In Dr. Zissos’ 2nd lecture, he covered the words “Roman” and “Empire” what it means to describe something as “roman” in the height of its state of empire. He concluded that, eventually, aside from being a geological description in its earlier iterations (i.e. ‘He’s Roman’), growth and influence caused the “Roman” description eventually to a transform into a description of anything drawn from roman influence (I.e. non-native roman rulers being considered roman because of their nature was roman-like, not that they were literally from the Roman empire). While it has been a long time since the traditional definitions of “roman” and “empire” were relevant, we still see Roman Empire traits within the modern workings of societies and governments around the world (incl. our very own America). These implications show us that even though the Roman Empire is no longer around, it’s influence has created “Roman” way of life that many countries follow today unknowingly.
A prime example of ancient Rome’s influence on America today is in its creation and practice of the “Republic” concept. A Republic is a form of government where the power mostly lies in the people as they vote for elected officials who actually have the power to pass legislation. While nowadays most people would consider the United States a hybrid between a republic and a democracy (“Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives”- The Washington Post) the concept of republic clearly that is dominantly portrayed in today’s American society and has been since it’s early inception. In contemporary America, Republicanism and the practicing “Republicans” are of the most influential political ideological entities (followed by democrats) today in America. The meaning has changed over time, but the general republican structure is there as Rome proposed in its prime a millennia and a half ago.
Another ancient Roman practice implemented in modern America’s government is the institution of a senate. A senate, in the definition that best fits both the Roman and American versions is a congregation of representatives that are brought together to legislate the laws of the land. As we know of ancient roman history, the senate was the main ruling power up until dictators came In with the Julian line whom took the “all-powerful” control. But, in its life, the Roman practice of Senate was made very popular from its success and was followed by many modern cultures taking it up as well- some 1,500 years later. America has had a senate for 200 years and seems to run solid with the method of governance for the most part. Rome had created such a strong practice that even today, countries like America have taken and applied it as well in hopes of positively impacting their state, power, and influence just like Rome once had.
Other similarities between modern America and ancient Rome reside in cultural values and views of their state. Kerby Anderson, in his Probe.com article, cites America’s intrigue with law and high reverence for themselves as “Americans [!]” is reminiscent of the Roman nationalism 1,500 years ago when they were the superpower of the world as the U.S is now. Even down to the way that the two portray their hierarchical powers- in lavish, robust capital buildings with statues and sculptures of respective heroes show cultural nationalistic parallels between the two empires that had gone mostly unnoticed by the masses.
The strive for prosperous state takes much influence from those that came before. It’s no secret that the Roman empire was a dominant force in World history, it’s legacy is the strength of the nation during it’s prime. As a result, we see many mannerisms taken and copied by states today in effort to recreate the solidarity and renown that the roman empire is known with having. Being one of the most memorable, influential, and successful empires ever made Rome into a gold standard for keeping a successful state, and henceforth has been copied in many more than one ways by others who followed. In governance methods and even in some subconscious ways as well (in its people’s nationalism, diverse/ accepting, and in culture). In that way, America is more “Roman” and “Empire”-like than it would tend to think.
Citations
- Anderson, Kerby. “Rome and America – Comparing to the Ancient Roman Empire.” Probe Ministries, Probe Ministries, 7 Oct. 2014, probe.org/rome-and-america/.
- Volokh, Eugene. “Is the United States of America a Republic or a Democracy?” The Washington Post, WP Company, 13 May 2015, http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/05/13/is-the-united-states-of-america-a-republic-or-a-democracy/?utm_term=.86805ebb75fb.
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