
Augustus Thomas was an influential American playwright known for his significant contributions to the theater in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1857, he began his career in the theatrical world as an actor before transitioning to writing plays. His works often reflected the social issues of his time, blending elements of realism with engaging narratives. Among his most notable plays are 'Alabama,' which explores themes of Southern identity and culture, and 'The Witching Hour,' a drama that delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal expectations. Thomas's impact on American theater was profound, as he was one of the first playwrights to bring a distinctly American voice to the stage, moving away from European influences. His ability to capture the nuances of American life and character helped pave the way for future generations of playwrights. His legacy endures through the continued performance of his works and the influence he had on the development of American drama, marking him as a key figure in the evolution of theatrical storytelling in the United States.
“That the Roman empire was, like all its predecessors, a form of extortion by force, an enriching of well-connected Romans (who “make a desolation and call it peace”) at the expense of hapless conquered peoples, would also not have carried much weight with most readers. Hadn’t Philip of Macedon’s first conquest been the seizure of the Balkan gold mines? Hadn’t Alexander’s last planned campaign been for the sake of controlling the lucrative Arabian spice trade? How could anyone demur over such things? What would be the point of holding out against the nature of man and of the universe itself? Augustus set up in the midst of the Roman Forum a statue of himself that loomed eleven times the size of a normal man,10 and similarly awesome statues were erected in central shrines throughout the empire. Augustus was not a normal man; he was a god, deserving of worship. And, like all gods, he was terrifying.””
“[the worst of ruthless pagans] Augustus and Tiberius.””
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