Which historical period was most like today?

Question

I'd just like to find more places and periods that could compare a bit to today - as an example, I'd say that the Victorian Era in England, the time of the industrial revolution, and both ancient Rome and ancient Greece share many of our societal aspects (heavy consumerism and trade, a broad base of affluent citizenry clamouring for entertainment and enjoyment, total over-indulgence in all things and a perceived threat from subversive forces with an ideological backing, etc.).

Any other things you feel might be worth checking out?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I say near the end of the Roman Empire... before Constantine, when there were still disturbing spectacles at the Coliseum.

Good question, by the way...

Answer 2

ROME: 1)Over extended Military (USA in Iraq, and military bases around the world)
2) Plague throughout the Empire (HIV in the United States and the on coming invasion of the Avian Flu).
3) Invasion of Foreigners a.k.a Barbarians from the German and Celtic tribes north of Italy. (Illegal immigrants from Mexico and South America to the United States.)
4) Misguided taxes and the giving of bread and food to 60 percent of Rome, which was mainly poor and sickly citizens. This would in many ways set back an already debt ridden empire. ( The welfare state in America and the misguided taxes that mainly affect the middle class or a.k.a the heart of the nation.)
5) Romes military became weak by the outsourcing of its military to the provinces, which would eventually lead to the breakdown of the Roman Empire. (In many ways, the political restraints put on by United States own government has led to the breakdown a once powerful military effectiveness to fight wars.)
6) Environmental pollution and contamination that lead to disease, ex. lead poisoning from the water pipes. (Air pollution , and Eco disasters around the U.S.A)

There are many more, but i think you get the point. All the things that made the Roman Empire fall are currently occurring in our once great nation.

Answer 3

With all the history seemming to come to a head at this point in time I would say it's like the time right before Jesus was born.
If you read the history of up to the time and the time of his birth and preaching you will see how much it is like today's society, especially in America.
Fundamentalists (pharisees) versus politcicians (saducess)
and many various breakdowns of strict adherence versus
love and forgiveness.
Sale of items in the temples IE: selling things in the church
to atone for sin when the sacrafice is already made.
Not a very positive time right now.

Answer 4

Tahini,
Another good question, lots of thoughts
come to mind. I agree somewhat with
your listings, however, what I find most
'extraordinary', is that with all the additional
knowledge, experience, 'wisdom', and an
instant communications system, we, the
human race, is the least bit subversive
about it all -- we sit, watch and criticize
everyone and everything without doing
one bit to make things better -- this is
what separates us from any other
period in History -- with all that unites
us, we are lonelier and more separated
than ever.
What's your view on this?

Answer 5

One of the more striking comparisons is the United States of today compared to Rome at its height. The comparisons are endless, from trade backed by military might to the social concepts of "bread and circus'" compared to welfare and television.

Answer 6

Rome... we have all the intellegence; we have the afluent knowledge and wealth; we also have in a sense one culture influence the rest of the world.

Answer 7

we are more like the period of soddom and gomorah,with all the acceptance of homosexuality and lesbianism,we are in the time of anything goes,the music ie rap hip hop etc foul language is accepted as the norm, violence,greed,(no i'm not a christian just a god fearing man)the way things are now shows the dark side of humanity,we are surely at the lowest time for humans,

Answer 8

i'd say the period leading up to WW1, with all the countries jonesing for war

Answer 9

None of the historical periods of the past is like today.

Answer 10

Every and all periods compare to today because they all include humans.