Primary Sources for Chapter 5
Imperium Romanum: The Romans, 753 B.C. to A.D. 300
Study Guide | Art History | Links
World Conquest in Self-Defense
Galgacus: on Roman Imperialism: An enemy commander provides a negative view of Roman empire-building.
Content Question: How does Galgacus characterize the Romans and their motivations?
Analysis Question: Why would the Roman historian Tacitus provide this negative speech?
Evaluative Questions: Can imperial conquest be to the advantage of a conquered people?
A Description of Julius Cæsar: Suetonius provides some views on the Roman leader.
Content Question: What are the good and bad qualities described?
Analysis Question: How do the criticisms show reasons for his assassination?
Evaluative Questions: How does Cæsar compare and contrast with other rulers (e.g. Hammurabi, Cyrus, Julius Cæsar, Augustus (below), Charlemagne, William “the Conqueror,” Louis XIV, or Napoleon)?
The full lives of Cæsar by Suetonius is available here and here.
Augustus’ Res Gestæ (or here): The first Roman Emperor advertises his achievements.
Content Question: What are the most important accomplishments listed here?
Analysis Question: How do these achievements reflect Roman social virtues?
Evaluative Questions: What in this list would make people support Augustus’ leadership?
The Roads to Knowledge
Inscriptions from Pompeii: Writings on the walls of the buried city reveal Roman society.
Content Question: What are the different kinds of topics of the graffiti?
Analysis Question: Why would people seek to make these statements so public?
Evaluative Questions: How do these ancient inscriptions compare to modern graffiti and tagging?
Primary Source Project Links
1. Tacitus on Galgacus versus Agricola about Motivations for Battle
