In 753 BC, twin brothers Romulus and Remus set out to found a city known as Rome. Classic mythology tells the story of the orphaned twins who were abandoned in the River Tiber before being taken in and nursed by a she-wolf. Driven by ambition, they followed a prophecy and set their sights on the Palatine Hill, a region located in the centre of the future Roman Empire, as the chosen site to build a great city. Little did they know that their actions would go on to shape the world.
Until recently, most of the academic research into the brothers and the potential for duality in the founding of Rome was speculative. However, new evidence has revealed a more comprehensive understanding of the pair and their central role in the city’s history. The oldest surviving document, an inscription from two hundred years after the brothers’ legendary founding, states Romulus and Remus as the very first citizens of Rome, inferring a joint leadership of the city.
As of today, Rome is known as the Eternal City and has been a key pillar in the evolution of European culture and has been inextricably linked to some of the world’s greatest triumphs, tragedies and struggles. Alongside their political victory over the Etruscans and founding of the Republic, the brothers symbolize Rome’s mythological history, its physical evolution and the birthplace of the Italian empire.
Dr. Richard Robinson, Professor of Ancient Roman History at the University of New South Wales, believes it is important to note the differences between the brothers. He explains “romulus was a more aggressive ruler and was known for his military leadership and political astuteness; whereas Remus was more of an intellectual and was said to have a softer approach towards some of his enemies.”
Dr. Robinson also comments on the literary references to the twins. “In Iuvenalis’s poem Roman and cartloads of books about or around Rome, the lore of the two brothers is discussed in depth. One of the most famous references to the twins is portrayed as unable to agree on the founding and/or name of the city, leading to conflict and competition to create a better Rome – and eventually, Romulus killing Remus in the process. This is still a factor contributing to the sense of building and succeeding in Rome today.”
This tragic turn of events has often been seen as a throwaway conclusion in literature and in the eyes of historians. Rather, it is the brother’s historic impact and the inspiring story of their endeavour that needs to be emphasized and highlighted. While historians still debate their veracity and whether their story is true or not, the legacy of the Romulus and Remus is too grand to be ignored and crucial in understanding the origins of the city as it is today.
Role of Religion In Ancient Rome
Religion has been an influential part of Ancient Rome since its creation. Many of the Roman gods and goddesses were counterparts of the gods worshipped by the native populations. The religion of Rome was heavily based on ritualistic ceremonies and sacrifices that were made to various gods and goddesses. The most important deities were the Capitoline Triad, which included Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Many religious practices were adopted from the Greeks, Egyptians and Persians, making Rome a religious melting pot.
Romans worshipped their gods no matter where they went, and it was a common practice to build temples and shrines in their honour. This played a major role in unifying people of different backgrounds, as their shared devotion towards the gods served as a common bond.
Religion also had a major role in helping Romans create a sense of identity and loyalty. Ancient Rome is famous for embracing the gods of other cultures and creating a unique blend of traditional beliefs. This practice of religion was also used as a way to strengthen the state and enhance the power of the Senate. In addition, it was used to bond together citizens of different ethnicities, classes, and faiths. The Roman Republic used this as an example of unity and harmony in a time when there was struggle and conflict.
Religion played an important role in shaping the many aspects of Ancient Rome, from economy and politics to culture and society. It has even been argued that the success of the Roman Empire could be attributed to the strength of its religious beliefs, as the state cults bound the citizens together. It truly was a crucial part of the ancient Roman society and culture, and has continued to influence our modern world even today.
Role and Influence of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar is one of the most iconic figures in the Ancient Roman history. He was a distinguished military and political leader who sought to expand the Roman Empire and reform the Roman Republic. His campaigns of conquest and the political changes he implemented are credited for the rise and stability of the Roman Empire.
Caesar is a perfect example of Roman leadership, ambition and bravery. During his reign, he expanded the borders of the Roman Republic and brought about sweeping reforms that changed the very nature of the Roman society. He also launched several military campaigns which brought large swathes of northern Europe, Britain and Germany under Roman rule. He also attacked rival Pompey’s armies to lay claim to the power of the Senate.
The impact of Julius Caesar in Rome cannot be understated. Many of the systems that still form the basis of our civilization today can be linked directly to Caesar’s reforms and campaigns. He established taxation systems, an efficient bureaucracy, improved the coinage system and changed the calendar system while also establishing a more powerful central government. He even ordered the construction of several monuments, such as the Forum of Julius Caesar, which still stands today.
In addition to his political and administrative reforms, Julius Caesar also had great influence on Roman culture and traditions. He was one of the most influential orators and writers of his day, and his works continue to shape our understanding of Ancient Rome today. His impact can be seen in the art, literature, philosophy, politics and economy of Rome. It is difficult to underestimate how much Julius Caesar’s contribution to Ancient Rome changed the world.
Pax Romana and its Significance
The Pax Romana (Roman Peace) was a period of peace and stability throughout the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, beginning with the reign of Augustus in 27 BC and lasting for several centuries. This period was marked by a lack of civil wars and foreign invasions and brought with it lasting peace and prosperity. It was a period of territorial expansion, economic development, and flourishing of the arts, literature, and architecture. This period was considered by ancient historians to be the height of the Roman Empire and is credited with laying the foundations for its expansive reach.
The Pax Romana was central to the success and longevity of the Roman Empire. It was the result of military strength, increased communication and transport, commerce and the rule of law, which helped create an environment of stability. This in turn allowed the Romans to explore culture, arts and sciences in a peaceful and prosperous environment. This led to the creation of major cities, increased education and improved trade between regions.
The Pax Romana would have also helped unify the many cultures and peoples under the Roman Empire by creating a central authority that would have kept the provincial governors in check. This ensured that all citizens were subject to the same laws and customs, which in turn created a sense of unity and acceptance.
The Pax Romana was a significant period in the history of the Roman Empire and had a profound impact not only on Rome but also on the world. Through its combined effect of military strength, justice, and cultural diffusion, the Pax Romana created an unprecedented period of peace and prosperity that is still admired to this day.
Fall of the Roman Empire
The Fall of the Roman Empire is one of the most oft-discussed topics in the study of Ancient Rome. Though there is still ample debate regarding the cause of this collapse, the general consensus is that a combination of political, economic, environmental and social factors all contributed to the fall of the Roman Republic.
Historians point to a range of possible causes for the fall of the Roman Empire, including political infighting, military over-expansion, and economic instability. These problems with leadership and governance eventually caused the Roman state to collapse, leaving Rome vulnerable to attack and conquest. In addition, a number of natural disasters threatened the empire, such as the great plagues of the second century AD.
In addition to the internal conflicts, Roman territories were more vulnerable to attack from external forces. The Goths, an eastern Germanic tribe, posed a particularly strong threat, as did the Persian Empire as it sought to expand its own territory. Together, these forces inflicted further damage on the Roman Empire, until it eventually ended in 476 AD.
The fall of the Roman Empire is a poignant reminder of the fragility of civilizations. Though it had a vast reach and produced many great works, it eventually encountered insurmountable obstacles that could not be resolved. From its fall, we can gain valuable insights about the importance of strong leadership and collaborative governance, as these factors were all essential in the Romans’ ability to lead an empire.
Legacy of the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire left an indelible mark on world history and its legacy can still be felt to this day. From its extensive system of roads that connected its many cities to its structural feats such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, the Roman Empire had a great impact on our culture and society.
The Roman legacy can also be seen in the language and nations descended from the empire’s influence. Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, would later become the basis of many modern European languages including Italian, Spanish and French. The division of the Roman Empire into east and west also created two distinct political divisions: the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.
The Roman Empire also gave rise to a number of institutions and systems which still shape the world we live in today. Their system of law, known as the Twelve Tables, is the basis of the justice system used throughout much of the world today. Similarly, their system of taxation, the tributum, established a structure for generating revenue which is still used by many modern nations.
The legacy of the Roman Empire lives on in many aspects of our culture in the present day. Its lasting influence is a testament to its significance and importance to world history. Despite its eventual decline, the Roman Empire continues to have a major influence on our lives, whether in language, justice, or simply in our admiration of its buildings, monuments and architectural feats.
