Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government
Joe Wickenden, Sarah Dowling, Ginger Snyder, Leone Hansen
HIS/341
October 27, 2014
Joel Getz

Greek and Roman Concepts of Citizenship and Government The definition of citizenship in Greek and Roman cultures can be described much differently than the current democratic definition of contemporary nations. The Roman Empire differed from the Athenian Amphictyony and the Assyrian Empire as well as the sunder later emperors such as Vespasian. There were also structural problems within the government of the Roman Empire. This paper will explore the models of government and citizenship that Ancient Roman and Greek peoples employed along with how well they worked.
Citizenship in …show more content…

The Roman Empire is best understood as an oligarchy (Nagle, 2010). This structure is more stable as the Athenian Amphictyony and Assyrian Empire were more focused on trade and more global (Mediterranean world) economics. The Roman Empire and military were more focused on tradition, while both the other empires were more focused on external powers. Romans had more strength on land with their military powers. Their economics and politics were based on land-owners who held positions in their government. Both Athenian and Assyrian military had strength as their navies.
The legions were a problem with Augustus; he was able to mitigate problems financially and legally with the legions and military by reducing the legions from sixty to twenty eight legions. With many battles and many Roman soldiers becoming veterans, the financial and legal problems other emperors had were mounting (Nagle, 2010). While this was a problem and he was able to have some control, he also had to face the senate and the citizens with these problems and address them properly. Augustus was more than capable and successfully addressed these problems with proper solutions. Other emperors were not able to succeed as the senate and the citizens were not in favor of the decisions.
Augustus was even able to address religious and family oriented issues legally. Crimes including child abuse and family abuse were addressed. It did take time, but Augustus was able