The Roman Empire was one of the greatest civilizations in history. The Roman Empire went through many momentous changes. The empire did not fall however. The primary source of Edward Gibbon and the paper by Toynbee gave examples of the changes of the empire. The Roman Empire evolved into something new; the new weapons, Christianity, and the arts were great examples of this evolution.
The weapons that the Roman Empire had were incredibly important to its evolution. It was said, “The military art has been changed by the invention of gunpowder; which enables man to command the two most powerful agents of nature, air and fire. Mathematics, chymistry, mechanics, architecture, have been applied to the service of war; and the adverse parties oppose to each other the most elaborate modes of attack and of defence.” (Gibbon) The Romans had come up with their most lethal weapon: gunpowder. They could easily take down their enemies if they had the right leader in command. They were also learning more and more about the science of military, so they would have more evolved weapons. Their enemies would be taken by surprise if they had to encounter an unknown, new weapon. The Romans also had to come up with a better plan for self-defense, which they did. The Romans did find and use new weapons, which was a huge advantage.
The Roman Empire was changing their artilleries and military tactics, and they were also changing their culture and arts. Gibbon stated, “The benefits of law and policy, of trade and manufactures, of arts and sciences, are more solid and permanent; and many individuals may be qualified, by education and discipline, to promote, in their respective stations, the interest of the community.” (Gibbon) The people were being educating and learning more than they ever had in the past. They were also learning things like law, trade, arts, and sciences so they could benefit their community. The people were making such an impact on the empire. Together, all the people were helping their empire evolve and change. Without this knowledge the Roman Empire would not have lasted.
The most important change the Roman Empire faced was the tolerance of Christianity. Some said that Christianity ‘killed’ the Roman Empire, but other disagreed and said, “Christianity is a transitional thing which bridges the gap between one civilization and another…” (Toynbee) Christianity was a huge step for the empire. It definitely changed it though. This quotation explained how Christianity was filling the gap of empty space that the Roman Empire had made for itself. Christianity helped the Empire become more accomplished. It helped take the final step into becoming the new Byzantine Empire.
The Roman Empire did not fall; it went through many significant changes. The people found new ways of defense and weapons. They became more knowledgeable, especially in the arts and sciences. The Empire also learned to accept Christianity, which would influence everyone in and around the Empire for a long time. The Roman Empire did evolve into something new; it became the great and amazing Byzantine Empire, which would rule for a very long time.
Sources:
Gibbon, E. (n.d.). Medieval Sourcebook: Gibbon: The Fall of the Roman Empire . FORDHAM.EDU. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/gibbon-fall.html
Toynbee, A. (n.d.). Arnold Toynbee - Christianity and Civilization. Welcome to MYRIOBIBLOS - The Etext Library of the Church of Greece. Retrieved April 12, 2011, from http://www.myriobiblos.gr/texts/english/toynbee.html
You say that people were being educated more than they ever had in the past. But is that true? Where did one get an education in Ancient Rome? And who was it that got educated? Likewise, where did one get an education in the Middle Ages? And who was it?
ReplyDeleteYour writing is generally good, but the essay on a whole could be improved by more focus on one area. In other words, instead of using three topics -- weapons, Christianity, and the arts -- as evidence to back up your thesis, just pick one and find three examples of that as evidence. So you might write about changes in the arts and discuss painting, sculpture, and architecture. That makes the argument more focused and less of a "laundry list" of items.