How did the Romans manage to effectively combine their whole empire into one unit?

In order to be a winner, one must think like a winner. In order for Rome to become a successful empire they knew they had to dig way down, and figure out what the most important aspect of an a great empire really is. Transportation. Rome built roads and water passes, as ways for information to flow to and from one people or country, to another. Also allowing trade, which meant growth economically. As a result of these roads, everything became much more organized and the empire as a whole became a stronger people. For the transportation of food, for example, there were mansions, ‘waiting rooms’ basically. Yet these waiting rooms consisted of many doors, some drivers, conductors, doctors, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, and more. Keeping everything in order and in its place could assure that “the empire be kept moving.” The seaways would provide purpose to the people alongside the profit and goods. The Romans built roads that were made to outlive their time, in fact one can still go walk on these roads today. Although, these roads served a greater purpose, they gave the common person and way in witch to walk to find they way to around the city. The roads were built to improve the empire, to endure centuries, and to Greaten the name of Rome.

Would an Athenian from the 5th Century BCE approve of our present day government?

In the Athenian times, the voice of the people was highly valued. Having it that one mans opinion could actually have an effect on the entire population. Now, the system has changed completely. Our representative democracy, gives one man the power to “rule” over the rest of his country. We elect this ‘president’, but other than that we don’t really have a say in the ultimate decision. We vote according to the man or women that represents our case, thoughts and opinions the best, and hope that they will com out on top, ready to take their position in the white house. But of course we are let down by who we thought would do the best job, and they end up not taking action on all of the situations they said they would try and fix. So now, we approach the ultimate conundrum. What can a person in their everyday life do to fix the other situations they feel need handling. Nothing. An Athenian would here be able to interject, and show us that their government was better, and catered to all the peoples needs. Without one central position making decisions each individual could pitch in their ideas making sure their voice was heard.

There are so many connections!

It would seem as if the ways, traditions, and values, of the ancient Mayans would have slowly disintegrated throughout time. Yet, many of the simple things we do in our daily lives, relate to some of the main traditions the Mayan’s valued, starting with the food that we put into our mouths. Popcorn, did you know that the Mayans had popcorn? Although their way of making it was different, and the spices they added are definitely ones we don’t put in ours, it is interesting to think that people from many generations ago ate the same type of food we still enjoy today. They Mayan food is now more associated with Mexican cuisine, however, there are still many connections we can recognize in the ingredients put into our food. There were three main ingredients that were the base for the Mayan diet, corn, squash, and, beans. Today, corn is an ingredient that can be found in most any food and product, beans are a staple for many household meals, and some of the ways they prepared their squash/pumpkin, is the same as today. Food is only a small aspect of the Mayan culture, but I still find it delicious that we can relate so easily to ones living here so long ago.

Legalists and Dauists

Dauists and Legalists are both philosophies, and although they might seem completely different in fact they are much the same. THe Dauists believe in a more free flowing environment, where everyone is content withe what they have and its not jealous of what other hold in possession. THey feel that there shall be a central government yet, they won't take much action on instructing everyday life and choices, they will just be there if there happen to be a major problem that needs higher authorities. In this society less is more, living a simple life is more impressive than an extravagant one. This belief doesn't encourage education, because if everything is how it is and works the way it does, then they feel there is no need to question it.

Then, there are the Legalists. The Legalists believe that human nature is selfish and greedy. They frown on education and discourage literacy, because they are afraid that too much knowledge and thinking will lead the people to rebelling. They also think that a ruler or king is one who should lead with a strong hand, so that the people respect him. They believe in law as apposed to morality. Even that war and violence is good because it proved that the leader is powerful and almighty.

As you compare these two philosophies you will realize that although they leas a different way of life, their purpose is the same. They both feel that too much knowlege and thinking is bad and highly disscouraged.

Most effective way for a ruler to maintain order.

In order for a leaser to maintain order they need to be someone that the people can relate to, and look up to. Someone they respect and honor, someone wise. My Rabbi,Rabbi Dardik, carries all these traits. He shows equal respect to al the members of the congregation, making sure all feel in a welcoming and safe environment, he shows compassion towards all. As a King or Ruler, one must also reach out to its nation, its people so that they know he respects them, and he can gain their respect as well. Another way my Rabbi leads our congregation, is he abides by ancient laws and interprets them for modern day use. A King uses the same method; he must create a sturdy set of rules and laws for his nation to carry out. This is also important for him because it shows that he is serious and at the same time keeps his kingdom in order. A last main way for a ruler to lead, is to be a wise person all around, someone people can honor, someone who people want to honor.

Jared Diamond's theory

I agree with Jared Diamonds thesis that the way our world has come to be based on crops and animals has to do with agricultural luck. Before farming people used to go from place to place and hint for good, building a home wherever meet was plentiful. After the ice age and farming was introduced, people started adapting and never looked back at their old way of life.

In some places, agricultural didn't come as easily. In Eurasia, although, crops grew nutritious and strong, getting an equal and steady balance between sun and rain. They learned how to control which food grew when and where. Soon, they started to domesticate animals; using them not only for meet but some became their beasts of burden and others, were used for milk, eggs, wool, and even their dung was used as fertilizer.

For the land of Eurasia transforming to agriculture was easy. However, to lands like New Guinea adapting to this new way of life was much more difficult. In new Guinea crops didn't flourish and even if so, they had no appropriate animals to help pull the plow or dung to keep the soul rich. The people here had to keep to the old hunter an gatherer life style. Even today their are still places one may see that life style being used.

Luck of the land played a major role in determining which lands were successful between the lands that never changed.