What Are The Similarities Between Classical Rome And Native Americans?

Zamyrah Malcolm

Mrs. Trost

Pre-AP World History Period 8

27 March 2023

Classical Rome compared to Native American civilizations:

Comparing the similarities and differences between Classical Rome from approximately

509-476 BC and Native American civilizations which began in about 300 CE show us how different societies developed and grew. Classical Rome was a time known for spectacular architecture, literature, and law. Native American organizations are known for adaptability, religious rituals, and unique art. Both Classical Rome and Native American civilizations had growth and development which allowed them to flourish and be successful. Some of the similarities between these civilizations revolve around military, religion, engineering, and

Ultimately there are more differences such as Rome's change to monotheism and Native America's continuation of polytheism.

There are some interesting similarities between Classical Rome and Native American civilizations that contributed to each society. Classical Rome left garrisons behind in conquered land to establish a society and maintain control. This is similar to the Incas, who also left garrisons behind to establish a society, it is also said that they left garrisons to set an example for how the conquered people should act and live. This similarity regarding the military was an important aspect of the Roman and Incan empires. Another interesting similarity is in religion, Classical Rome was polytheistic, used ancestral worship, and lacked a particular moral code. In all Native American societies as far as it is known polytheism was practiced, and there were many gods worshiped that related to nature. Ancestor worship was also done and in Incan civilization, it was a main idea of their religion and societal life called the cult of the ancestors. Another similarity in religion is the lack of a moral code, in both civilizations, religion provided very little if any moral

One of the major differences has to do with the economies of these empires. Classical Rome had agriculture, but they relied heavily on international trade which they established early on. Classical Rome mostly traded with Africa, India, and China. This is very different from the Native American economy which relied very heavily on agriculture and trade between tribes only. If Native American empires had traded it was only between tribes. This was because they relied heavily on agriculture to provide for their people and they were self-sufficient meaning that everything they needed could be grown or made by themselves without trade. This is also the reason why Native American tribes were not as advanced as other civilizations, they were isolated and lacked cultural diffusion which would typically travel through trade contact. Another difference in society and daily life was the fact that Classical Rome was known for their value of entertainment with over 800 bathhouses, chariot races, gladiator games, dramas, and shows. This is different from the Native American Society which did not have nearly as much entertainment as Classical Rome did. They had pokatok, gardens, and zoos. This difference is important because it shows which civilizations had more or less time to entertain themselves. It is demonstrated that the many inventions during the classical Roman period took time away