Veni, Vidi, Vici'd?: The Sack of Rome, 410
It is 410, and Rome has just been sacked by Alaric, King of the Visigoths. Esteemed Roman citizens have been taken captive, many notable buildings have been severely damaged, and the people are in a state of shock and devastation. Although the administration of the Western Empire is safe in Ravenna, the destruction of the cultural center of the Empire has laid bare the existential challenges facing Rome and its people. Outwardly, barbarian invasions and a rivalry with the Eastern Roman Empire threaten Rome’s ability to control its territory. Internally, decaying and corrupt institutions degrade loyalty and patriotism, and the ineffective Emperor Honorius offers no guidance on how to solve problems – including an ongoing civil war.
Historically, the sack of Rome was one of the final nails in the coffin of the most famous Western civilization. As concerned citizens in this fracturing empire, delegates will have the opportunity to oppose institutional rot and establish an improved Rome capable of flourishing for the foreseeable future. The decisions that our committee makes will determine if the Western Empire will persist as the primary power in Europe or fade into obscurity, only surviving as a cautionary tale of overextension and hubris.
Felipe Ruiz
CHAIR
Felipe is a second-year planning to major in Law, Letters, and Society. He was born and raised in New York City, something he is sure to patriotically defend when someone attempts to tout their own city over the Big Apple. ii. Prior to chairing (insert committee name), Felipe served as an Assistant Chair for UNSC: Libya 2014 at ChoMUN XXVII, and as an Assistant Chair for War of the Roses: Royal Court of King Edward IV of York at MUNUC 37. He also competes for UChicago’s travel team, aptly named TEAM.
Outside of MUN, Felipe loves exploring Chicago with friends, watching sports (Visca Barca!), and playing sports, whether it be through intramurals or on a whim. He is also a newfound foodie, and has a Beli which you all can follow for terrific restaurant recs (@feliperuiz)!
Felipe will be your chair for this committee. If you have any questions about committee (or general ones about life), please reach out to him at faruiz@uchicago.edu.
Oliver Heatly
CRISIS DIRECTOR
Ollie is a second-year student planning to major in astrophysics and political science. He was born in the small town of Vernon, Texas, and still is not quite used to the big buildings in Chicago.
He is very grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Texas summers and Chicago winters for the next four years. His other time commitments include: University of Chicago Space Program PULSE-A project, inter-house council representative for Delgiorno house, and resident dean assistant.
Oliver is super excited to be your Crisis Director for ChoMUN XXIX! If you have any further questions, please reach out to him at oheatly@uchicago.edu.
Secretariat oversight:
Anna hatchikian, Under-secretary-general