#archias

[whencyclopedia]

Syracusia

The Syracusia was an ancient sailing vessel designed by Archimedes in the 3rd century BCE. She was fabled as being one of the largest ships ever built in antiquity and as having a sumptuous decor of exotic woods and marble along with towers, statues, a gymnasium, a library, and even a temple.

A New Approach

Ancient seafaring is usually perceived as a cabotage maritime navigation. The term comes from the French verb caboter meaning “traveling by the coast.” People of antiquity (Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans) usually sailed following the coastline and did not take the risk of going too far out on the high seas. Nevertheless, there are sources confirming that there were exceptions, and the first of them took place as far back as the 3rd century BCE.

In Sicily, under the ruling of king Hiero II of Syracuse (270 – 215 BCE), a ship with stunning dimensions was built. The material used for the construction of that giant boat equated to the material for 60 regular ships. What was more, that vessel was meant to leave the secure coastal lanes and to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The ship was given a name – Syracusia – and represented what could be called “the first liner of antiquity.”

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[antoniagracious-blog]

Pro Archia Poeta

Question: If Archias was as adored as Cicero claimed, can't we determine that this case was easily won? Comment: This piece demonstrates the expansion of Rome and the growing inclusion of new ideas and people. This concept that one could become undoubtedly Roman by his achievements and success allowed a sense of hope for all. It reminds me of the novus homo, a man improving his status by his own hard work.

[joncastor-blog]

Pro Archia Poeta

I feel like this argument was not just about defending Archias, but also gives us a glimpse of a little bit of pride that exists in Cicero. It’s obvious he could defend Archias and win this argument easily, but he goes into such a rant. For example, when it comes to the people who Archias is respected by or friends with, he names a couple of big names and could have stopped there, but almost as if to humiliate the other side he continues to name people. However, this could also be because of who is funding the opposition against Cicero and Archias. 

With the issues of immigration in the upcoming election, how can we interpret or apply this argument of citizenship today? Should we use it as a guideline or completely ignore it?

[centaur--of--attention-blog]

Cicero pt 2

Question: Why did Cicero go on in such length defending Archias? It seems to me that Cicero could have proved that the argument was invalid in a few sentences, but yet he still kept going.

Comment: I don’t understand why Cicero would use such odd and confusing language. Not only is it hard to read, but I can’t imagine what the judges were like trying to decipher him.

[stevenmathens-blog]

Cicero, Pt. 2

What is Archias so guilty of that the one and only Pompey the Great is funding his prosecution? Cicero, even in his annoyingly pompous speech has almost too many good points as to why Archias should be welcomed into Rome. So why is Pompey so adamantly pursuing a prosecution?

Cicero compared Archias to Homer. If that’s not a risky brag I don’t know what is.

[its-ella-arndt-blog]

Cicero #2

Question:

It is unclear if Cicero won this case. I am wondering if there is any further proof of Archias staying in Rome? Would this lead one to believe whether or not Cicero won? 

Comment: 

I was confused the first time I read this. I have found that it makes a lot more sense the second time through. I really love the way that Cicero speaks. I can only imagine what it would sound like in latin. I’m sure Cicero’s presentation of this speech was very sassy. I would have loved to hear his inflection!

[stay-hydra-ted]

Cicero pt. 2

Question: What did Archias do to Pompey that made him raise the question of citizenship to the forum? He seems like a well-liked, talented man, so did he write something negative about Pompey to incite this prosecution?

Comment: I found it very smart of Cicero to spend time building up literature before continuing with his defense that Archias is not only a citizen but an important, honored citizen. It built up an appreciation for the arts while reading it and then made me feel like Archias was of even higher value than before. I would be shocked if Cicero lost this argument.

[centaur--of--attention-blog]

Cicero

Question: Why was the person prosecuting Archias so hell-bent on making sure Archias didn’t have citizenship? There seems to be a fair amount of evidence to state that he is, but apparently that is not enough for them.

Comment: I would have loved to know the background of this. Cicero just jumps in with no sort of introduction at all and I was confused for a little on what was happening. His style of speaking didn't help my confusion, instead it made it more confusing.