Comparison of Roman and Medieval Societies

While Roman and medieval times both had their shining moments in history, there have been several main differences that have contributed to a changing society. These differences have made themselves evident when examining the idea of warfare in the two societies. The main differences in warfare are the motives and the tactics used to accomplish the ultimate victory of success.

The first difference in warfare between the Roman and medieval time period can be understood in one of the motives for engaging in battle. For Romans, it seems that military control was equated with political power. The more territory a person could conquer, the higher up he was on the political ladder. As in Caesar's Conquest of Gaul, we find Caesar holding military command in 59 B.C. that helped him to attain consulship status.[1] On the other hand, the Poem of the Cid portrayed the Cid engaging in warfare in order to protect his honor and his reputation. Early on in the book, he had been exiled by King Alfonso.[2] The Battles waged helped him earn territorial control, which, in turn, gave him honor and reputation that was lost by his exile.

Another difference in warfare between the two societies was the tactics that were displayed. In Caesar's actions we see that pummeling the whole territory and making it his own was very important. In his invasion of Britain, he surveys the land and indicates that he is not going to attack right away; however, he goes back on his word and attacks the country at once.[3] On the flip side, Cid, in his encounters with war, acknowledges the other side. After he defeats the enemy, he almost always sends gifts to the king. In the Second Cantar in the Poem of the Cid, we see that he sends gifts of 100 horses to the King.[4] Also, he gives thanks to King Alfonso for exiling him because he realizes the good that he eventually received from it.