Ancient Rome Featured Elements Often Attributed to Modern Society
In the realms of history, two civilizations stand out for their remarkable advancements - the Roman Empire and the Aztecs. Though separated by time and geography, their societies exhibit striking similarities to modern society in various aspects.
Hernán Cortés, upon laying eyes on Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire, was astounded and compared it to the Venice of the new world. Much like the Roman Empire, the Aztecs had a sophisticated and advanced civilization, with intricate urban planning and an extensive road system.
The Roman Empire, in its 700-year reign, managed to build around 55,000 miles of paved roads around the Mediterranean basin and across Europe. This extensive network facilitated trade, military movement, and communication, much like the modern-day road systems we rely on today.
In Rome, fast food establishments known as "Thermopolis" were common, offering fried or roasted meat and stews. Similarly, the average American spends around $1,200 annually on fast food, amounting to a staggering $50 billion collectively. While the implications of this spending are debated, it's interesting to note the shared love for fast food across centuries.
The Roman Empire was also known for its admiration of gladiators and chariot drivers, a form of entertainment that resonates with our modern-day sports and spectacles. The phrase "Bread and Circus," coined during this time, refers to the People's desire for food and entertainment, a concept that still holds relevance today.
Croatia, on the other hand, is home to some of the best wines in Europe and the world. Mount Falerno, in ancient Rome, was known for one of the most sophisticated wine concoctions, drunk by emperors like Julius Caesar and Caligula. In Tenochtitlan, wine was also a part of daily life, though their methods of production and consumption were vastly different.
Ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, were not only advanced but also sophisticated. They had complex legal and political systems, advanced engineering and infrastructure, and rich cultural developments.
The Romans, for instance, had a complex democratic system with a Senate and multiple popular assemblies. They created a written law code, the Law of the Twelve Tables, which established principles on legal procedure, property, inheritance, and family authority. These legal codes formed a foundation for modern legal systems.
In terms of infrastructure, the Romans engineered aqueducts to supply cities with clean water, improving public health and agriculture. They also developed advanced sanitation systems, such as the Cloaca Maxima sewer, public baths, and houses with flush toilets and indoor plumbing.
The Roman family was a legal and social unit with a patriarchal structure, much like modern families. Marriage was a lifelong social contract, and social stability was valued, early forms of social order and legal familial responsibilities that influence modern family law and social norms.
The Roman culture was diverse, with significant achievements in art, architecture, Latin literature, religion, and traditions emphasizing loyalty and respect for authority. The use of Latin in governance, law, and literature laid the groundwork for Western languages and legal terminology.
In essence, ancient Rome developed advanced urban planning, public health infrastructure, legal codes, political frameworks, and cultural institutions that have clear parallels and influences on contemporary society. Even in the city of Pompeii, graffiti was found, including sales announcements, election messages, and expressions of love and affection, as well as sexual content, reflecting the human need for communication and connection.
Dionysus, the god of fertility and wine in ancient Rome, later considered a patron of the arts, highlights the intertwining of art, culture, and religion that continues to shape our world today. As we delve deeper into the annals of history, we find that the past is not only a distant memory but a living legacy that continues to shape our present and future.
The Aztecs, with their capital of Tenochtitlan, mirror the Roman Empire's advanced civilization, sporting intricate urban planning and extensive road systems, resembling modern-day infrastructure. Just as ancient Rome fostered a deep love for gladiators and chariot drivers, our modern society is captivated by sports and spectacles.
Pyramids, a hallmark of ancient civilization, were not exclusive to Egypt; the Aztecs also built grand pyramids, testifying to the shared history of technology between the Roman Empire and ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.
