History

[MollyMac]

Originally Posted by Godslayer Jillian

Usurpers? They were the fist people to give citizenship to their conquered foes.

I shoulda make the snickering sarcasm smilie after my post. Relaaaaaaaaaaax. But yes, usurpers all the same- relinquish or die or be bred out.

They were lead plate lickers though. They also let the slaves teach their children. Never let the oppressed the the younger generation, it always leads to a downfall.

[PinstripesAndPithHelmets]

Originally Posted by Mir

The Indian subcontinent and the far east.

I know a bit about the Mutiny of 1857, but not much. I should learn more.

[Cicero]

Ancient Egypt was the first period in history that I was truly passionate about, and I still am. I also love the old mesopotamian civilisations and Ancient Greece/Macedonia.

Also: the Middle Ages (the Crusades, mostly), the Golden Age of Piracy (17th-18th c.), Victorian times, and the holocaust.

My interest in history has very little to do with wars. I'm interested in how people lived - what they wore, how they sustained themselves, and what they believed in.

[Godslayer Jillian]

Originally Posted by MollyMac

They also let the slaves teach their children. Never let the oppressed the the younger generation, it always leads to a downfall.

Their treatment of slaves was extremely humane for the times. I believe (and it's not just because of my antitheist personality) it was Christianity that eventually led to Rome's demise.
Rome thrived for almost a millennium due to its strong nationality combined with freedoms.
So long as one accepted the authority of Rome, one could believe what he wants and basically live as he wants, and have a voice in the government (albeit small) by having citizenship.
Yes; a glorious time in antiquity.
But what happens when the official belief system of said empire demands submission to a certain deity above all else, including that which provided them with security and (relative) luxury?
Exactly the same that would happen if America appoints a national religion, as some fanatics would like.

[Cicero]

Originally Posted by Godslayer Jillian

Their treatment of slaves was extremely humane for the times.

Humane... Yes... Nevermind about gladiator warfare or anything >_>

The feeling of standing in the colliseum, or any Roman arena for that matter, is a similar to the feeling of walking into one of the crematoria in Auschwitz. Humanity doesn't exist in places like that.

But other than that I agree with you. Rome is another of my favourite civilisations, albeit mostly only for their crazy emperors and obsession with sex.

The number one place to go for anyone interested in Ancient Rome is the main brothel at Pompeii. You can always find your way there because all around the city there are penises carved into the ground, pointing the way

[Vako]

Originally Posted by Godslayer Jillian

But what happens when the official belief system of said empire demands submission to a certain deity above all else, including that which provided them with security and (relative) luxury?
Exactly the same that would happen if America appoints a national religion, as some fanatics would like.

I also feel that religion should be kept out of government and law. The principle of Separation of Church and State should be preserved. America's goverment should always be secular and I hope America never becomes a Theocracy. (of any kind).

[Aaroneet]

I have two periods of interest:

1) the Renaissance

2) Vietnam-era America