Julius Caesar and Cicero: Roman History and Oratory
Julius Caesar: Roman Statesman and General
Julius Caesar was born into the Julia family, considered descendants of the Trojan hero Iulus. He began his political career at an early age and held several magistracies. He was elected consul in 59 BC. He participated in the First Triumvirate of the Roman Republic, together with Crassus and Pompey, and ended up facing the latter in a civil war. Once Pompey was defeated, Caesar made himself dictator in 45 BC. In 44 BC, he was assassinated on the same day
Read MoreMastering Catalan Literature: Authors and Masterpieces
Bernat Metge: A Literary Pioneer of the 14th Century
Bernat Metge was born in Barcelona in 1343 into a family linked to the court. He was educated in writing and official languages (Latin, Catalan, and Aragonese). His stay at the papal court of Avignon, a cultural hub in Europe at the time, allowed him to delve into new authors and readings, most notably Petrarch. Metge served as the last secretary to the Catalan dynasty kings, Joan I and Martin I. He was involved in corruption scandals, especially
Read MoreAncient Rome: History, Society, and Legacy
**Location**
The heart of Ancient Rome was located in the center of the Mediterranean, specifically on the Italian peninsula. The Apennine mountain chain forms the backbone of this peninsula, dividing it into western and eastern sides, nestled between the Tiber and Po rivers.
**Origin**
Rome’s origins can be traced to an influx of people seeking better living conditions. Three main groups populated the area during Rome’s formative years: the Italians in the north, the Etruscans in the center, and the
Read MoreAugustus of Prima Porta: Roman Emperor Sculpture
Augustus of Prima Porta: A Masterpiece of Roman Sculpture
Augustus of Prima Porta is a sculpture of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus Caesar, created by an unknown author. Caesar Octavian Augustus was appointed Emperor of Rome in 27 BC after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium and subsequently conquering Egypt. He was the nephew of Julius Caesar, who had adopted him as a child. Augustus was a very important general and held many titles that represented his power. During
Read MoreSpanish Literature: Authors and Trends from 1927 to 1960
Generation of 1927: Key Authors
Pedro Salinas
Known for his poetry that creates a dialogue between the author and the world. Love gives access to the essence of things. He had an anti-rhetorical style. He was a university professor in Madrid and Sevilla. Notable works include Omens and The Voice You Trust.
Jorge Guillén
Characterized by a dense and elaborate language. He was a university professor in Valladolid, Murcia, Sevilla, and Oxford. He was also a professional in exile in the U.S. Notable works
Read More18th Century Enlightenment and Romanticism in Spanish Literature
Eighteenth Century
The illustration is representative of the eighteenth-century movement that caused a profound renewal in Europe. It subjected the worldview, philosophy, culture, and religious beliefs accepted so far to rational criticism.
The ideals of the enlightened man were:
- Dominance of reason as the pattern of human behavior
- High concept of utility
- Man’s rational behavior and the ideal of human happiness
Ways of Acting and of Being Characteristic of the Illustrated Man
- Liberal and critical spirit
- Faith