Why were the Romans so brutal?

Question

Its for my daughters homework. Web links would be useful too. Many thanks

Answer 1

They were an expansionist martial culture. Initially Rome was a very small nation (in fact just a city and a small amount of land) and was beset by foes on all sides. The Romans had to develop a strong military to survive and compete. Later they used this military might to expand and form a mighty empire.

"War gives the right of the conquerors to impose any conditions they please upon the vanquished." - Julius Caesar.

The Romans did not have the same standards we hgave today. Theirs was a world of gods and monsters. Violence was a part of life and brutality was useful in war and sometimes in peace. A good example of how brutal the Romans were was Carthage. After the conquored city of Carthage revolted the Romans re-conquered the place, tore down every buildimng and killed everyone there. To have show mercy would have encouraged other revolts and this could not be allowed.
"Pardon one offence and you encourage the commission of many." - Publius Statius

Here are some useful links:
http://janusquirinus.org/essays/Arena.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_empire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spartacus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carthage
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_republic
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar
http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/caesar.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator

Answer 2

Efficiency?
I remember learning about the decimation (not sure if I spelled that right) system of the Roman army.
If any Roman guards fell asleep during night watch, the next morning all the soldiers would be lined up. The general (or whoever was in charge) would count and pull out every 10th soldier. After he got to the end of the line. The rest of the army were forced to kill (by throwing rocks or whatnot) those who were chosen, even if they weren't the ones who fell asleep. This prevented many soldiers from falling asleep during night watch. This punishment was also used for other offenses, but this was the example my teacher used way back when.

So I basically think, that in various ways, including decimation, Romans used cruelty in order for a greater chance of success. If the soldiers don't want to face some sort of punishment, then they won't fail.
http://www.roman-empire.net/army/army.html
http://www.livius.org/de-dh/decimation/decimation.html

Answer 3

it really is no longer the reliable information the Bible talks about. the reliable information is God's heavenly kingdom now reigning in Heaven with Jesus because the King. that's the purely Kingdom which will carry peace to the earth. This Kingdom will placed an end to all different kingdoms and it is going to reign perpetually. Dan 2:40 4. Then there'll be no extra ailment, discomfort or demise. Psalm 37:29, Rev 21:4. it is going to fix the earth to the paradise again like God meant contained in the first position.

Answer 4

Were they more brutal than the Mongols, the Vikings, or any of the many other invading forces that have swept across Europe during the last 2000 years?

Answer 5

The Bible is the best source for your question.The Romans weren't the only brutal ones

Answer 6

It's just the nature of people in those days. What they were brought up with and used to. Well, there is a saying 'when in rome do what the romans do'

Answer 7

You can find something in this address:
http://www.roman-empire.net/
Probably because piling was the only way for them to enrich at that time. Increasing their geographical domain would also mean that they would have more slaves and more people from whom they would collect taxes...

Answer 8

Those were the good ol' days. (j/k) I found the link below interesting and possibly a good starting point. Good luck!

Answer 9

I need points

Answer 10

good answer, monkey man.