Julius Caesar, Roman Empire, Byzantium

Lesson 8: Question 1

As a demagogue, Julius Caesar always assumed a role of a hero by leading common people as they wanted. Through his political office, Caesar was able to evade criminal prosecution and courageously accorded favors and lands to his creditors. This is seen when he got rid of his creditors, who had held him up by sureties' methods. He also exiled Marcus Bibulus to his home in regard to the threat of violence and advanced to rule as a sole Console for some time. In order for him to maintain loyalty from crucial political allies, Caesar used agreements, oaths, written documents, pardons, debts and endorsed the idea that he was benevolent. Being a demagogue, he provided a democratic environment for his nation. As a ruler, Caesar further managed to expand Rome's territories, consequently making Rome an empire from a republic. Caesar was as well able to come up with conditions for a later extension to make his kingdom one of history's fantastic realms.  He also changed the Roman government and society by being a sole helper to those in legal difficulties.  Other than being victorious against political allies, he also enrolled additional patricians, and added the number of quaestors, aediles, and praetors, and provided reinforcement to those who had been disgraced by official action. As such, various leaders emulated Caesar's leadership since it was inspiring and exemplary.

Lesson 9: Question 2

The reforms that had been passed by Caesar Augustus were effective since they aimed at improving citizens' lives and keep Rome cleaned up because it was the heart of the empire. Also, these reforms were effective since they reinforced Augustus' consolidation of power. Augustus kept the city safe and prosperous as it was important to the people who visited Rome because it was his goal to see visitors admire Rome and uphold its conquests and programs. He also wanted people who had been defeated in civil wars to be impressed by Rome, thus the necessity of keeping the city clean. Furthermore, through Caesar Augustus' reforms, the city was made livelier, safer and gave congregation places to Romans. These reforms as well ensued a sense of community, civatas and improved the connectivity between Rome citizens and the city. As a result of urban reforms, a first good impression of Augustus' reign was established. 

Lesson 9: Question 5

The year 476 was the year Roman Empire in the west fell. The failure of Rome's city resulted in the disappearance of Roman power leading to the formation of little kingdoms that had been splintered. Germanic invaders from the north invaded from north Rome after the end of the western empire. An uprising was started by Germanic invaders after some time that later on caused over taxations, Romans refusing to honor treaties and boundaries, conflicts rising from successors, and unavailability of the United Kingdom to offer protection to Rome. The failure of the Roman Empire resulted in the breakdown of trade and commerce and a significant reduction in the quality of goods which largely affected Europe as a whole. 

Lesson 10: Question 7

According to Constantine, Christianity would be the most effective avenue for political power because most Romans were Christians. Prior to Constantine becoming an Emperor, Christians were persecuted by Diocletian, who believed revival of his Rome program was being hindered by Christians. However, when Constantine became an emperor, he utilized Christianity to obtain political power as most Romans were Christians. Constantine won the battle of Milvian Bridge because he believed the gods granted him a win after the sign, he received from them. From his victory against his woes, he legalized Christianity and prohibited persecution of Christians. Other than exempting clergy from paying taxes, he also returned the seized property to Christians. Such actions ascended the reign of Constantine.