Roman Lifestyles’ Influence on Civilization

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Table of Contents

Roman Legacy
Augustine’s Christianity
Islam and Christianity Made Visual
The Medieval Experience
References

Roman Legacy

The influence of Roman lifestyles on civilization is eminent. Notably, there are similarities between the ancient Rome and the contemporary U.S. lifestyle. Some elements that were noted in the fallen empire are presently practiced. It is critical to highlight these similarities. Evidently, both the U.S. and Roman societies valued family principles. Particularly, the societies shared similar sentiments on the purity of marriage.

For instance, the case of Lucretia indicates the perception of the ancient Romans on the matter (Barnstone, 2003). However, this trend changed in the rule of Caesar Augustus. Immorality came into foreplay. This trend of immorality is observed within the contemporary American lifestyle. Sex has gradually become sporadic.

People do not respect the sanctity and fidelity in marriage. Notably, there are several instances of homosexuality. This includes same sex marriages. The instance of moral decadence within the contemporary America is similar to that in the ancient Rome.

The Roman legacy is one of the most historically significant occurrences. Several instances in the contemporary world have been associated with the ancient Roman philosophy. Evidently, the contemporary U.S. depicts some of these elements. Occasionally, the U.S has been regarded as the contemporary Roman Empire. The capacity to dominate and conquer is explicitly depicted in the Roman Empire (Gardner & Kleiner, 2010).

Presently, it is notable that Americans have a greater global dominion. There are contemporary practices largely drawn from Roman philosophies. For instance, the military power has been given prominence. Presently most states have applied military power to guard their resources and interests within a global perspective. There are several cases that can support this argument. An example is the dominion of the U.S. military force on war tone third and middle level states.

Augustine’s Christianity

The architecture of Ravenna depicts significant perceptions on Christianity articulated by Augustine. In “Confessions and The City of God,” Augustine presents his personal opinions on the topic of Christianity. Foremost, the art of Ravenna indicates an important theological history.

This architecture echoes vital reiterations made by Augustine concerning the creation of mankind. In his views, Augustine has strong conviction on the concept of creation by God (Cohen, 2008). The interaction of man and earthly occurrences is portrayed in the art. Augustine’s views rest on the relationship between man and earthly occurrences, with dominion of God.

As indicated in the “city of God,” the art potentiates the importance of three basic elements in man’s Christianity. Basically, the church forms the first existence. As indicated by the philosopher, the art also recognizes the presence of the heaven’s city. The art signifies the basic interaction between these two dominions and the “City of the World.” These are clear philosophies of Augustine as eminent within the “Confessions and The City of God.” (Bottero, 1995).

From the architecture, there is eminence of dominion and divinity of the church. Augustine indicates the importance of the church. In addition, its significant role in leading the entire mankind to the long-lasting goodness is recognized (Gardner & Kleiner, 2010). The influence of man from the worldly affairs can be easily noted in the art. Perhaps, this communicates Augustine’s views on the issue of politics on the virtues and human mind.

However, the connection of these communities in the essence of seeking wellness is eminent. The two invisible cities are also contrasted in the art. Generally, this provides the disparity between the individuals destined for complete salvation and those headed for damnation. Indeed, the art communicates a lot regarding Augustine’s views.

Islam and Christianity Made Visual

Several considerations may be drawn from the visual analysis of the calligraphy and mosaic. Generally, the Islamic calligraphy represents the literature and beliefs of the people who adopted the religion as early as 17^th century. The Islamic calligraphies are viewed to be largely nonrepresentational. However, they look attractive and decorative.

The application of the Arabic language is evident in these Islamic calligraphies. However, this is not applicable in the Christian mosaics of Ravenna. From the Islamic calligraphy, a high depiction of the mosque and other associated buildings is noticed. On the other hand, the Christian mosaic of Ravenna tends to major on the concept of spirituality and the relationship with God.

Thus, there is an element of structural identity depicted in the Islamic calligraphy. The Islamic artistic presentations of the “Dome of the Rock and Alhambra” have very intrinsic meanings to the Muslim society (Gardner & Kleiner, 2010). For instance, they fortify the conviction that Muhammad ascended from the “Dome of the Rock.”

The Christian mosaic of the Ravenna presents a belief in the existence of God. The association between different states of humanity, the earthly influences and the interception of heavenly power is communicated. Apart from these, a historical analysis of Christianity can be drawn from the mosaic.

This also includes the diverse views of ancient philosophers on the subject of Christianity. The Islamic calligraphy represents the firm beliefs in Quran. Indicatively, the calligraphy and the general artistic presentations at the “Dome of the Rock” have immensely influenced the structural appearance and pattern of the mosque. The Christian mosaic has a minimal structural presentation. It is important to note that the mosaic of the Ravenna dwells more on the spiritual interaction and significance of the existence of a mighty power.

The Medieval Experience

The medieval period was characterized by several occasions of pilgrimages and crusades. The pilgrimages were predominantly associated with the Muslims. On the other hand, the Christianity held crusades. Indeed, there were notable disparities that could influence an individual’s choice (Mackenzie, 2001).

Personally, I would prefer to attend the crusades if I lived in the medieval period. The pilgrimages occurred over extremely long distances. There were also inhumane restrictions. Unlike the practices and restrictions in crusades, this could possibly compromise an individual’s wellbeing. The total devotion and belief of the pilgrims led to the development of self sacrifice and jihad mentalities. This was absent in the Christian crusades. The crusade was rooted on effective and harmonious relationship with one another.

The occurrences within the Bayeux Tapestry are critical. In a real film, the Bayeux Tapestry would entail a series of battles. The conflict is based between the duke and the earl. The film would present a captivating conflict of Hastings. As depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, the fifty scenes would provide an interesting film for the audience.

The customary setting of the Bayeux Tapestry is also important (Gardner & Kleiner, 2010). In a film, this aspect would present a unique historical prologue of the ancient world. This would provide the film with a distinct sense of attraction. The risky missions in the Bayeux Tapestry could impart a sense of empathy in the audience.

References

Barnstone, T. (2003). Literature of Asia: From antiquity to the present. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Bottero, J. (1995). Writing, reasoning, and the Gods. Chicago. Univ. of Chicago Press.

Cohen, J. M. (2008). A history of Western literature: From medieval epic to modern poetry. Piscataway, N.J: Aldine Transaction.

Gardner, H., & Kleiner, F. S. (2010). Gardner’s art through the ages: A concise western history. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.

Mackenzie, L. (2001). Non-Western art: A brief guide. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.

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