jjares reviewed Roman Arches: The History of the Famous Monuments in Rome and Throughout the Roman Empire on + 3278 more book reviews
Because the Roman Empire was essentially a military state, the success of the army was important to the politics of the nation. No emperor could rule for long without the military's continued support. As the nation grew, their use of the farmers of the empire as soldiers could no longer meet the long-season needs of the military. Thus, the soldiers came to be unlanded citizens (often poor men) who could earn their livelihood (and professional stature) through their military service.
Any aristocrat aspiring to a political career had to achieve success in the military. In order to show the general's success, he needed to be awarded a triumph. A triumph (probably seen in ANY film about the Romans) celebrated military success, glorified the leaders of the conquests, and furthered the political ambitions of anyone who received one.
After some time, it was decided that the triumph did not leave a lasting reminder of the successful general or emperor. However, erecting arches (through which a procession could pass) would immortalize (through its carvings) the success being celebrated.
The photos of the arches were superb. They were clear and (because I was reading with my iPad), I could enlarge them at will. There were lots of photos and interesting commentary. However, there is a suggestion I might make. Put the photo at the beginning of the description (instead of at the end, as is so often done). I enjoyed looking over the photo first and then reading the attending information.
Any aristocrat aspiring to a political career had to achieve success in the military. In order to show the general's success, he needed to be awarded a triumph. A triumph (probably seen in ANY film about the Romans) celebrated military success, glorified the leaders of the conquests, and furthered the political ambitions of anyone who received one.
After some time, it was decided that the triumph did not leave a lasting reminder of the successful general or emperor. However, erecting arches (through which a procession could pass) would immortalize (through its carvings) the success being celebrated.
The photos of the arches were superb. They were clear and (because I was reading with my iPad), I could enlarge them at will. There were lots of photos and interesting commentary. However, there is a suggestion I might make. Put the photo at the beginning of the description (instead of at the end, as is so often done). I enjoyed looking over the photo first and then reading the attending information.
