The origins of Ancient Rome lie hidden in shadows of the past but researchers believe it first became a power city in 753 B.C. This time was known for its advanced legislative and legal system, its advanced engineering works, its military prowess and their adherence to their native religion, paganism. This period of the world’s history is one of the most studied, due to its influence not only upon the world we live in today, but also on our cultures, beliefs, and languages. As we look to understand the past, it is important to consider the circumstances that lead to Rome to become the great power it was in the ancient world.
At the beginning of the city’s story, destruction and war were the main focuses. Around 753BC, the city was devastated by the Etruscans, an advanced civilization that had come to power in the area. Rome then became a member of other great cities of the period, the Latin League, an alliance which sought to defend itself against the Etruscan threat. Through this alliance and eventually other wars, such as the wars with the Greeks, Romans were able to expand their holdings and power base. And, by the mid-400s BC, they had become the dominant power in the area.
To defend their new lands, it was necessary to build strong fortified walls. To this day, it is believed that these defensive walls were a prime factor in the success of the Roman Empire and its eventual power over the Mediterranean world. Additionally, it was also their unique engineering works and construction techniques, like the famous aqueducts, that helped establish the impressive infrastructure that would eventually become one of Rome’s staunchest legacies.
It was also through history’s wars with the Barbarians, that Rome was able to solidify its grip on the Mediterranean world. The wars sharpened the Roman military’s strengths, allowing them to be able to guarantee the security of their new area of control. This military strength would eventually prove to be one of the major drivers in Rome’s ability to conquer and bring under its command vast tracts of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.
In the later periods of their rule, it is the period of Augustus and the Pax Romana which swept the world, showcasing the immense power of the Roman Empire. During this time, by the order of Augustus, a vast network of roads and bridges was built across the Roman Empire. This allowed the Empire to rapidly move their armies and resources across vast distances, enabling them to stay one step ahead of their enemies.
To this day, the civilization of Ancient Rome remains as one of the most influential and impressive civilizations in the history of the world. Through their achievements and accomplishments, they have left an indelible mark and changed the course of humanity’s history. As we look to understand the past, and to make sense of the complicated and ever-changing world, the great empire of Ancient Rome and its various successes, failures, and legacies offer us a great case study to look at, and hopefully learn from.
Religion in Ancient Rome
Religion was an important aspect of Ancient Rome. The Roman gods and goddesses were very much in tune with the everyday lives of the people. They were responsible for controlling the natural and supernatural worlds, as well as governing the affairs of state. Furthermore, the Roman religion was highly structured and organized. There were many public and official religious ceremonies, holidays, and rituals that were observed throughout the Empire, as well as private rituals for the individual families.
The most prominent worshiped gods in Ancient Rome included the triad of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Jupiter was the god of sky and thunder, Juno was the goddess of marriage, and Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and the arts. There were also many other gods and goddesses that were worshipped, such as Mars, the god of war, or Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. Additionally, there were various mystery cults that were practiced in Rome, such as the cult of Mithras.
Religion played a large role in the everyday lives of the Romans, but the political elite were particularly invested in the gods, as demonstrated by Julius Caesar’s proclamation that he was descended from the gods. Furthermore, many of the famous Roman triumphs involved the gods being publicly honored and celebrated. This further highlights the strong religious foundation that was so important to Rome’s success.
The central priesthood was the College of Pontiffs, which was responsible for maintaining, updating, and interpreting the laws related to religious rituals. Meanwhile, the priestly colleges of augurs and haruspices were responsible for interpreting the will of the gods through symbolic signs and auguries. In addition, the Vestal Virgins were the guardians of the sacred flame of Vesta, as well as serving to serve as custodians of sacred relics, monuments, and idols.
Finally, the head of the Roman religious system was the Pontifex Maximus, the appointed High Priest. He was responsible for performing the rituals and rites associated with the gods and the public celebrations, as well as interpreting the will of the gods. This role was usually reserved for emperors, who were the political and spiritual leader of Rome. This further demonstrated the importance of religion to the Ancient Romans.
Legislation in Ancient Rome
The Roman Empire was renowned for its legislative system, which was one of the most advanced of its time. In fact, it was often considered one of the most remarkable achievements of the Roman civilization. This system of laws was passed down by generations, and was regulated by a variety of different legislative bodies. These bodies included the Senate, the Law-making Assembly, the Senate and People’s Assembly, the Special Assemblies, and the Senate and the People’s Council.
The Roman legal system was well-preserved for years, and the most important legal document was the Twelve Tables of Law, which laid out the basic legal code of the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the Roman Constitution was also an instrumental document, as were the Edictum perpetuum, which laid out regulations and punishments for various crimes. This legal system also made it possible for Roman citizens to possess certain rights and protections, such as the right to own property or to appear in court.
The Roman legal system also emphasized the principle of independence, which was the right of citizens to live freely and independently. It was a concept that was widely accepted throughout the Roman Empire, including in private transactions and contracts. This concept was so important that it heavily influenced the development of many legal systems throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
Lastly, the legal system also helped to maintain public order, as well as providing a resolution for disputes and grievances. Honor, dignity, and justice were also important aspects of the Roman legal system, as it enshrined a strong belief in the rule of law and the rights of citizens against abuse and injustices. This eventual led to the development of the concept of “law of nations”, which was an international legal concept that stretched beyond the boundaries of the Roman Empire.
Engineering in Ancient Rome
The engineering works of Ancient Rome are one of their greatest legacies and are still admired today. Primarily the engineering feats of Ancient Rome relied on their advanced construction techniques and the utilization of existing resources. For example, roads and aqueducts were built using existing rocks and soil, which made them much more cost effective and efficient. Furthermore, the Etruscans also established a well-developed road systems, which enabled them to quickly move across their empire.
In addition, the Romans were also able to construct a large number of bridges, which allowed their armies to quickly move across passages of water. This proved to be one of the major factors in their success, as it enabled the Romans to outmaneuver and surprise their enemies. Furthermore, other great engineering feats included the construction of arches, vaulted ceilings, and domes, which allowed them to create beautiful and impressive structures that were also functional and practical.
The most impressive engineering works of the Romans, however, were the aqueducts. These were a great feat of engineering and allowed them to bring supplies of fresh water from mountain springs to distant cities. This had a huge impact on the citizens, as it improved the public hygiene, sanitation, and the overall standard of living.
Finally, the engineering feats of Ancient Rome also played an important role in their successful campaigns and wars. Their army was able to quickly move across land and water, and their advanced fortifications and walls made it difficult for their enemies to defeat them. This technical superiority was essentially one of the keys to their success and enabled them to become the strongest power in the Mediterranean region.
Government & Politics in Ancient Rome
The government and politics of Ancient Rome was a complex, evolving system that was both hailed and criticized by historians and contemporaries alike. It was a highly structured system, where status and wealth were important considerations.
At the top of the system was the Senate, which was the most powerful and influential institution in the Roman Republic. It was controlled by the rich and powerful families, who were able to use their status and power to influence decisions and policies. Despite this, the people did have some form of representation in the Senate, although it was not a truly democratic system.
In addition, the political balance of Ancient Rome was maintained by a number of smaller bodies and committees. These included the Assembly of Centuries, which elected magistrates, the Plebeian Council, which had the power to vote laws, and the Council of Tribunes, which acted as the voice of the people.
Finally, the executive branch of the Roman government was made up of two consuls. These consuls were elected citizens and were responsible for presiding over the Senate and proposing laws. Additionally, there was also a series of elected magistrates who held various posts in the government. These officials acted largely as administrators and mediators, and were vital in maintaining civil order and carrying out the daily business of the Empire.
