This past summer I had the privilege of traveling throughout Europe. During my travels, I encountered many ancient Roman ruins. When I arrived in Greece I was astonished to see the same architecture and ruins that I had previously seen in Croatia, and Turkey. It is beyond fascinating that in the Ancient Era, the Romans created such a vast empire, and proof of their empire still exists today. I have witnessed it first hand! In the city of Ephesus, located in Turkey, I was literally able to walk through an entire Roman palace. It was an eye opening experience to stand in the middle of the ancient amphitheaters, were not only gladiators fought, but preachers such as Paul, the disciple, shared the gospel. Experiencing history first hand, has really enabled me to connect to what I have read in history books throughout my academic career, and has further excited me about this particular chapter in our textbook.
These documents provide us with insight about the various governments throughout the empires. It is interesting to hear the different perspectives of the two rulers and two scholars, as they share with us their opinions on the governments. Notice how I said “opinions,” meaning that not everything stated in these documents is a reliable representation of how the governments actually worked.
The first document is provided to us by Pericles, the Athenian leader. He perceived himself and his form of government, much differently than it actually was. In “The Funeral Oration,” Pericles rants on and on about his democracy. He paints a picture where all citizens have the same rights, and justice is provided for all. This may be true to a certain extent, but not everyone qualified as a citizen. Women, slaves, and foreigners, were led out of that realm. His speech is also contradicting in that he speaks so highly of his superior military, yet they had lost in the Peloponnesian War. I find it difficult to take Pericles’ representation into account, given so many contradictions. The picture he conveys of Athens appears flawless, which is a clear indicator that he may have construed various details in his speech.
Aristides, a scholar, appears captivated by the Roman Empire, as he makes a speech to the Emperor in “The Roman Oration.” Aristides language varies greatly than that of Pericles, much more figurative language used, can tell he is a scholar. “Much greater in good order than it is in circumference.” Aristides emphasizes that Rome is vast, yet more importantly the empire is operated in a suffice manner. He further explains, that there is a great and fair equality between all classes and statuses. It is true that Rome did make many “outsiders” citizens. During the times this speech took place, Rome was in its prime, possessing the greatest extend and authority throughout its history. Maybe Aristides was so amazed because no one had ever observed an empire, greater than that of Rome.
Chinese writer, Han Fei, describe a political system driven by law, referred to as Legalism. Our texts explains Legalism as clear rules and harsh punishment. Leading to the “two handles” of chastisement and commendation, or in other words punishment and praise. Han descriptions are much different from Aristides and Pericles, who have painted picture perfect empire. Han emphasizes to govern the state by law is to praise the right and blame the wrong. However, due to human nature it is somewhat impossible to keep rule in place because ministers are afraid to punish. However it is also dangerous to place the two handles into the hands of other because than the people will fear the ministry, instead of the ruler. Therefore the ruler has no choice, but to enforce the laws himself; those would comply shall be rewarded, but those who violet the laws shall be punished.
Ashoka philosophy of government is much different from the other empires. He first cam to rule to expand his own power, but came to a turning point, where he veered to Buddhism. Ashoka writes: ”Now Beloved-of-the-Gods thinks that even those who do wrong should be forgiven where forgiveness is possible.” This philosophy is completely opposite from Han’s writing of the Chinese Empire, who would punish those who do wrong. Ashoka is the first to recognize rights for animals. He diminished the usual sacrificing of animals and places instead medical treatments for animals. His officers work to promote the Dhammaas well as people's rights. However Ashoka believed contact between religions is good, so that people did not glorify their own religion excessively. Ashoka’s writing represent an overall sense over respect for himself and others, he emphasize that one should respect the doctrines provided by other.
Although these empires occurred in the same era, it is fascinating to see how diverse their political system were, and overall lifestyles. There are pros and cons to every political system, making it interesting to see how each empire thrived or filed throughout history.
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