be based on the your understanding of the assigned readings and lectures as well as your ability to support your arguments with evidence from those sources.