One reason that Machiavelli gives for this is that while Athens enjoyed a period of liberty through a democratic government, it was quickly transformed into a tyranny once the composer of its laws, Solon, lost power. Liberty was temporary due to the fact that although the laws were democratic in nature, "Solon had not blended either princely power or that of the aristocracy" into the mixture (Machiavelli, 110). ... It is essential that a city should have "a free beginning, without depending on anyone" if it is to have any prospect of achieving civic glory" (53). ... For this reason Machiave...

• Word Count: 1335
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

They tried to sneak past the Romans using the cover of night, clearly not respecting the voice of Caesar or the power of the Legions. Caesar likely thought that the Helvetti undermined the power of Rome, and it was likely the other tribes of Gaul did as well, especially with recent battles involving Spartacus. ... Many of his victories highlighted the courageousness of his soldiers on the battlefield as well as the glory that victory ensues. ... His beliefs were that the Gallic's were uncivilized and were in desperate need of a larger power (Rome) to restore peace throughout the tribes, w...

• Word Count: 1502
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Cassius even made a largess of Sicilian grain to the plebs, but was, in the end, accused of attempting to gain too much power. ... Cassius tries to placate the plebs and gain power, but is opposed by the senate. ... Gracchus was the foremost Populares tribune at the time, and was killed because he sought to take power away from the opposing Optimates. ... Appian relates numerous deaths throughout his Civil Wars, and this can be seen in Livy as the constant abuses of the tribunes, leading to the ultimate loss of plebeian power in the story of the decemvirs. On the issue of absolute power, Livy...

• Word Count: 2928
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: Undergraduate