Rome’s Rise: Punic Wars and Early Republic Foundation
Punic Wars: Rome’s Mediterranean Expansion
During the mid-third century BC, Rome was immersed in one of its most significant conflicts: the wars against the Carthaginians, known as the Punic Wars. The primary cause was the clash resulting from Rome’s westward expansionist ambitions.
Roman legends sometimes attributed the deep-seated animosity to the story of Aeneas. Fleeing Troy for Italy, he supposedly stopped in Carthage, fell in love with Queen Dido, and later abandoned her, leading to her suicide.
Read MoreRoman History: From Origins to Empire’s Fall
Origins of Rome
The historical origins of Rome date back to the mid-8th century BC. Some Latin tribes settled on the banks of the Tiber River, specifically on Palatine Hill, near Tiber Island and a ford (Latin: vadum) that allowed crossing the river. These early settlements grew into the city that would be called Rome.
The Roman Monarchy
In these early times, Rome was ruled by a monarchy.
Republican Rome (509 BC)
In 509 BC, a revolt overthrew the last Etruscan king, Tarquinius Superbus, and Rome became
Read MoreAncient Roman Architecture: Temples, Baths, and Engineering
Ancient Rome: Trade, Agriculture, and Warfare
Rome was engaged in trade, agriculture, and war. They practiced athletic games and gladiatorial combat.
Features of Roman Architecture
- Built cemeteries, churches, and civil works.
- Utilized the arch and dome extensively.
- Were skilled designers and engineers, influenced by Greek styles.
- Used circular smooth shaft columns with capitals.
- Temple bases were often nearly square.
- Tombs were a characteristic building type.
- Employed construction-support systems and lintels,
Spanish Literature After Franco: Trends & Key Authors
Contemporary Spanish Literature
From Dictatorship to Democracy (1975-1978)
The transitional period between Franco’s death (1975) and the establishment of democracy was marked by significant social and political changes. The 1978 Constitution was adopted, leading to modernization in the economy, politics, and international integration.
Postmodernization in the 1980s
Political and social shifts in the 1980s gave rise to new ways of thinking, a postmodern perspective. This rejected traditional ideologies
Read MoreSpanish Literature: Poetry, Novel, and Theater (1940s-1950s)
Spanish Literature: 1940s Poetry Trends
The post-war era marked two major poetic trends representative of the 40s: rooted poetry and rootless poetry, characterized by a tragic tone and straightforward expression.
Rooted Poetry
The lyric of the Generation of ’36 is the most representative of rooted poetry, one that draws from Greece and finds no anguish in a world that is considered orderly. It valued classical forms like the sonnet and addressed themes of religion, love, and patriotism.
Uprooted Poetry
The
Read MoreMinstrelsy Epic: Origins, Evolution, and Poema de Mio Cid
The Master of Minstrelsy: The Epic
It is a popular character; the Renaissance and the Baroque are cultured.
Epics: Origins and Characteristics
Epics have their origin in the barbaric chants sung before the battle to inspire courage. The term refers to sung tales of facts and events that were sung or recited by bards. These are for information and news, which derives one of its characteristics: realism. The word epic refers to featuring the exploits of heroes in the community who are identified, and
Read More