"Enlightened rulers and good generals who are able to obtain intelligent agents as spies are certain for great achievements." Throughout history, the use of spies has assisted countries in gathering intelligence to use as ammunition against their enemies. These spies would courageously go behind enemy lines and risk their lives in order to gather information that could be vital to the war effort. The idea of spies and espionage is an age-old tradition that is discussed in detail in Sun Tzu’s famous writings, The Art of War. In chapter 13, Sun Tzu states, “Intelligence is of the essence in warfare- it is what the armies depend upon in their every move.” Without having the foreknowledge of what is being planned, enemies, foreign and domestic, …show more content…
Unfortunately, however, in Julius Caesar’s case, getting the report did not stop his enemies from plunging a dagger into the dictator’s heart. When examining Julius Caesars attempt at a network of spies, many say that his intentions were correct, yet, his establishment was in vain. During his early years, his spying techniques were lacking. Rome was suffering from a “critical intelligence deficit.” When Rome wanted to invade Britain, Julius Caesar “launched a covert operation to gather information on British customs, harbors, and military tactics.” His spies used early forms of codes and ciphers, yet, the spying techniques were faulty and led to a failed first attempt at invading …show more content…
After many brutal battles fought and lost against the Carthaginians, Rome appointed Scipio Africanus as the sole leader of the Roman army. Scipio Africanus was able to emulate Hannibal’s techniques and style, ultimately allowing Rome to win the Second Punic War. Scipio understood how valuable spies could be; he also understood how deadly it could be if a spy’s cover got blown. For example, Rome once found a Carthaginian spy in their camp and proceeded to cut off the spy’s hands. The spy was tortured and eventually ended up dying of exsanguination. With this thought in mind, Scipio was careful to keep his agent’s identities secret. In one case, Scipio sent a legation to the Numidian camp. This legation consisted of Roman emissaries, as well as centurion or officers, disguised as slaves. One of Scipio’s emissaries feared that someone in the Numidian camp would recognize one of the centurion spies who had visited the camp previously. To protect his agent, the emissary had the spy publicly caned, attempting to show that the spy was of low status; “Romans subjected only persons low on the social scale to corporal
The American Revolution saw the rise of the American spy, and the father of these spies was George Washington, commander in Chief of the Continental Army. The siege of New York demonstrated the importance and dire need for intelligence to General Washington. Unfortunately, the difficulty, at least initially, lies with finding people willing and able to serve in this manner. Upon recognizing the necessity for a network of subterfuge, Washington created the Culper spy ring. Housed in New York City under the command of Colonel Benjamin Tallmadge, its purpose was more than merely gaining intelligence.
Throughout the years, there have been many different texts and while some of them can be very similar or focus on the same topic, no text is truly the same as another. Every story, essay, or poem written is unique even if by little amounts. Spying is a very popular topic that has spawned many texts about the topic, such as The Dark Game by Paul Janeczko, and the Code Book by Simon Singh, and while the texts focus on this topic and have many similarities, they are also quite different in many ways.
middle of paper ... ... When the enemy seeks to avoid battle, we attack! When the enemy retreats, we pursue!
Caesar’s piety is not only shown when he fights to revenge a memory of his reconstructed city, but also through his men when they are required to jump into deep water in order to fight the Britons in Book 4, Chapter 25. “And while our men were hesitating [whether they should advance to the shore], chiefly on account of the depth of the sea, he who carried the eagle of the ten...
According to Michael Parenti, author of “The Assassination of Julius Caesar”, states that “the writing of history has long been a privileged calling undertaken within the church, royal court, landed estate, affluent town house, government agency, university, and corporate-funded foundation.” Parenti writes this because he wants to point out the way history is published and mentions the church, royal court, landed estate, and affluent town house as a way history is written. “On the fifteenth of March, 44 B.C., in a meeting hall adjacent to Pompey’s theater, the Roman Senate awaited the arrival of the Republic’s supreme commander, Julius
...Hidden War: British Intelligence Operations during the American Revolution.” The William and Mary Quarterly, Third Series, Vol. 47, No. 1 (Jan., 1990).
In conclusion this paper has showed many different reason how he has changed life and how he changed people's lives in history forever.
Tzu, Mo. Against Offensive Warfare. Ed. Michael Austin. Reading the World: Ideas that Matter. 2nd ed. New York: Norton, 2010. 254-255. Print.
Brutus’ leadership and compassion for others make him a popular figure amongst the Roman people, and it is his reputation that establishes him as an influential individual. For example, despite the fact that Brutus loves Caesar like a brother, he warily joins the conspiracy to assassinate him. He does this because he believes that Caesar’s ambition would become tyranny and that Caesar’s death is a necessary evil in order to preserve the liberties of the Roman people. In his own words Brutus claims, “It must be by his death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general.”(Act 2, Scene 1, Page 1116). In addition, Brutus takes the reins of authority from Cassius and becomes the leader of the conspiracy. He gains this prerogative because of his convincing tongue and powerful influence. His leadership is evidenced when he begins to challenge Cassius’ ideas. When Cassius asks the conspirators to “swear our resolution”(Act 2...
He is so motivated by ambition that he decides to kill Caesar, the leader of Rome. Although dedication can be a good quality, in Cassius, it blinds him to all other things and makes him ruthless in his quest to rule Rome. Cassius’s desire for power is evident when he states, "Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings" (1.2.146-148). Cassius’ ambition leads him to go as far as to convince a dear friend with manipulation and false notes to help him plot to kill Caesar. His ambition makes him power hungry and he lacks the honor to back up his overzealous behavior. Cassius envies Caesar and because of this he resorts to bribery, assassinations, and imposing taxes for personal
Tidd, J. M. (2008). From revolution to reform: A brief history of U.S. intelligence. The SAIS
Scipio Africanus helped Rome into their total domination of the Mediterranean countries by making Carthage finally bow to the might of Rome through his genius military leadership at the Battle of Zama. Scipio Africanus was a great and honorable man born around 235 B.C. He spent his early years in the great military of Rome as he fought in many battles including The Battle of Cannae and Ticinus. During these battles, he showed his leadership and strength from a very early age proving himself to be a natural leader for years to come. Like in Cannae where he daringly convinced his maniples to charge in to save his father and his men from the perils of the gruesome battle.
Espionage has been around since the beginning of time. Knowledge or intelligence is a driving force in warfare. Motivation for espionage is person specific: money, vengeance, the thrill of the act, but what about doing what you perceive to be the right thing? Klaus Fuchs volunteered himself as a spy during World War II (WWII) on one of the most pivotal projects of modern warfare. His story is not full of mystery or even adventure, he was a scientist, conducting research and sharing knowledge, but his actions would have a long term effect on the world for decades after his offenses.
A tragic hero is the antithesis for the common protagonist. Most protagonists show how they overcome great obstacles however, the tragic hero shows a more humane character, that stumbles and falls. The tragic hero usually exhibits three specific traits that lead to his or her downfall. In the play, Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, the characters of Brutus and Caesar both exhibit the three attributes of a tragic character. The first trait of any tragic hero is a high rank and potential for greatness. Both Brutus and Caesar hold his trait, as they are beloved high ranking Romans. The second characteristic a tragic hero must possess; is a fatal flaw that dominates their personality, and Brutus’ sense of justice and Caesar’s ego, fulfill this
He provides us with different factors, which have to be deeply considered before entering a war. It’s advice on how to prepare yourself before it’s too late. There is a certain value, which is being hinted at here- cautiousness. He goes on to explain that winning in particular moments quickly is vital for success and he provides his definition of the best army.