Technological and Cultural achievements of Non-Romans

[Mulceber]

And often these achievements are credited to the Romans.....

Uhm, often? Pretty much the only example of that happening that I can think of is Aquaeducts, and the reason for that is obvious: Romans used them on a far greater level than anyone up until their time. The genius of the Romans was not necessarily one of invention, but of recognizing the potential uses of various inventions and implementing them to their fullest effect.

Also, with regard to the genocide comment, I agree with the people here that genocide is not really an appropriate term to use for the ancient world. However, if you insist on using it, I'd point out that arguably the greatest act of genocide in the ancient world was perpetrated not BY the Romans, but AGAINST them: Mithradates slaughter of the Roman citizens of Asia Minor. According to ancient statistics, between 80,000-150,000 noncombatants were killed. (Adrienne Mayor, The Poison King, p. 13). Don't make accusations of genocide, Sata. It isn't an appropriate term for the ancient world, and even if it were, the cultures you are defending would be guilty as well. -M

[athanaric]

However, if you insist on using it, I'd point out that arguably the greatest act of genocide up until 1940's Germany was perpetrated not BY the Romans, but AGAINST them: Mithradates slaughter of the Roman citizens of Asia Minor. According to ancient statistics, about 80,000 noncombatants were killed. (Adrienne Mayor, The Poison King, p. 22-23).

Wut??? You're missing a few in between, especially one that happened in the very same place, in the early twentieth century.

[Mulceber]

Looking back, Mayor doesn't say the worst - that's my mistake. However, she does make a very good case for it being one of the most vicious acts of mass-murder in world history, so I supposed the phrase "worst case of genocide up until WWII" should be changed to say "one of the worst cases of genocide up until WWII." My mistake. -M