There’s a reason why those boys formed the Sons of Cincinnatus, who was the Roman general who was pulled out of retirement and then resigned as soon as the threat from the Aequi (one of the Italic groups the Romans were trying to conquer and who had invaded) was over. They revered the Roman Republic that Livy described as the most honora…
There’s a reason why those boys formed the Sons of Cincinnatus, who was the Roman general who was pulled out of retirement and then resigned as soon as the threat from the Aequi (one of the Italic groups the Romans were trying to conquer and who had invaded) was over. They revered the Roman Republic that Livy described as the most honorable of states. In the same vein, the Rule of St Benedict says never elect as abbot the guy who wants to be abbot. I actually think that a better role model is Cornelia, daughter of Scipio Africanus, and mother of the Gracchi brothers who wanted to democratize the plebiscite to prevent the rise of the oligarchs. Think Elizabeth Warren with a spindle . . .
Interesting how the Republic worked. I read a book on how the Republic became the Empire because people used the rules designed to keep the oligarchs from seizing power ultimately to seize it.
Anne-Louise, I am delighted! As you no doubt already know, my brain operates in the deep past and I admit that teaching Women in the Ancient World (as well as regular Greek and Roman history and of course all the medieval stuff) for close to 40 years to undergraduates was one of my great pleasures. I provided a different perspective on the usual boilerplate stuff (like the idea that the Roman Empire was a good thing--it was not).
My Dad was an avid reader, and was convinced that the Roman Empire was one of the worst things to happen to civilization. Wish I could get the two of you together to talk. He's been gone 37 years come Friday.
Cincinnatus patented the original "mike drop" with an honorable twist, when he left plow and oxen awaiting in the field, as he went back once again lured by the always lingering call of duty. Cornelia, as opposed to King Lear's daughter Cordelia, is a great role model, Linda! Good call.
I can't remember if it was her son, Scipio Aemilianus who led the final, awful destruction of Carthage.
Her son-in-law (and first cousin!) was Scipio Aemilianus. Cornelia had twelve children with Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, including the two who led the Social Wars (Tiberius and Gaius) and were both murdered by the denizens of the patrician oligarchy because they were "in danger" of becoming too successful. Cornelia was survived only by her daughter, Sempronia, who was the wife of her cousin Aemilianus.
Cato the Elder (aka Cato the Censor) was indeed a horrible man. It's why I refuse to consider the Cato Institute anything moral or good: it is essentially a secretly fascistic organization.
That is very interesting! Thanks! I have always liked Roman history. Not college educated but still love the history. I should have paid more attention in my high school Latin class. I regret that to this day
There’s a reason why those boys formed the Sons of Cincinnatus, who was the Roman general who was pulled out of retirement and then resigned as soon as the threat from the Aequi (one of the Italic groups the Romans were trying to conquer and who had invaded) was over. They revered the Roman Republic that Livy described as the most honorable of states. In the same vein, the Rule of St Benedict says never elect as abbot the guy who wants to be abbot. I actually think that a better role model is Cornelia, daughter of Scipio Africanus, and mother of the Gracchi brothers who wanted to democratize the plebiscite to prevent the rise of the oligarchs. Think Elizabeth Warren with a spindle . . .
Interesting how the Republic worked. I read a book on how the Republic became the Empire because people used the rules designed to keep the oligarchs from seizing power ultimately to seize it.
Why does that sound familiar Michele....
Indeed!!
Yeah, history rhyming, as it were.
Linda, I wriggle with pleasure. You're talking my language.
Anne-Louise, I am delighted! As you no doubt already know, my brain operates in the deep past and I admit that teaching Women in the Ancient World (as well as regular Greek and Roman history and of course all the medieval stuff) for close to 40 years to undergraduates was one of my great pleasures. I provided a different perspective on the usual boilerplate stuff (like the idea that the Roman Empire was a good thing--it was not).
My Dad was an avid reader, and was convinced that the Roman Empire was one of the worst things to happen to civilization. Wish I could get the two of you together to talk. He's been gone 37 years come Friday.
(Waves from Springfield)
Cincinnatus patented the original "mike drop" with an honorable twist, when he left plow and oxen awaiting in the field, as he went back once again lured by the always lingering call of duty. Cornelia, as opposed to King Lear's daughter Cordelia, is a great role model, Linda! Good call.
I can't remember if it was her son, Scipio Aemilianus who led the final, awful destruction of Carthage.
Her son-in-law (and first cousin!) was Scipio Aemilianus. Cornelia had twelve children with Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus, including the two who led the Social Wars (Tiberius and Gaius) and were both murdered by the denizens of the patrician oligarchy because they were "in danger" of becoming too successful. Cornelia was survived only by her daughter, Sempronia, who was the wife of her cousin Aemilianus.
Carthago delenda est!
Cato the Elder (aka Cato the Censor) was indeed a horrible man. It's why I refuse to consider the Cato Institute anything moral or good: it is essentially a secretly fascistic organization.
That is very interesting! Thanks! I have always liked Roman history. Not college educated but still love the history. I should have paid more attention in my high school Latin class. I regret that to this day
A horrible thing it was.
Thanks for this snippet, Linda. I appreciate it.