Romans

How advanced or civilised were the Romans?

Some historians believe the Romans were civilised and advanced whilst others believe they were uncivilised. This essay will use evidence to show that the Romans were civilised.
Many Historians believe the Romans were civilised and advanced because Rome was supplied with over 1,000 liters of fresh spring water a day by means of 12 aqueducts going in to the city. This shows that the Romans were clever and that they understood the fact that the whole city needed clean water. The first ever aqueduct was built underground for 3 reasons; 1.)to keep it hidden away from enemies.
2.) To get an additional level of protection from pollution and erosion (eroding).
3.) To make it less disruptive to the life above the ground. k

Another reason historians believe the Romans were civilised and advanced is because Roman roads linked parts of the empire together. They were straight and long lasting. This shows the Romans were intelligent because if they didn't invent roads then we would have been walking/driving on just gravel. The roman roads were straight and long lasting because the whole idea was to get the roman army from one place to another quickly as possible. They were built wide enough so that 2 legions could pass each other in opposite marching directions without bumping into each other.

A third reason historians believe the Romans were civilised and advanced is because the Romans had a form of central heating with hot air coming up through the floor from furnaces below. This shows the Romans were smart and resourceful because if we didn't have heatings we'll be cold and die from diseases from the cold. It was also there to keep the Romans healthy. The heating system was worked by slaves, who kept fire burning in the furnaces below the ground. The Romans' heating system was called a ahypocaust.

A final reason historians believe the Romans were civilised and advanced is because the Romans were clever and skillful. They made beautiful pots and jewelery and could also make bricks and cement. This shows the Romans were creative and that they were really keen on inventing new things everyday. Without cement and bricks we wouldn't be able to build houses or any buildings, especially the cement because it glues the bricks together and keeps the building in place. The pots that they made very beautiful and most of them showed the way the Romans lived.

On the other hand, some historians believe the Romans were uncivilised and unadvanced. They believe this because in the Colosseum thousands of men were killed at each public show. This shows the Romans were cruel and that they showed no mercy to their enemy, people in the Roman times thought that it was entertaining because it was their only way of entertainment. If you think about it now you wouldn't like it because killing people isn't nice and it's against the law. People these days will think that your mad if you go out and start throwing people into a Colosseum and bringing a crowd with you.

Another reason historians believe the Romans were uncivilised and unadvanced is because Roman gladiators were slaves or condemned men who had to fight to the death to entertain the public. This shows the Romans were mean and turned the people that did wrong or that were slaves , had to die in front of lots of people and that they had to use themselves to fight each other so the public would be entertained.

A third reasons historians believe the Romans were uncivilised and unadvanced is because children could be given away, sold into slavery or left to die if they were not wanted by their family. This shows that some Romans didn't care about their family and children and that they wouldn't mind if they died at all. It is cruel to put your child in danger and to abuse them by hitting, kicking etc.

A final reason historians believe that the Romans were uncivilised and unadvanced is because the Romans made many of the people they conquered into slaves who were treated as their property. This shows the Romans didn't care about people who did not argue against them as they were a powerful army so they could do anything to the people.

Overall, i believe the Romans were civilised because they invented and made brilliant things that we still use today. Roads are one of the most important things to us because, without roads we wouldn't be able to walk on smooth ground and we won't be able to have a very comfy ride on a car. Even though they did a lot of cruel things to Christians and other people I still think they are civilised because they made the most amazing things.

By Broni Simon 71B/7V