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Outline Human Rights

The document outlines the history of the Roman Empire, dividing it into three periods: the Period of Kings, Republican Rome, and Imperial Rome. It discusses the social class structure throughout these periods, highlighting the concentration of power and wealth among the aristocracy. Additionally, it explores the concept of human rights in ancient Rome, emphasizing the influence of natural law, which was seen as a universal system of justice rather than a framework for individual rights.

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53 views2 pages

Outline Human Rights

The document outlines the history of the Roman Empire, dividing it into three periods: the Period of Kings, Republican Rome, and Imperial Rome. It discusses the social class structure throughout these periods, highlighting the concentration of power and wealth among the aristocracy. Additionally, it explores the concept of human rights in ancient Rome, emphasizing the influence of natural law, which was seen as a universal system of justice rather than a framework for individual rights.

Uploaded by

tuvc06
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

1.

The Roman Empire: A brief


- The history of the Roman Empire can be divided into three distinct periods:
The Period of Kings (625-510 BC), Republican Rome (510-31 BC), and
Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476).
 Founding (c. 625 BC): Rome was founded around 625 BC in the areas of
ancient Italy known as Etruria and Latium
 Period of Kings (625-510 BC): The first period in Roman history is
known as the Period of Kings, and it lasted from Rome’s founding until
510 BC
 Republican Rome (510-31 BC): Rome entered its Republican Period in
510 BC
 Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476): Rome’s Imperial Period was its last,
beginning with the rise of Rome’s first emperor in 31 BC and lasting
until the fall of Rome in AD 476

2. Social class through the periods


- Primitive period: In this primitive society, the man had the right to make
decisions and was the priest in the family. They have the right to sell their
children as slaves or even kill them.
-> This arbitrariness was limited after the establishment of the state
- Period of Kings (625-510 BC): The monarch has absolute power, is the one
who sets the law, dominates the army, is the court. The growth of Roman
power and influence concentrated wealth on a small segment and divided
society into two classes: patricians and the plebeians
- Republican Rome (510-31 BC) : With power completely concentrated in the
hands of the aristocracy, the institution of the Roman republic at the
beginning was a form of transfer of power from the monarch to the
wealthiest class in Rome.
3. Human rights in ancient Rome
- The concept of human rights in ancient Rome was not equivalent to
modern understandings of the term. Instead, it was more closely related to
the idea of natural law, which was influenced by Stoic philosophy.
- In ancient Rome, doctrines of natural law focused more on duties rather
than rights, and concepts like freedom and equality, central to modern
human rights, were not fully developed.
- The term "human rights" only came into common usage after World War II,
particularly with the founding of the United Nations in 1945 and the
adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
4. Natural law in Roman times
- Define:
 In Roman times, natural law was understood as a system of justice
common to all humans, derived from nature rather than societal rules
or positive law
- characteristics of natural law:
 It is considered universal and unchanging, applicable to all people
regardless of culture or time period
- How Natural Law Influenced Ancient Rome?
 The influence of natural law extended beyond legal theory, impacting
Roman society and governance by providing a framework for justice
that emphasized universal moral truths over local customs or decrees.
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of natural law?
 Advantage
 Disadvantage

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