Growth of Ancient Roman Population
- Submitted by: tommyboy
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- Category: History: People
- Date Submitted: 11/12/2013 07:34 PM
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This source is a satire from 118 CE Rome, and consists of an explanation by Umbricius to his friend Juvenal, for why he has decided to leave Rome. Since it is a message intended for a friend, Umbricius speaks directly about the problems he experienced with the foreign influx into Rome. He complains how he can no longer tolerate the Greek influence, the increasing unscrupulousness of the people, and the inability to rest or sleep due to overcrowding. Placed in historical context, this source reflects some insight into the repercussions of a growing roman population.
For instance, Umbricius begins his tirade for leaving by claiming how “the city has become Greek” and that he can no longer tolerate it. With a flood of Greek slaves, also came their language, morals, and cultural habits and this evoked tensions. Umbricius pushes that the Greek slaves hold nothing sacrosanct and that one must be ever vigilant of their daring lust. Though this may have been true for some Greeks, this claim is seems largely exaggerated. Many Greek slaves in Rome still revered deities, and were often considered more valuable than a typical slave due to their rich cultural past and adroitness with the arts.
Moreover, not just the Greeks but the swelling population in general irritated Umbricius. He carps about the splendor of dress being carried beyond men’s means, and how “everything at Rome is coupled with high price.” Though there is surely some truth to this account of Rome, it should not be taken at face value. An inherent problem with the genre of this source is that it is a satire, with concerns being exaggerated and information picked selectively as to support Umbricius decision to leave Rome. Umbricius attempts to convince his friend how the influx of foreigners is ruining Rome, and therefore one must consider Umbricius bias against Rome with his magnification of events.
By the same token, Umbricius illustration of the perpetual noise and danger of the growing city gives...
For instance, Umbricius begins his tirade for leaving by claiming how “the city has become Greek” and that he can no longer tolerate it. With a flood of Greek slaves, also came their language, morals, and cultural habits and this evoked tensions. Umbricius pushes that the Greek slaves hold nothing sacrosanct and that one must be ever vigilant of their daring lust. Though this may have been true for some Greeks, this claim is seems largely exaggerated. Many Greek slaves in Rome still revered deities, and were often considered more valuable than a typical slave due to their rich cultural past and adroitness with the arts.
Moreover, not just the Greeks but the swelling population in general irritated Umbricius. He carps about the splendor of dress being carried beyond men’s means, and how “everything at Rome is coupled with high price.” Though there is surely some truth to this account of Rome, it should not be taken at face value. An inherent problem with the genre of this source is that it is a satire, with concerns being exaggerated and information picked selectively as to support Umbricius decision to leave Rome. Umbricius attempts to convince his friend how the influx of foreigners is ruining Rome, and therefore one must consider Umbricius bias against Rome with his magnification of events.
By the same token, Umbricius illustration of the perpetual noise and danger of the growing city gives...