This might be bad: I need some short paper ideas for this period of time (or after).

[russia almighty]

Really, really short. Like 3-6 pages. Has to be of persuasive nature, about anything.

I'm not asking for you to do the research, just topics . Cause I am lost here (plus I've got two other papers....) and I want to do something that is guaranteed to not have interfering research.

[EdwardL]

wha?

[Spartan198]

Yeah,I'm not sure I understand what you mean,either,Russ.

To EdwardL: Off topic,but cool sig image.

[cmacq]

Seriously, you can't think of a topic in this time period?

[pezhetairoi]

I think he's saying, he needs to write a short essay paper thing about the EB time period, that has to argue a point, for example 'the phalanx was better than the maniple in the early Republican period.' or something of the sort.

And he's hoping we can suggest possible topics that would not be overdemanding in research, given the short length of what he has to write.

Me, I'd suggest arguments on things like:

The propensity of the Greek states of the period to use mercenaries as their standing armies were disruptive to sociopolitical stability and also contributed in a large part to defining the flow of history during this period. For example, things like Pyrrhos' mercenaries, the Mamertines and the trouble they caused for Rome and Carthage, the mercenaries that caused revolutions in Syrakousai until Hiero II dealt with them, the Gauls that were admitted into Epeiros (according to Polybios).

Another possible one to argue would be something obvious, that Hannibal, rather than destroying Rome, made it possible for Rome to become so great militarily, because he taught the lessons that Romans needed to learn in how to handle their armies via the school of hard knocks. Again, Polybius, Livy, Dodge, to name the books that I have, could be consulted.

A third could be an essay arguing that Augustus was a master of political intrigue and a great calculator of power equations and a strong understanding of stakes, pressure points in the system, etc that could be exploited. Again, something on which there is already a lot of material. Dio Cassius (IIRC) can be consulted on this.

Just some ideas. Of course, I have absolutely no idea what level you are writing at, and I haven't even started undergrad studies yet, so I'm writing in a vacuum. But I hope this helps.

EDIT: Yes, I'd agree with cmacq on this. For an EB player who reads the forums regularly, there are so many controversies you can read about! XD In fact, just grab one of Persian Cataphract's long lectures. There's already enough in one of his lectures to give you a long essay if you flesh it out and research a bit more into the names, places and events he's provided. Heh.

[russia almighty]

For example, lets say someone suggests Crassus' failed campaign against Parthia, as a research topic. Whoever gave me that topic, just gave me something to research more, and potentially whip up a potential thesis statement. The reason why I said this period, is because my two other papers have to involve something very recent (post WWII- now).


pez, same boat. What level of secondary school are you at? I'm a senior (or year 12 as they call it in the U.K model).

cmacq: I have free reign over the topic and it's a little overwhelming. I'm use to having some walls to fall into.

[cmacq]

Right,

then lets try; Roman democrats (Marivs) vs Roman republicans (Svlla) and the true nature of Ceasar (democrat): A case study of the functional dissolution of a representative State. Or; Homer, sometimes its the ones you lest expect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHx2--r_Nhc

Iconic...

[Spartan198]

Oooooh,makes sense now.
(*knocks on my head and hears an echo)

Well,Pezhetairoi pointed out some good topics. Think I'll do a little research on that Hannibal one,myself...

[pezhetairoi]

@russia almighty:

I'm not really in the same boat, I finished the equivalent of grade school in 2006, then had to join the army for 2 years of compulsory service. Am now having a gap 3/4-year before I fly off to begin undergrad. In other words, my status is no longer 'student' but some strange limbo as I work as a research assistant in my alma mater for literature, under my ex-teacher, while waiting to become a student again.

When you said 'intervening research', did it mean you wanted a topic that didn't require you to do anymore research (as you're already swamped by the previous 2 papers), or...? That's the one part I didn't get.

EDIT: If what you wanted was a topic that didn't require any more research, well, that's an impossibility. :D Unless you want 'Gaesatae are underpowered!' as a topic.

[cmacq]

@russia almighty:

I'm not really in the same boat, I finished the equivalent of grade school in 2006, then had to join the army for 2 years of compulsory service. Am now having a gap 3/4-year before I fly off to begin undergrad. In other words, my status is no longer 'student' but some strange limbo as I work as a research assistant in my alma mater for literature, under my ex-teacher, while waiting to become a student again.

When you said 'intervening research', did it mean you wanted a topic that didn't require you to do anymore research (as you're already swamped by the previous 2 papers), or...? That's the one part I didn't get.

EDIT: If what you wanted was a topic that didn't require any more research, well, that's an impossibility. :D Unless you want 'Gaesatae are underpowered!' as a topic.

Indeed, a 'strange limbo' as the much valued virtues of slavery always require a willing compliance and collaboration.

[Dhampir]

In the accounts of the martyrdom of Perpetua, mention is made of her children, her father and her cohorts. But nothing is said of her husband. Speculate on where her husband was, your thesis being where you think he was. Was he dead? In the military? A dead-beat dad?

Discuss.

[Beefy187]

Jews under the control of Roman empire is very interesting.

How Romans treated them and how Jews reacted to Romans.

[Elmetiacos]

Why did the reforms of the Grachi brothers fail, in the long term, to save the Roman Republic?

[pezhetairoi]

Indeed, a 'strange limbo' as the much valued virtues of slavery always require a willing compliance and collaboration.

Ah, but it is not slavery, it is considerably well-paid servitude AND under a boss who cares (and who even encourages me to play EB at work between assignments).

[cmacq]

Thats why they call them the 'much valued virtues.' You have my envy, as my masters seem to take great pride in paying for my service with nothing but malice. Ironic, as the most meager and conservative wage compensates excellence, by the most progressive and liberal mind.

[keravnos]

Kleomenes and his reforms... Sparta's last stand

[pezhetairoi]

Keravnos! I haven't seen you around in quite some time...

[russia almighty]

He's been making sure EB can pay for it's servers; he's been filming, uh, stimulating material for male minds with fine Greek females.

[pezhetairoi]

I like that. Very much. Can I be filmed too? I can be quite stimulating, I'm told. I perk people up like a lion on the loose. So they tell me just before they start running.

So, what topic have you chosen, in the end?

[Disciple of Tacitus]

Am wondering myself what you chose. Some of the topics seem a bit more college level. Cover some of them in 3 - 6 pages?? Please.

Although, I have to admit, that was pretty good response in 24 hrs. Maybe we aren't all dunderheads afterall? ... ... ...

[cmacq]

Speak for yourself.

[pezhetairoi]

So...you're a dunderhead? xP

But hmm, you could cover it in 3-6 pages regardless. It's only a matter of how much detail.

I could even cover the Hannibalian War in a single line.

'Hannibal crossed the Alps and won many battles. Then he lost the war.'

Yay!

[cmacq]

Came, saw, conquered.

[Disciple of Tacitus]

@ Pez. "A-". Good work.
@ Cmacq. "please see me after class, and we will talk about plagiarism."

And I prefer, Mr. Dunderhead, if you don't mind.