Similarities between the dying Roman Republic and the US.

[Odin2005]

I'm currently reading a series of historical novels about the late Roman Republic by Colleen McCullough (starting with Gaius Marius and Sulla, Pompey, the rise of Caesar, and then finishing with Octavian defeating Antony) and the similarities to the US right now are stunning, they truly make your jaw drop. Roman foreign policy after the wars with Carthage is so similar to American foreign policy post WW2 it's scary. And our outsourcing problems have a Roman equivalent with free-holding farmers losing their lands to aristocrats who turn the land into slave-worked agribusiness called Latinfundia. In Rome there was increasing polarization between the Populares (Populists) and the Optimates (Conservatives), with the former being only nominally populist, mainly they cared about the power of rich plebians and non-Roman Italians. This polarization descended into political violence in Rome and revolt by many of Rome's subjec... er... "allies".

[ixion]

1. k/r (rec to 0)

Many, many similarities indeed.

[mdmc]

2. American idol are the new x-tians n lions

[tawadi]

3. There are many similarities

I often think of this. With the rise in immigration, the dole, over expansion and monetary problems. I've forgotten all of the reasons now (too long since that course in school). But I remember thinking, as far back as 2004, that there are many similarities.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. Spain circa 1810 is far more familiar to me

due to the issues with gold and how the people were not privy to the wealth. In fact Spain was poor... while a few in the elites were insanely rich.

[Sherman A1]

5. Something I have pondered from time to time

but, never explored in any depth.

Thanks for posting.

[Odin2005]

6. You're welcome! n/t

[Divernan]

7. The purpose of a liberal education - getting skills for lifelong learning

"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.”


Edmund Burke quotes (British Statesman and Philosopher, 1729-1797)

[white_wolf]

8. Not to mention the fact that we have an Oligarchy masquerading as a Republic.

[Odin2005]

10. Most republics historically WERE oligarchies. Including Rome

[libodem]

9. Pompey

Think I read that one. A few years ago. About the water system? Hmmmm?