Civil War and the Collapse of the Social Bond: The Roman Tradition at the Heart of the Modern

The book explores how the Roman civil wars of the first century BCE laid the template for addressing perennially urgent questions, such as the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Augustus' new Empire. France's self-understanding as a new Rome makes it a special case in the Roman tradition, with a golden age of restoration glimmers on the horizon but comes in the guise of a decadent, oriental empire that reintroduces and exposes everything already wrong under the defunct republic. Central to the price of social order is patriarchy's need to subjugate women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 382 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Can civil war ever be overcome? Can a better order come into being? This book explores how the Roman civil wars of the first century BCE laid the template for addressing perennially urgent questions. The Roman Republic's collapse and Augustus' new Empire have remained ideological battlegrounds to this day. Integrative and disintegrative readings begun in antiquity (Vergil and Lucan) have left their mark on answers given by Christians (Augustine), secular republicans (Victor Hugo), and disillusioned satirists (Michel Houellebecq) alike. France's self-understanding as a new Rome – republican during the Revolution, imperial under successive Napoleons – makes it a special case in the Roman tradition. The same story returns repeatedly. A golden age of restoration glimmers on the horizon, but comes in the guise of a decadent, oriental empire that reintroduces and exposes everything already wrong under the defunct republic. Central to the price of social order is patriarchy's need to subjugate women.

The Roman civil wars of the first century BCE were a pivotal period in the history of the Roman Empire. The collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of Augustus to power marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the ancient world. These wars not only shaped the political institutions of the Roman Empire but also had a lasting impact on the development of Western civilization.

One of the most significant legacies of the Roman civil wars is the concept of a "Roman Empire." The Roman Republic had been a decentralized political system, with power divided among various city-states and regions. However, with the rise of Augustus, a centralized government was established, with power centralized in the hands of the emperor. This new system of government was based on the principles of imperialism and authoritarianism, which would have a profound influence on the political systems of Europe for centuries to come.

Another important aspect of the Roman civil wars is the role of religion in shaping the political landscape. The wars were fought between supporters of different religious ideologies, including Christianity, Judaism, and paganism. The conflict between these different religions would continue to play a significant role in the history of Europe, particularly during the Middle Ages.

The Roman civil wars also had a lasting impact on the development of military technology and strategy. The Roman army, which had been a dominant force in the Mediterranean world, was refined and improved during the wars. The use of cavalry, siege warfare, and military logistics were all developed and refined during this period, which would continue to be important in the development of military technology throughout the Middle Ages and beyond.

In addition to these political and military implications, the Roman civil wars also had a profound impact on the cultural and social landscape of the ancient world. The wars led to the displacement of millions of people, the destruction of many cities and towns, and the loss of many cultural treasures. The aftermath of the wars also saw the rise of new political and social movements, including the rise of Christianity and the emergence of the Roman Empire.

Despite these significant legacies, the Roman civil wars were also a period of great suffering and destruction. The wars were fought with brutal intensity, and many people lost their lives, their homes, and their livelihoods. The aftermath of the wars was also marked by political instability and social unrest, as different factions sought to gain control of the Roman Empire.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to argue that the Roman civil wars were a necessary step in the development of Western civilization. The wars led to the establishment of a centralized government, the development of military technology and strategy, and the emergence of new political and social movements. These legacies have continued to shape the political and social landscape of the world to this day.

In conclusion, the Roman civil wars of the first century BCE were a pivotal period in the history of the Roman Empire. The wars laid the template for addressing perennially urgent questions, including the nature of government, the role of religion in shaping society, and the development of military technology and strategy. Despite the challenges and suffering of the wars, they were a necessary step in the development of Western civilization, and their legacies continue to shape the political and social landscape of the world to this day.

Weight: 560g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009014281