Comparing Aeneid And Ovid's Metamorphoses

Slowly combatting the state’s overwhelming power, individuals during the ancient and classical eras display evolving levels of acceptance regarding being ruled. Nonetheless, early rulers rely heavily on the use of religion and punishment to ensure order within their jurisdiction. Leaders observe closely the desires of their citizens despite their elevated status, especially as individuals begin testing the limitations of their rulers. Mesopotamia, the first civilization to enact state wide legislation, uses strict laws with harsh punishments to control the lives of citizens. Meanwhile, classical Athens and Sparta portray two polarized views on who should lead and the extent of their control. Italy shows an evolving view of rule, from the divinely-based
Plato writes the The Republic to also describe strong state oversight, but within the context of a negative perspective towards the Athenian democratic style. Classical Rome also exemplifies powerful governance over its colossal empire, but their rulers employ a mix of religion and force, which contrasts the style of Athens. In this way, Virgil’s The Aeneid and Ovid’s The Metamorphoses portray the methods classical Roman Caesars validated themselves. Finally, over a millennium later, Niccolo Machiavelli pens Machiavellian Ethics, a pragmatic guide for princes and other like-minded leaders for maintaining their power. Although these works span a gap of several thousand years, the continuance of Hammurabi’s original idea stands, that if one is to maintain power, they must rule forcefully and decisively over their
He begins with this self-important notation, “Hammurabi, the exalted prince, who feared God, to bring about the rule of righteousness in the land, to destroy the wicked and the evil-doers; so that the strong should not harm the weak; so that I should rule over the black-headed people like Shamash, and enlighten the land, to further the well-being of mankind” (Hammurabi Intro). Before he delves into the document’s legality, Hammurabi describes its divine origins, while also justifying his divine mandation. Because Hammurabi’s document remains an initial attempt at state mandated legislation, and thus requires a form of verification. Hammurabi subtlely discloses his creation of the taxation system later within his legislation. Hammurabi writes of “one subject to quit-rent”, an individual who collects taxes for the state (Code 41). Hammurabi begins collecting citizen’s funds in order to fund the maintaining and expansion of his empire. Furthermore, this step lays the foundation for the census’ and taxation systems that later empires invoke. When viewed holistically, Code of Hammurabi portrays an attempt of equal ruling of a beginning society. Although his power remains immense and infallible, Hammurabi’s writings provide a foundation for later nation states on how to govern all