Which society do you think had a greater impact on the shaping of modern-day America: Ancient Athens or Rome? Include 8 citations why you believe with reasoning. Please DON’T REJECT QUESTION let SOMEONE ELSE ANSWER

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Which society do you think had a greater impact on the shaping of modern-day America: Ancient Athens or Rome? Include 8 citations why you believe with reasoning. Please DON’T REJECT QUESTION let SOMEONE ELSE ANSWER
**Polybius 6.11.11-6.18.3: The Constitution of the Roman Republic**

*John Porter, translator*

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**Notice:** This translation is the copyrighted property of the author and should not be reproduced without the author's permission.

Thanks are due to Professor Michael Swan for his many useful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this document. Any remaining errors or infelicities are, of course, those of the author.

---

[Polybius here sets forth a general analysis of the Roman constitution at the time of the Second Punic War.]

**[6.11.11]** I have already mentioned the three divisions of government in control of state affairs. Regarding their respective roles, everything was so equally and fittingly set out and administered, in all respects, that no one, not even any of the Romans themselves, could say for certain whether their system of government was aristocratic in its general nature, or democratic, or monarchical. And this uncertainty is only reasonable, for if we were to focus on the powers of the consuls it would appear to be altogether monarchical and kingly in nature. If, however, we were to focus on the powers of the Senate, it would appear to be a government under the control of an aristocracy. And yet if one were to look at the powers enjoyed by the People, it would seem plain that it was democratic in nature. As for the parts of government controlled by each element, they were at that time and (with a few exceptions) still are as follows:

**[6.12.1]** The consuls, when in Rome prior to leading out their legions, are in charge of all public affairs. For all of the other public officials, with the exception of the tribunes, are below the consuls and subject to their authority, and it is the consuls who introduce ambassadors to the Senate. In addition to the powers just mentioned, the consuls introduce to the Senate urgent matters for its consideration and bring about the detailed implementation of its decrees. Moreover, it is the consuls' duty to consider all matters of public concern which are to be decided by the People: they summon the assemblies, introduce measures requiring a vote, and have authority over the execution of the decisions of the majority. Furthermore, they enjoy nearly autocratic powers as regards preparations for war and the general conduct of military affairs in the field. It is within their power to give whatever
Transcribed Image Text:**Polybius 6.11.11-6.18.3: The Constitution of the Roman Republic** *John Porter, translator* --- **Notice:** This translation is the copyrighted property of the author and should not be reproduced without the author's permission. Thanks are due to Professor Michael Swan for his many useful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this document. Any remaining errors or infelicities are, of course, those of the author. --- [Polybius here sets forth a general analysis of the Roman constitution at the time of the Second Punic War.] **[6.11.11]** I have already mentioned the three divisions of government in control of state affairs. Regarding their respective roles, everything was so equally and fittingly set out and administered, in all respects, that no one, not even any of the Romans themselves, could say for certain whether their system of government was aristocratic in its general nature, or democratic, or monarchical. And this uncertainty is only reasonable, for if we were to focus on the powers of the consuls it would appear to be altogether monarchical and kingly in nature. If, however, we were to focus on the powers of the Senate, it would appear to be a government under the control of an aristocracy. And yet if one were to look at the powers enjoyed by the People, it would seem plain that it was democratic in nature. As for the parts of government controlled by each element, they were at that time and (with a few exceptions) still are as follows: **[6.12.1]** The consuls, when in Rome prior to leading out their legions, are in charge of all public affairs. For all of the other public officials, with the exception of the tribunes, are below the consuls and subject to their authority, and it is the consuls who introduce ambassadors to the Senate. In addition to the powers just mentioned, the consuls introduce to the Senate urgent matters for its consideration and bring about the detailed implementation of its decrees. Moreover, it is the consuls' duty to consider all matters of public concern which are to be decided by the People: they summon the assemblies, introduce measures requiring a vote, and have authority over the execution of the decisions of the majority. Furthermore, they enjoy nearly autocratic powers as regards preparations for war and the general conduct of military affairs in the field. It is within their power to give whatever
**Ancient History Sourcebook:**

**Thucydides (c.460/455-c.399 BCE): Pericles' Funeral Oration from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46)**

This famous speech was delivered by the Athenian leader Pericles after the first battles of the Peloponnesian War. Funerals after such battles were public rituals and Pericles used this occasion to highlight the value of democracy.

In the same winter, the Athenians held a public funeral for those who had fallen in this war. According to ancestral custom, the process involved several steps. Three days before the ceremony, the deceased's bones were laid out in a tent, allowing friends and relatives to make offerings. During the procession, cypress coffins carried the bones for each tribe, and one empty bier was included for missing bodies.

Citizens and strangers could join the procession, and female relatives were present at the burial. The bones were buried in a public sepulcher in the city's suburb, with exceptions for those who fell at Marathon. A chosen, respected man, such as Pericles, would deliver a eulogy to honor the fallen.

In his oration, Pericles emphasized that it was customary for the speech to be delivered at the funeral of those who fell in battle, ensuring the valor and worth of the deceased were recognized. He expressed the challenge of speaking adequately on such profound subjects and the importance of acknowledging the citizens' achievements and virtues.

Pericles praised the ancestors and the current generation for maintaining the city’s freedom and prosperity. He acknowledged the military accomplishments and the resilience during wartime, attributing the continued success to the ancestors' legacy and the current citizens' efforts.

He concluded by expressing his duty to fulfill the traditional practices and respond to the citizens' expectations, ensuring the ceremony honored those who sacrificed their lives. He highlighted the city's greatness, its government, and the values that stemmed from the past, serving as a foundation for future success.
Transcribed Image Text:**Ancient History Sourcebook:** **Thucydides (c.460/455-c.399 BCE): Pericles' Funeral Oration from the Peloponnesian War (Book 2.34-46)** This famous speech was delivered by the Athenian leader Pericles after the first battles of the Peloponnesian War. Funerals after such battles were public rituals and Pericles used this occasion to highlight the value of democracy. In the same winter, the Athenians held a public funeral for those who had fallen in this war. According to ancestral custom, the process involved several steps. Three days before the ceremony, the deceased's bones were laid out in a tent, allowing friends and relatives to make offerings. During the procession, cypress coffins carried the bones for each tribe, and one empty bier was included for missing bodies. Citizens and strangers could join the procession, and female relatives were present at the burial. The bones were buried in a public sepulcher in the city's suburb, with exceptions for those who fell at Marathon. A chosen, respected man, such as Pericles, would deliver a eulogy to honor the fallen. In his oration, Pericles emphasized that it was customary for the speech to be delivered at the funeral of those who fell in battle, ensuring the valor and worth of the deceased were recognized. He expressed the challenge of speaking adequately on such profound subjects and the importance of acknowledging the citizens' achievements and virtues. Pericles praised the ancestors and the current generation for maintaining the city’s freedom and prosperity. He acknowledged the military accomplishments and the resilience during wartime, attributing the continued success to the ancestors' legacy and the current citizens' efforts. He concluded by expressing his duty to fulfill the traditional practices and respond to the citizens' expectations, ensuring the ceremony honored those who sacrificed their lives. He highlighted the city's greatness, its government, and the values that stemmed from the past, serving as a foundation for future success.
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