Ancient Rome was one of the most powerful empires of its day, and it continues to be influential even in today’s world. The city eventually grew very powerful throughout the world, and it had a huge impact all ancient civilization. Rome’s dominance over the ancient world made it one of the greatest civilizations of ancient times. Its ancient power is still clear today; many aspects of the government and legal system of modern western civilization are based on original Roman systems. The empire has also helped shape the art and architecture of the world. The Ancient Roman Empire had a great impact on all of ancient civilization, and its influences are still alive today.
The dominance Ancient Rome had over much of the known world is probably the reason their systems and ideas were able to be carried on through history. Because they controlled so many different civilizations, their practices were able to be spread throughout the ancient world. When Rome was originally founded, it was just a small village under the control of the Etruscans. The people eventually rebelled and forced the Etruscans out of Rome, becoming a republic. As Rome grew in power, they also had more enemies. They were constantly at war, but they were growing in power throughout Italy. ("The Early Republic." The Roman Empire. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://www.roman-empire.net/republic/earlyrep-index.html.) They were hindered in progress when they were invaded by Pyrrhus and his Greek army, but soon, they had control over practically all of Italy. The Roman Empire went on to defeat Carthage and most of the Mediterranean. ("ROMAN HISTORY TIMELINE." West Chester University's - On-line Web Courses. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://courses.wcupa.edu/jones/his101/TIMELINE/T-ROMAN.HTM.) The once small city eventually had over a million people, and every city they conquered would adapt their law systems and culture. If it had not been for Roman expansion, their ideas would not have been spread, Rome would not have had such an impact on today’s world, and the Roman Empire would not be remembered in the same way.
One of the most prominent Roman ideas that still has an effect today is their legal and political system. The Ancient Roman government consisted of three parts. These included the Magistrates, the Senate, and the Assemblies. They were all important in different ways. The Magistrates had a number of different members, and many of their basic ideas carry through today. For example, Preators had the job of carrying out justice, and they held trials similar to judges and courts in the United States. In Ancient Rome, the Tribune had the power to veto any bill. In the United States, that same power is given to the president. The Senate of Rome was the main body of the government, not too different from the Senate of the US. Finally, The Assemblies of Rome held had the job of voting for their leaders, just like many governments do today. ("ROMA - History and Civilization of the Eternal City." Www.citrag.it. Web. 05 Mar. 2010. http://www.citrag.it/roma/doc/civil/ecv_052.htm.)
Another aspect of Rome that has impacted today’s world is its architecture and technology. The Ancient Romans had unique styles of architecture that are still prominent today. For example, the temples they built were raised and had a staircase in the front. This is the same style that many courthouses in the U.S. are built. The Ancient Romans also constructed many bridges and built the first aqueducts. Though Roman architecture is quite old, the styles and ideas are still impacting architecture today. ("Roman Architecture." Home Page. Web. 06 Mar. 2010. http://employees.oneonta.edu/farberas/arth/arth200/politics/roman_architecture.html.)
Because Rome was such a powerful ancient empire, its effects are still clear today and will continue to impact the world. Many of their government systems are in fact the foundation of our political ideas today. Their art and architecture is also still visible. The Roman Empire was able to spread these systems because of their expansion and the amount of power they had over the Mediterranean. Though Rome is an ancient city, the impact it has had on the world is timeless.
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