Was Myth a Primarily or Public Political Tool Essay Example

suckling infants nurtured by a she wolf during his reign, as he proclaimed his lineage from Romulus.

Using his connection to Julius Caesar, Apollo, and Romulus, Augustus was able to manipulate Rome's foundation myths to consolidate power for himself and his family. He even earned the name of Romulus as the second founder of Rome. Before Augustus, political life in Rome was violent and chaotic. However, Augustus used the power of myth to create a more peaceful and orderly government for the citizens. By controlling almost all of the army, he was able to use military power to manipulate neighboring communities, which ultimately served as the foundation of his political power.

According to Secondary source 2, Nero employed the prevalent practice of linking himself with deities and legendary figures to gain political advantage. The source reports that Nero pledged to govern following the guidelines established by Augustus.

Block 2 (pg. 138-139) reports that while Augustus followed certain principles, Nero's approach was different. Nero's political judgement and self-control were lacking, and he had a strong affinity for music and poetry, which was not related to military strategy like Augustus' appreciation for Apollo.

Amid the turmoil of Nero's Empire, he prioritized his image and performing on stage over ruling. Nero utilized the stage as a platform for his beliefs, dressed in mythical attire. By leveraging the power of myths, Nero garnered favor from lower class citizens who already admired him for changes in tax administration and entertainment events. This popularity made it easier for Nero to persuade his subjects through stage performances and gain their worship. (Secondary source 2.2 pg. 158)

Despite gaining popularity among the lower classes, Nero faced opposition from

the upper class due to his policies against Roman aristocrats, implementation of taxes, and his decision to prohibit the conversion of free men into slaves. These actions ultimately resulted in a decline in Nero's popularity among the elite community (source: http://didanese.deviantart.com/journal/My-favorite-emperor-quot-NERO-quot-228740816).

The political ideas and actions of Nero were supported by the lower-class, who he treated differently from the elite by ignoring and humiliating them. To gain popularity among this social group, Nero manipulated myths. The second section of the essay examines whether myth was primarily used as a public tool for different social groups and if those groups shared similar perspectives on myth. Additionally, it explores other roles that myth played in the Roman Empire. Roman mythology and culture often incorporated elements from other cultures such as the Etruscans and Greeks.

The Romans took inspiration from various aspects such as religion, government, and daily routine, as mentioned in the following source: (http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/mythology/instructors_resources/harrispt1ch18.pdf) enclosed in paragraph tags.

Mythology was a means for the elite to display their status by showcasing their knowledge of the past and level of education. The wealthy often held extravagant house parties where they used their affluence to entertain guests with displays of mythological knowledge, effectively bringing theatre into the home. Primary source 2.19 recounts a particularly opulent dinner party hosted by Trimalchio in which he flaunted both his wealth and his extensive knowledge of ancient myth.

In Trimalchio's abode, there were several decorative items adorned with Greek mythical symbols. To enhance his social standing, he even employed entertainers to recite passages from Homer (primary source 2.19 pg.59). Despite possessing knowledge in mythology, Trimalchio misinterpreted some details; however, this would have gone unnoticed

by non-elite individuals lacking the same level of education. As a prominent figure in a fast-growing city, Trimalchio's association with ancient Greek traditions and myths contributed to his high social status. During that era, one's wealth and education significantly influenced their rank in the social hierarchy. The elite utilized myth as a public tool to exhibit their social status and projected an idealized image through embellishing their homes instead of genuinely comprehending the meaning behind these myths themselves.

In early Roman society, myths, religion, and the afterlife were highly significant. Hades, a figure from Greek mythology, was associated with the underworld and played a prominent role in these beliefs. Greek Gods were respected and feared for their specific purposes. It was believed that death was a transition to another life, and all individuals were expected to go to the underworld, not just those who had done wrong. This fear of the afterlife and the myths surrounding Hades were used as a means of communicating with the masses and promoting unity within societies. Additionally, ethical codes and motivation were often derived from the promise of reward or fear of punishment. (Alan E Bernstein secondary source 2, Block 2pg 175)

The text discusses the perspectives on death given by Critis, Polybius, and Lucretius. Lucretius, a Roman philosopher and poet, viewed death as a fear that religion imposed and as a means to reinforce moral conduct to establish a stable society. He propounded that human society progressed in an organized manner until the discovery of gold, which brought about greed and conflict, especially between the poor and wealthy (Secondary source 2. 10 pg. 245).

According to Secondary source 2.0 (pg.

246), fear has its roots in the imagination, ancient cultic myths, and folklore tales about Hades. These stories were passed down through generations of Roman societies and only intensified over time. The myth of Hades served as a means for the religious sector to promote good behavior and maintain social stability since nobody wanted to end up in the underworld. It also functioned as a political tool by instilling fear in people regarding real punishments from the judicial system such as imprisonment, lashings, and executions.

In my investigation of Myth's role in Roman settlements, I discovered that it served a purpose beyond being a public and political tool. Entertainment played a significant role in Roman society, and myth provided stories of the past that generated income through tourism. Citizens from all social classes willingly engaged in both public and private spectacles, with Nero's rule increasing their popularity. One primary source recorded that Nero hosted a diverse range of entertainments such as coming of age parties, circus chariot races, stage plays, and gladiatorial shows.

In AD 57, Nero constructed a wooden amphitheatre, and this was accompanied by the construction of other amphitheatres around the empire for hosting various events. The cost of holding gladiatorial events was high, and as a result, securing wealthy sponsors for the games was regarded as prestigious (http://penelope.uchicago.edu), (5 pg. 34).

According to the website (edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/gladiators/gladiators.html), Nero was a supporter of the arts and provided shows for the people of Rome and sometimes across the empire. Nero also became an entertainer himself. In return for sponsoring the elite, Rome provided entertainment such as baths, theaters, and circuses that were also utilized by the elite.

Gladiators, including

prisoners of war, slaves, criminals, and even free men and women from nobility, were a common sight in ancient Rome. During Nero's reign, numerous women and senators participated in gladiatorial displays. The city also attracted tourists through popular events like chariot racing, stage plays, and music performances from diverse places. People flocked to Rome to witness its breathtaking buildings that surpassed the grandeur of any other city.

My essay has been challenging to research non-elite perspectives on the utilization of myth because most sources are from an elite or intellectual background. The elite and educated viewed myth as both a political and public tool to control and maintain order within non-elite social groups. Augustus and Nero utilized myth to govern Rome's citizens by asserting ancestral rights to gods. Augustus used his connection with myth to establish a peaceful existence, while Nero employed myth for personal gain in his love of the arts and wealth. Myth awareness was not ubiquitous among all social groups; only the elite and well-educated used it as a tool for political and public advantages, whereas the non-elite utilized it for various purposes such as religious beliefs or increasing their status within their own social circles.

Mythology served multiple purposes in ancient society. For one, myths surrounding the underworld and the god Hades were used by religious leaders as a means of providing comfort and belief in the afterlife. Additionally, myths were used to explain individuals' existence and place in the world, with some turning to tales of the gods for guidance in everyday situations. Furthermore, as my introduction quote suggests, mythology also functioned as a political tool, often leveraged by the elite to

further their own status and wealth.