Rome created a world embracing many different lands and individuals, an empire for everyone ruled by the people, a way of life America adopted. The profound influence of Rome’s diversity is seen in our everyday lives: from our Justice System that works to advocate for individuals, businesses, and health care rights, to art and architecture, and even the very foundation of Americas own complex “empire” the Government. The unique history of Rome’s accomplishments made them remarkable and influential individuals. “Rome is the City of echoes, the City of illusions, and the City of yearning” (Bondone). By simply slowing down and taking a step outside we could all observe something Romanian inspired in our ever-evolving world of Western culture.
Rome developed a practical and logical system of law as their empire was expanding. This system was one of Rome’s most original landmark achievements which are still being incorporated in Justice Systems in Western culture and all over the world today. Roman law (the Latin jus means both “law” and “justice”) evolved out of the practical need to rule a world state” (Fiero, p. 68). Similar to the several codes of procedure we see governing our courts and arbitrations state and country wide, “the Romans published their own civil code, the Twelve Tables of Law, in around 450 B.C.E. They placed these laws on view in the Forum, the public meeting area for the civic, religious, and commercial activities of Rome” (Fiero, p. 68).
The Twelve Tables of Law supported Rome’s basic legal code for almost a thousand years, it was practical. With the development of the Roman Empire, the Romans advocated for laws that would be fair and equal to every person, whether rich or poor, they wanted the Roman Citizens to have access to equal rights. Thus, Roman law was not fixed, but was an evolving body of opinions on the nature and dispensation of how justice can be achieved. While Roman law was not perfect, it was a stepping stone to our very Justice System that prosecutes individuals engaging in prohibited behavior and conduct and it continues to influence the foundation of controversial topics.
Romans have left their unique thumbprint on Western culture. A form of this influence can be seen through our art and architecture. While Rome and Greece were heavily similar, Rome continued its curiosity with the world and developed new artistic ideas. For example, “they continued the use of columns, but the form became more decorative and less structural in Roman buildings” (National Geographic Society). Many high-quality buildings in the United States are strongly influenced by Roman Architecture, such as the White House. The prestige building has simplistic decorative designs, large scale arches, and columns on the exterior display which were all a part of the Roman’s architecture technique.
Romans believe in durability when it comes to their unique architecture. This idea is strongly seen in their structures made out of cement, a strong material made of volcanic ash and rock. “Roman underwater structures proved to be even sturdier. Seawater reacting with the volcanic ash created crystals that filled in the cracks in the concrete” (National Geographic Society). The durability of their technique actually enlightened and influenced scientist in Western Culture. Till this day, scientists’ study Roman concrete, hoping to reach a similar outcome like the ancient master builders and so we can apply them to our own unique form of architecture. Marble is another valuable source used in Roman architecture. We see marble used in tables, countertops, chairs, etc. in many Western culture homes. “Sculptural art of the period has proven to be fairly durable, too. Romans made their statues out of marble, fashioning monuments to great human achievements” (National Geographic Society).
Old America went on a quest to establish their empire, they became imperialist (a policy of extending a country’s power and influence through diplomacy or military force). As imperialist, they wanted results that would separate them uniquely from the other countries, they sought for economic, social, and political growth. Before they were imperialist, the founding fathers were specifically inspired by the structure of the Roman Republic (which preceded the Roman Empire). The Roman Republic was divided by different branches (three branches of government) an Executive Branch, Legislative Branch, and Judicial Branch similar to Americas current Governmental system. Rome’s Republic consisted of consuls, a senate, assemblies, praetors, and dictators. “The wealthy patricians—life members of the Roman Senate—controlled the law-making process. But step by step, the plebeians gained increasing political influence” (Fiero, p. 71).
Western Culture has greatly benefited from a strong and central government system. Not only did Western Culture implement Rome’s idea of the three branches of government, but we made advancements that have socially and economically created opportunities for upward mobility and unique living. While Rome’s Republic was corrupt and unproportionate in power, the West created a system that distributed its governing powers evenly both locally and nationally. “By its authority to handle all military matters, the Senate became increasingly powerful, as did a new class of men, wealthy Roman entrepreneurs who filled the jobs of provincial administration” (Fiero, p. 72). America’s Empire was built from the idea that the interest of the people should be protected, something the Roman Republic failed to do and why the fall of the Republic happened so suddenly; thus, the creation of the new Roman Empire.
Have you taken a moment to observe your surroundings? Whether you’re in the kitchen prepping dinner using your fancy Romanian inspired marble countertops or riding your bike past the White House admiring the presence of the distinct white decorative columns and arches, or even simply working towards pursuing a career in law where you can implement new ideas in the government. You see, the lives we live are culturally connected to Rome’s past and present. “Rome’s original contributions to language, law, and architecture remain imprinted on the humanistic tradition of the West” (Fiero, p. 68). Rome enlightened Western culture with their bright and shiny ideas and Americas complex and intricate Empire can show for it.
Work Cited
- Appleton, Sarah. “Traces of Ancient Rome in the Modern World.” National Geographic Society, National Geographic, 3 July 2018, www.nationalgeographic.org/news/traces-ancient-rome-modern-world/.
- Costello, P. “Rome vs. US.” Ancient Roman Government, Mar. 2012, romangov.weebly.com/rome-vs-us.html.
- Fiero, Gloria K. Landmarks in Humanities. McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.
