Pure and Spartan Rome vs Religious and Powerful Islam FIRST 2 PARAGRAPHS!!!

Matthew Chou [is awsum and kewl!]
Per.2

Roman culture and Islamic religion can be compared in many ways. Some of these include the technological, political, and economical aspects of each culture. In these ways, Rome and Islam can be compared and contrasted between similarities and differences.


Roman and Islamic technology can be compared through their buildings. While Romans focused more on the functionality of their buildings, Islams leaned more to the religious sides. One example of the pure and spartan Roman architecture were roads. Roads were built “to improve communications and travel across their far-reaching empire…” (pg. 69) This helped improve trade through transportation. Another example of functionality were the Roman aqueducts. “Aqueducts are bridge-like structures designed to bring fresh water into cities and towns.” (pq. 69) This helped cities thrive because the people wouldn’t have to go get water from a river every single day. On the other hand, Islamic architecture had less functionality economically, but more religiously. One example was the Ka’aba, which was there for the Islams to pray to. “Pray in Arabic five times a day, at specific times, and facing Mecca [The Ka’aba].” This is to remind the Islams of their duty to their religion. Another example was the mosques, which were the Arab version of temples and churches. “…are set aside for community worship and prayer. Those who are able gather at the mosque…” (pg. 95) This is to keep Islams active in worship and to constantly remind them of their "purpose" in life and to keep newly converted Muslims strong.

Roman and Islamic political aspects were also quite different and similar. "The romans established a form of government known as a republic." (pg. 48) This made sure that citizens had power. This was important because that meant that the empire would grow depending on the citizens and kept the civilians happy. Happy people mean a happy emperor which means a strong kingdom, doing this, the citizens could also choose what they thought was fair and kept the kingdom

"In 632, Abu Bakr became the first caliph, a title that means 'successor.'" This meant that the Islamic cult was succeded by the man chosen as the best to lead. This kept their religion strong and powerful because the strongest person was the leader, instead of just a descendant because a descendant may be weak, but when they only pick strongest, that means their leader shall always be strong, unless the whole religion collapses.

The Roman and Islamic economies can be compared and contrasted.