Western Civilization: Question and Answer

1. Compare and contrast the religious beliefs of ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations. What explains the differences? Why did each belief system develop as it did?

Both civilizations were considered as polytheistic, signifying trust in numerous gods. The leaders were assumed to be god’s descendants because of the massive wealth and authority. The Mesopotamians were cynicalbecause of the harsh life as compared to the hopeful Egyptians. The region inhabited by Mesopotamians had concerns with overflowing, and their view of their idols was impulsive. The Egyptians’ optimism was attributed to their closeness to the Nile River and less punitiveway of life and whose gods were in accord with each other.

2. Historian Edward Gibbon believed that Christianity was the primary cause of the fall of the Roman Empire. What evidence supports his conclusion? How can it be refuted?

One of the key aspects that resulted in the downfall of the Roman Empire was embracing a new religion, Christianity.In contrast to the conventional Roman religion that was polytheistic, Christianity was considered to be monotheistic.Based on Edward Gibbon’s sentiments, religion appearedto be odd, and in most cases, the Romans persecuted the Christians because of their principlesthat were predominant amongst the underprivileged. Persecution ended in 313 C.E. when Roman Emperor labelled as Constantine the Great eradicated all oppressions and acknowledged that Christianity should be accepted as a religion. This unforeseen move by the emperor facilitated the rapidspread of Christianity.Because Christianity stretched to the whole empire, the emperor’s authority was considerably reduced, which ultimately resulted in the empire’s collapse.

3. Charlemagne built a large and strong empire only to have it crumble upon his death. How did he achieve his empire? Why was he so successful? Why did the empire not survive beyond his death?

In 284 AD, the Roman Kingdom split in two by King Diocletian. The Christian conviction was the onlyunitingfacet between East, West, Latin and Greek dialect. During warfare, Charlemagne was effectual, labelling him as a strong leader.Nonetheless, the army authority made Charles the Great a unifying aspect, but his leadership style, allegiance to Pope Leo III, and his strategies and Catholic faith facilitated neutrality. After his demise, there was an insignificant scholarly revolution, reducing the empire’s lower chances of survival. Because of the non-existence of Charlemagne’s guidance in managing the succession, the Holy Roman Empire of Charles the Great internally crumpled, exposing the kingdom to defeat.

4. Descriptions of the Thirty Years’ War include the “last of the religious wars” and “the first modern war.” Which is the more accurate assessment? Why?

Calling the Thirty Years’ War the “first modern war” is a more accurate assessment because the war displayed similarities to wars fought between countries in contemporary societies today. While what facilitated the warfare was founded on differences in religious view at the Defenestration of Prague in 1618, the summit that instigated the Bohemian chapter of the warfare, the corereasons behind the battles were rapidlyexposed to be more politically instigated. Similar to current wars, lack of religious conviction was utilized to generate a cultural orthodoxy and justify attaining more authority and land.

5. Compare and contrast the lives and reigns of the following rulers: Augustus, Constantine, and William the Conqueror. Who was the strongest leader? Who was the weakest? Why?

After the assassination of Julius Caesar, Augustine became the first Rome emperor. During his time in power, Augustus stretched the kingdom by increasing several territories. Also, his rule was dubbed as the Pax Romana, also described as Roman Peace that continued for forty-one years. His accomplishmentsconsist of taxation reforms, the establishment of transport networks, and a robustmilitary that assisted him to enlarge his territory.

Constantine became the west senior ruler during the Britannia campaign. Afterwards, he formally became the ruler of both the eastern and western regions of the Rome Kingdom. During his rule, Constantine executed several systems such as monetary, social along with revolutionizing the army.He is also labelled as the first Christian king after decriminalizing Christianity.

William the Conqueror, also identified as William, the Bastard, was Duke’s legitimate son.William took over his father’s reign after his demise, with the assistance of Henry. He is identified as the first ruler to carry out a census in England, likewise identified as the Domesday Book. Other accomplishments are redrafted tax laws, property entitlements, along with adjusting ownership of land.Augustus was the most commanding, whilstWilliam the Conqueror was the vulnerable leader. August is considered a strong leader since Constantine’s achievements made possible by his accomplishments. In contrast, William the Conqueror is considered to be weak as he did not fully assimilate himself into Anglo-Saxon England and relocated back to France, where he passed on.