What would Caesar say about Iraq? | The Boar's Head Tavern

shaxper
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What would Caesar say about Iraq? Oct 12, 2002 16:53:17 GMT -5

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Post by shaxper on Oct 12, 2002 16:53:17 GMT -5

If (Shakespeare's) Julius Caesar was watching current events on CNN, what stance would he take on US actions towards Iraq? How might Octavius' response differ?

Sounds more like a homework assignment than I'd intended. Just thought it would be a good question for sparking discussion concerning great drama and current political events. Any takers?

"Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments will hum about mine ears; and sometimes voices, that, if I then had wak'd after long sleep, will make me sleep again; and then, in dreaming, the clouds methought would open and show riches ready to drop upon me, that, when I wak'd, I cried to dream again"

Juliet
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What would Caesar say about Iraq? Dec 1, 2002 1:34:56 GMT -5

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Post by Juliet on Dec 1, 2002 1:34:56 GMT -5

great topic shaxper. I haven't done enough reading on either Iraq or Caesar to make a decent reply.

However, I'd like to add to the stew, if I could. What would Machiavelli, I wonder, think of Iraq. (Vaguely related,I know, but oh well) Would he consider going to war with Iraq necessary? He does seem like a proponent of pre emptive strikes. On the other hand, would he consider it overextending, or an involvement in a struggle that will only weaken the ruler?

I rather think he'd approve, sadly, but I'd be curious to see what other people thought about it. And, of course, about Caesar

"...O fearful meditation, where, alack/ Shall time's best jewel from time's chest lie hid?/ Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back?/ Or who his spoil of beauty can forbid?/O none, unless this miracle have might/ That in black ink my love may still shine bright."

Bardolph
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What would Caesar say about Iraq? Jul 13, 2003 16:16:40 GMT -5

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Post by Bardolph on Jul 13, 2003 16:16:40 GMT -5

I think you first have to answer whether or not Iraq would be inside or outside Ceasar's realm. You would also have to consider whether or not ancient Iraq would be thought of as possession natural resources like the country is today. Egypt was not the only Roman outpost in Ceasar's time, but it's agricultural wealth and it's rapid transit system, courtesy of the Nile, as well as it's trade with far ports via the Red Sea, made it worth possessing.

Ceasar and his contemporaries thought of themselves as bringing enlightenment and liberty to vanquished lands. It wasn't just about tax conquest, though that was the main reason.

Ceasar wanted very much to vanquish all of the lands previously captured by Alexander. And this certainly included what we now know as modern Iraq.

If Iraq had in it's possession gold or agricultural wealth consistent with it's oil reserves, there is no question that it's invasion by the Romans would have been a foregone conclusion.