Reflecting on the Australia Day debate of the last few days, I have written two essays, both 'What if" situations.
The first essay, below, imagines the Romans coming to Australia, rather than conquering Britannia in 55BC. The second follows on and includes the impact of Christianity in the Roman Empire from the 4th century onwards. Title: "Australia: What If the Romans Had Landed at Botany Bay in 55 BC?" Introduction The history of Australia is one filled with unique and fascinating events. From the arrival of Indigenous peoples over 65,000 years ago to the British colonization in the 18th century, the continent has seen a rich tapestry of cultures, explorations, and developments. However, what if we were to imagine a different scenario, where the Romans, known for their imperial conquests and advancements, had arrived in Australia's Botany Bay in 55 BC? How would this alternative historical narrative impact the development of the land we now call Australia? In this essay, we will explore the hypothetical scenario of Roman arrival and its potential consequences for Australia...