Commercial links were prevalent and peoples of many cultural and religious backgrounds converged into the melting pots of popular urban centers. Astounding progress was made in several fields of scientific investigation, including astronomy, mathematics, physics and engineering. Grand libraries were created in Athens, Alexandria and the kingdom of Pergamum. The old beliefs vested in Olympian gods were permeated with foreign elements, particularly from the east; “Oriental” cults, such as those of Isis, Mithras and Cybele become widespread in the Hellenized world. The 3rd century BCE saw the growth of ancient Rome. After acquiring a majority of the Italic territory, Rome entered into a lengthy conflict with the Carthaginians for jurisdiction over Spain, Sicily and the other regions of Punic dominion in the Punic Wars. The previous empire of Alexander was taken incrementally and systematically into Roman hands. The great city of Corinth was destroyed (146 BC), Athens captured (86 BC), and Cleopatra and Mark Antony defeated at the Battle of Actium (31 BC). Their defeat marks the end of the Hellenistic Age and the end of the Greek …show more content…
There is no simple answer to the many moral and ethical questions this issue raises. We find writings on pacifism in many of the world’s prominent religions. Although pacifistic views can seem to contradict themselves, the basic pacifist belief itself is multifaceted. Pacifism, however unpopular it may be, has deep-rooted connections with the religious, political, and moral dilemmas that seem to be developing every day. To call oneself a pacifist today does not clearly define the personal beliefs or opinions of the individual. There are many different types of pacifists; however, the majority falls into the category of religious pacifists, grounding their beliefs against violence in the sacredness of life and the approval of a higher power. The idea of pacifism can range from an absolutist point of view to strictly conditional interpretations. For example, an absolute pacifist confronted with an aggressive attacker would rather forfeit his life than morally corrupt himself by using violence. This view is seen most often in belief systems that hold little value to this life. On the opposite end of the pacifist spectrum, there are many individuals that consider themselves pacifist who support war as long as it is in defense of the rights of the state. This view is more often seen in the political pacifist. Regardless of how extreme or flexible the different views held by pacifists, violence is never the desired