In this essay, explain what you see as the two biggest changes in the Roman empire between the years before and after the year of 69 CE. What aspects of Rome’s borders, military, imperial families, politics, or culture changed, and what role did the year of 69 CE play in that change? The most successful essays on this topic will stay very focused on just two changes and will compare the empire “before” and “after” the year 69 CE.
Pro-tip: how I suggest you organize your essay
In general: think a few sharp examples, well-analyzed, rather than pages and pages of opinions
or generalizations. Quality over length.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
– clarify which option you’ll be discussing and your stance on the issue
Paragraph 2: Example 1
– Put forward your first argument
– Support this with an example, which you analyze
– Show me (don’t assume) why this example proves your point
Paragraph 3: Example 2
– Put forward your second argument
– Support this with an example, that you analyze
– Show me (don’t assume) why this example proves your point
Paragraph 4: Elaborate or Discuss Counterargument
– Use this paragraph either to provide more context/ background to why your arguments make
sense (show me the bigger picture) or dismiss possible counterarguments
Paragraph 5: Conclusion
– Summarize your position and remind me of your evidence
– Indicate the larger significance/ lesson of your examples
