1. FALL OF THE REPUBLIC: To what do you attribute the collapse of the Republic? Some of the factors that others have argued as significant include
- foreign influences
- expansionism and overseas distractions
- private armies
- ambitions of military/political leaders
- Senatorial intransigence
- violence in politics
- corruption and greed
- lack of leadership
or
2. RISE OF THE EMPIRE: Was the Empire as crafted by Augustus a successful successor to the Republic? What did Augustus (re)introduce into Roman social and political realms which provided stability and prepared for the future? What did he introduce that smacked of despotism and deprived Romans of their hard-fought liberties? How did Augustus' reforms address some of the issues listed above that contributed to the Republic's downfall?
3. YOU MAY SUBMIT A PROPOSAL FOR AN ESSAY QUESTION. It must be crafted as a question and deal with the period between 100BC and 14AD. Any proposal must be submitted by Friday, November 5 and must receive my approval.
Use documentary evidence from your primary sources readings and Africa to support your position. Your essay must be typed, double-spaced, and 1000-1500 words in length. The essay is due in class on November 15th and must be printed out and stapled.
