Sunday, September 9, 2018

Ancient Mediterranean History


Egypt  - The List of Pharos of ancient Egypt begins in 2649 BC with Zanahkt and ends with Cleopatra VII 44 BC.. Notable Pharos include Akhenaten 1349 BC, Tutankhamun 1336 BC, Ramses I 1295, BC, Alexander 332 BC, Cleopatra VII 51 BC

Israel - Abraham and the Israelites migrated to Egypt during the famine in 1850 BC., 400 year Enslavement 1650 BC, Exodus 1200 BC, Seizure of Canaan 1250 BC, Kingdom established under Saul 1020 BC, expansion under David 1000 BC, expansion under Solomon 965 BC.

In 931 BC Israel split into the kingdoms of Judah and Samaria. In 722 BC Israel is conquered by the Assyrians. In 586 BC Israel is conquered by Babylon. Rome conquers Jerusalem and installs Herod in 63 BC.

Rome was founded in 753 BC as a trading settlement and was ruled by 7 kings from Romulus to Tarquin. It became a Republic in 509 BC ruled by the Senate. Rome conquered Italy in 340 BC.

Rome expanded its influence as an economic power through trade with ports on the Mediterranean in North Africa, the Middle East and Europe. This prompted attacks by rivals. Rome became a major shipbuilding and naval power with a well-trained army.

Rome conquered Carthage in 146 BC and became a dominant military power. Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and Brittan and was named Emperor by the Senate in 48 BC. By 100 AD Rome controlled the coastal areas and by 300 AD Rome controlled most of Europe and parts of the Middle East and North Africa.  It peaked in 360 AD, began to dissolve and effectively ended by 480 AD.

There are lessons in this history that apply to today. The rulers of these ancient civilizations made sure that their populations had a food supply and an army. When they overextended their empires, they ran out of cash and had to retrench. They knew that their wealth was the source of their power and they used trade to expand wealth and their army to retain power. The Romans used trade deals to expand their influence and develop allies to whom they offered protection. The Romans conquered tribes who had fought among themselves until the Roman army enforced peace and obedience. When Roman taxes and tribute exceeded their benefits, allies resented the obedience. Sooner or later, allies who feel oppressed enough will rebel.  Whoever continues to use their resources wisely wins.

The Israelites who migrated to Egypt never accepted Egyptian gods, but their non-assimilation was accepted until the Egyptians turned them into slave labor. Multiculturalism has its risks and limits.

The Soviet Union mad the mistake of over-extending its influence in 1945 without a sustainable economic model and pulled back to become the Russian Republic in 1989. Just like Rome, they ran out of cash.

The US made the mistake of accumulating a $21 trillion debt and $124 trillion in unfunded liabilities and it is attempting to “grow” out of it. But the US has an over-reaching, dysfunctional government and needs to cut it in half and return to Constitutional compliance.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader


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