Ancient Romans Mastered Propoganda but May Have Fallen Short to Celts and Other Barbarian Tribes

An interesting article in tomorrow's London Times discusses the Romans as masters of propaganda that has colored our perception of this ancient culture through the centuries.  The article claims that the key to Roman success above all else was its distinction as the world's first professional army. Seen through the eyes of Roman leaders of the time, the enemies of Rome were described as rag-tag bands of warring hooligans and branded "barbarian."

The article points out that archaeological evidence over the past 30 years has shed new light on some of our notions of the Roman world which have been derived from the surviving texts of Roman writers. For instance, we think of Romans as great road builders. While this may be true, it has come to light in recent years that some major Roman roads were actually built on top of pre-existing ancient cart ways.

Another myth the article claims there is evidence to debunk involves the Celts. According to the Time article, far from being "barbarians," they actually has superior helmets, shields and chariots compared to the Romans.   

Further, according to the article, "the Celts’ mastery of metal technology also enabled them to develop sophisticated arable farms. We know they had iron ploughshares in Britain from about the 4th century BC because in a shrine at Frilford on the River Ock, near Abingdon in Oxfordshire — a site that was occupied from about 350BC — an iron ploughshare was found under one of the central pillars where it had been buried, perhaps as a votive offering. It is a fair guess that the temple was one of the first buildings to be erected there and that the iron ploughshare was offered at the time that its foundations were laid."

Read the full article in the London Times.

Comments

[Air Jordan shoes]

Fear not that thy life shall come to an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning.

[Cnox]

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[Chris]

Hi Pat! I'm SO glad you enjoyed the blog pointsg it means the world to me to know you liked it. I sure will miss how close in everything is in Europe. There are nine different countries within a days drive from Stuttgart! Yep, we'll miss it but we're sure eager for our new adventure