Caesar And The Crisis Of The Roman Aristocracy

Intended as coursework for advanced undergraduate or graduate Latin students, the annotated readings present a view of Julius Caesar as politician, statesman, and propagandist through his own words, interspersed with the views of his contemporaries. The selections from Caesar's De Bello Civili appear in Latin; most of the letters, anecdotes, and other documents are given in English. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

The complex role warfare played in ancient Greek and Roman civilizations is examined through coverage of key wars and battles; important leaders, armies, organizations, and weapons; and other noteworthy aspects of conflict. Conflict in Ancient Greece and Rome: The Definitive Political, Social, and Military Encyclopedia is an outstandingly comprehensive reference work on its subject. Covering wars, battles, places, individuals, and themes, this thoroughly cross-referenced three-volume set provides essential support to any student or general reader investigating ancient Greek history and conflicts as well as the social and political institutions of the Roman Republic and Empire. The set covers ancient Greek history from archaic times to the Roman conquest and ancient Roman history from early Rome to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. It features a general foreword, prefaces to both sections on Greek history and Roman history, and maps and chronologies of events that precede each entry section. Each section contains alphabetically ordered articles—including ones addressing topics not traditionally considered part of military history, such as "noncombatants" and "war and gender"—followed by cross-references to related articles and suggested further reading. Also included are glossaries of Greek and Latin terms, topically organized bibliographies, and selected primary documents in translation.

This comprehensive reader utilizes a step-by-step approach to help students of Latin read and understand the longest and most dramatic book of Caesar's Gallic War. Book 7 is the culmination of the conflict between Gaul, led by the young Arvernian Vercingetorix and fighting for its freedom and political survival, and the Romans, led by Julius Caesar and fighting for hegemony and political mastery. The final battle at Alesia, pitting the united might of Gaul at 339,000 men against a Roman army of 40,000, changed the course of Western history. This reader is ideal for Latin students of all levels who have a basic knowledge of grammar and morphology. The Latin text of all 90 chapters of Book 7 is broken down into manageable segments, normally about a sentence in length. Immediately following, all vocabulary is provided with several meanings of each word selected for that particular context. This is especially helpful for beginning students who are sometimes unsure which definition of a given word to select for translation. Following the vocabulary, there are notes on the passage. A unique feature of this reader is that the notes are complete and cover the syntax of every construction and every word in turn. The thoroughness of this reader facilitates speed in reading, increases comprehension, and promotes satisfaction in reading a difficult language. The benefits of this approach will be shared by teachers and students alike.

In 146 BC the armies of Rome destroyed Carthage and emerged as the decisive victors of the Third Punic War. The Carthaginian population was sold and its territory became the Roman province of Africa. In the same year and on the other side of the Mediterranean Roman troops sacked Corinth, the final blow in the defeat of the Achaean conspiracy: thereafter Greece was effectively administered by Rome. Rome was now supreme in Italy, the Balkans, Greece, Macedonia, Sicily, and North Africa, and its power and influence were advancing in all directions. However, not all was well. The unchecked seizure of huge tracts of land in Italy and its farming by vast numbers of newly imported slaves allowed an elite of usually absentee landlords to amass enormous and conspicuous fortunes. Insecurity and resentment fed the gulf between rich and poor in Rome and erupted in a series of violent upheavals in the politics and institutions of the Republic. These were exacerbated by slave revolts and invasions from the east.

This biography situates Julius Caesar within the wider context of the crisis of the Roman Republic. The author begins his account with an exposition of the upbringing and education of Caesar, demonstrating how limitations were deliberately imposed on the development of talent and the growth of personality of Romans. But early on, Caesar marked himself out as one whose self-confidence and energy would one day bring him into conflict with institutions obsessed with the denial of the individual. He was the first outside to challenge the Senate - and he got away with it. It was not that he wanted to destroy the Republic; rather, he believed strongly in the rights of individuals and their rights to freedom of speech.

Finis Rei Publicae draws on eyewitness accounts to provide students with a compelling narrative outlining the history of Rome during the late Republic, while carefully reinforcing and introducing advanced grammar and syntax. Excellent transitional text using actual documents and readings, with commentary on history and grammar, and exercises. Students are provided ample structured skills. Appropriate for third or fourth semester Latin and Latin Grammar review. Notes keyed to Allen and Greenough. Features: Provides a structured introduction to reading real Latin Tells a fascinating story in a connected narrative Offers a complete exercise manual to accompany the text