How Rome Became World's First Super Power | Prof Jiang Explains

About this video

• Video Title: How Rome Became World's First Super Power | Prof Jiang Explains
• Channel: Prof Jiang Explains
• Speakers: Prof Jiang
• Duration: 00:15:18

Overview

This video explains how Rome rose to become the world's first superpower. It contrasts Roman cultural values and political systems with those of the Greeks, highlighting how Rome's emphasis on liberty, public good, piety, and a republican structure, in opposition to Greek ideals of freedom, individual glory, and excellence, ultimately enabled its dominance. The video also touches upon the historical context of the Mediterranean world around 500 BCE, comparing Rome's initial state to established powers like the Persian Empire and the Greek city-states.

Key takeaways

• Rome's unlikely rise: Despite being a poor, backward city in 509 BCE, Rome eventually became the master of the Mediterranean world within 300 years, a feat that was highly unpredictable at the time.
• Geopolitical landscape of 500 BCE: The Mediterranean world was dominated by the Persian Empire, with significant powers including the Greeks (Athens and Sparta), the Etruscans in Italy, Carthage, and Macedonia. Rome was not initially considered a major contender.
• Contrasting Roman and Greek values:
  • Freedom vs. Liberty: Greek "freedom" emphasized egalitarianism and the right to speak one's mind, while Roman "liberty" focused on respect for laws, traditions, and the absence of kings.
  • Eudaimonia vs. Republica: Greek "eudaimonia" (human flourishing) encouraged individual glory and competition, even at the expense of the state. Roman "republica" (the greater good) prioritized sacrifice for the public virtue and the good of Rome.
  • Arete vs. Piety: Greek "arete" (excellence) admired individual achievement, even in flawed individuals like Achilles. Roman values leaned towards "piety," emphasizing obedience, loyalty to family, Rome, and the gods.
• Republic vs. Democracy: The video distinguishes between democracy, characterized by "one man, one vote," debate, and majority rule, and a republic, which is governed by institutions, laws, and tradition. The Roman republic's structure allowed for the integration of immigrants and foreigners, strengthening its military and societal resilience, unlike the Athenian empire which struggled to replenish its forces due to its exclusivity.
• "Oceanic Currents of History": The video suggests a historical pattern where dominant empires eventually decline, empowering borderlands to rise, a phenomenon exemplified by both Macedonia and Rome.