The Men Who Ruled The World From Rome
The history of the classical Roman State spanned more than 12 centuries. It extended from the foundation of Rome in 753 BC to the fall of the western part of the Empire in 476 AD. The rich legacy left by the Romans represents for the Western World much more than a distant historical reference. One only has to reflect on the origin of the systems of law, the Latin-based languages, the religious beliefs, as well as the collective social philosophy to come to this realization. It was also under the footsteps of the mighty legions that the foundations of modern European nations were forged. Several modern European capital cities were either intentionally founded in premeditated locations or were originally strategically located Roman military camps or outposts. The classical Roman State, whose cultural essence had its roots in ancient Greece, can undoubtedly be seen as the origin of Western civilization.
Like any great civilization, the Roman State experienced its share of diversity and fluctuations in its social order. Periods of violence and cruelty that sometimes went beyond modern comprehension were combined with times when peace, prosperity and refinement radiated the civilizing benefits of the Roman model.
The Rape of the Sabine Women perpetrated by Romulus and his predominantly male followers, by Peter Paul Rubens (1635)(Public Domain)
