Discussion 4

Many historians have drawn important parallels between the Roman Empire and modern day
America - in terms of political, social and economic/monetary circumstances. Identify and describe at
least three of these parallels – including at least one monetary example.

1. Global representation: Both societies are well known for their military power, economic power, and
cultural integrity. Dominating structure is the base for their community and the rest of the world.

2. High economic inequalities: The Roman economy had abolished the middle class with a cheap
overseas slave, whereas technological change and the transfer of jobs to overseas labor create a
critical position for the middle class of America.

3. Excessive war-oriented: Both countries have fought more war than any other nation. America has
been involved in World War I (1917-1918), World War II (1941-1945), the Cold War (1947-1991), the
Korean War (1950-1953), the Vietnam War (1954-1975), the Gulf War (1990-1991), Afghanistan
(2001- ?), and Iraq (2003-2011). Whereas Rome Empire also involved in some of the important was
held in history like three Samnite Wars (343-282 B.C.), the Pyrrhic War (280-275 B.C.), the Punic
Wars (274-148 B.C.), four Macedonian wars (215-148 B.C.), and the Jugurthine War (111-104 B.C.).

4. Costly election campaign: America is one of the costly election campaigned countries wherein
2012 the election cost was $3billion. Similarly, if we look back to Roman Empire, Caesar has taken a
hefty loan to win the election.

5. Self supremacy: Ancient Rome or modern America has a similar attitude of self boosting or
presentation of superiority. They always consider them superior in terms of culture, economy,
military, or any other aspects.

6. Open to the world: The Roman empire was open to the world in terms of business, welcoming
investors, workers, and others, whereas modern America also follows the same path and is known
as the melting pot for its open welcome to foreigners.

7. Politics is the road to acquire wealth: In the Roman empire, political corruption was one of the
primary sources to accumulate wealth through government offices. In the case of America, it follows
the path of Rome.

8. Showing up power: Roman emperors used to spend more money on military rather than social
development; America also believes in an intense army base for its power aspect.