Overview
Ancient Rome was a great empire that stretched across much of the Mediterranean region. Its influence on the development of Western Civilisation has been immense, and its legacy can still be seen across Europe today. The rise and fall of the Roman Empire can be traced back to numerous factors however, this article will focus on looking at which county the Roman Empire originated from.
We know that the Roman Empire was founded in the 8th century BC, however many of its most successful conquests occurred during the 1st century BC when it became an imperial power in its own right. The former Kingdom of Rome was located in central Italy, with its capital city located on the Tiber River in the present-day region of Lazio. The city of Rome would become the powerhouse for the entire region, with its military extending its reach far beyond that of its geographical boundaries.
Rome became the undisputed centre of power and influence in the Italian peninsula, and its influence would eventually spread throughout the Mediterranean and even into far-reaching regions such as Britain and North Africa. From the 3rd Century onwards, Rome established its own provinces, colonies, and commanding elite troops, allowing them to march into far-reaching regions and create a system of imperial governance.
Geographical Influences
The Italian peninsula had an immense influence on the political and cultural development of the Roman Empire. Its hilly, varied terrain created a natural defensive stronghold and allowed the Roman armies to move swiftly and protect their conquests. In addition, its position near the sea and its fine harbors provided a platform for Rome to expand its network of trading contacts with the wider Mediterranean region, facilitating the growth of a rudimentary economic structure.
The Mediterranean was full of natural resources and was an ideal place for the spreading of trade and knowledge. Rome used its geographical advantages to again extend its reach, by establishing trading posts throughout the region and expanding its trade networks. The establishment of the Roman road system in the early 2nd Century was one of the most obvious successful results of this policy, and its impact on the development of the empire was substantial.
Rome also benefitted from the local population’s knowledge of engineering, construction and agriculture. For example, the Romans were pioneers in the irrigation of land, a vital practice that allowed them to make the most of their natural environment. The ability to create drainage systems, dams and levees enabled Rome to increase its agricultural production and establish more secure settlements across the region.
From its infancy, Rome was divided into two distinct groups, the patricians and the plebeians. The patricians, or upper class, had a place in the Senate and were considered to be the political and social elite. The plebeians, or lower class, had no political standing and were merely seen as the lower-class citizens who provided labour and served in the army.
Rome eventually developed a highly organized and powerful central government under the Roman Republic, which rose to power in the 1st Century BC and lasted until the end of the 1st Century AD. This government was based heavily on a combination of rule by law and the power of the Senate. The Senate was the highest governing body in the Roman Republic and was made up of the most high-ranking members of the patrician class.
The government of the Roman Empire was complex, with a strong emphasis on taxation, military conquest and a hierarchical system of social classes. This system allowed the empire to effectively govern its huge expanse and allowed it to impose its laws and ideas on foreign cultures with relative ease.
Cultural Influences
Despite its military and political might, one of the most impressive aspects of Rome was its culture. The Roman Empire was known for its thriving art, literature and philosophy, which hugely impacted politics and society both during and after its existence.
Rome was a melting pot of different cultures and it was no surprise that it was capable of developing its own distinct identity. This was one of the primary reasons why it was able to establish itself as a major cultural force, and one that would go on to influence much of the Western world. Many of the basic concepts of law, philosophy, maths and literature can be attributed to the ancient Roman civilisation.
It is fair to say that the Romans were able to create a civilisation that was the precursor for much of the modern Western world. Rome was the centre for innovation and culture, and it is no surprise that its legacy continues to have a massive impact on the world today.
Legacy
The legacy of the Roman Empire is often overlooked but it is undeniable that it was one of the most important civilisations in history. It was the first large-scale empire to unite vast areas of the world under one set of laws, and its legacy can be seen in countless countries across the world today. From their language and literature to their engineering feats and their art, the Romans have left an imprint on the world that cannot be denied.
The Roman Empire is a reminder that a unified society is capable of great things, both culturally and militarily. It brought the world closer together and allowed for the spread of ideas and knowledge. Whilst the Roman Empire fell in the 5th Century AD, its legacy is still very much alive. Its influence on European culture, politics and art can still be seen across the world today.
Architecture
The engineering feats of the Roman Empire have withstood the test of time. Their grand architecture and monuments, from immense amphitheatres and arenas to circuit walls and entire cities, are a testament to the power and ambition of the Roman people.
The city of Rome itself is an example of the grandeur of Roman engineering. It is filled with incredible architectural beauties, from the Colosseum to the Pantheon and the Appian way. The Romans were also pioneers in bridge building and road construction, and their influence can be seen in many of the bridges and roads that are still in use today. Their triumphal arches can be seen from Rome to London, with their lasting power testament to the power of Roman architecture.
The Romans were also well ahead of their time in terms of their building design and engineering. From their use of concrete and arches to their principles of drainage, their engineering techniques were ahead of their time and remain relevant even today.
Religion
The Romans believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and their religion was built around various ceremonies and rituals. They also believed in a variety of spirits, demons, gods and goddesses, and the importance of sacrifices to the gods. Theirs was a complex religious system that embedded itself in the everyday life of the Roman people.
The success of Roman religion was largely due to its ability to absorb and adapt foreign gods and beliefs. This allowed the Roman Empire to be inclusive and embrace the diversity of its people. Consequently, the Roman Empire became a centre for religious tolerance and diversity, something that was uncommon in the ancient world.
The Romans had a deep respect for religion and believed that it was essential for the functioning of society. Religion in Rome was closely intertwined with power and politics, something that was exemplified in their robust state religion and the institution of Emperor worship. Religion was central to the stability and unity of the Roman Empire and was a vital aspect of its success.
Military
The Roman army was one of the most powerful, advanced and successful military forces in the ancient world. The success of the Roman army can be attributed to its disciplined and well-trained troops, who were able to fight in all manner of terrain and climates.
The main strength of the Roman army came from its impressive proficiency in siege warfare, something that their adversaries often struggled to match. Through their use of siege engines and innovative tactics, the Romans were able to breach walls, build siege towers and even construct entire assault ramps to gain access to cities.
The Romans were also highly effective when it came to cavalry warfare. Their use of horses and chariots meant that their troops were able to move swiftly and attack swiftly. In addition, the utilisation of rolling fortifications and armoured vehicles called testudo meant that their armies could easily deploy in any terrain and overwhelm their opponents.
The success of the Roman Empire was heavily reliant on the discipline, bravery and skill of its military forces. Without their impressive ability to master both land and sea warfare, Rome’s remarkable reach and influence across the Mediterranean region may not have been possible.
