Rome

            Rome was a great period of our history.  We should look back on Rome and learn from the Romans for many reasons.  The Romans government greatly influenced our government today.  Rome had great feats of architecture and engineering, such as the coliseum and its huge road system.  These engineering triumphs made it possible for Rome to become the huge empire we now know today.  Rome was a brutal place, but maybe we are not so different.  When we understand our past, we can then understand the present.

            Rome flourished under two distinct government types; a republic, and an empire.  The former is a basis for much of our government today.   As a republic, Rome had a senate that was made up of representatives of the people. This senate would make all major decisions for the country.  In a republic, the people have more power to control the government than in an empire. As an empire, Rome had an emperor that had total control over Rome.  In a perfect world, an empire would be the best form of government, but since we do not live in a perfect world, it does not work.  If we had a flawless man as an emperor, it would work to perfection, but men always have flaws.  This is why I think a republic is better than an empire.  A republic will never be as effective or as good as a perfect emperor, but it will never be as bad as a terrible emperor.  A great example of this was during the Pax Romana when there were many good emperors.  However, during Nero’s reign he burnt Rome to the ground.  An empire can give both good and bad results.  Additionally, a republic gives some power to the people. In an empire, all of the power resides with the emperor.

            Rome had many feats of architecture and engineering.  The Romans built the coliseum, a great aqueduct system, and an advanced road system.  The coliseum served as a gathering point for all of Rome where they could gather and watch gladiatorial games.  The aqueduct system of Rome, a masterpiece in itself, allowed for other great engineering feats, such as public baths.  The aqueducts carried fresh water into Rome, making it a healthier, more productive city. The road system of Rome rivaled many of today’s roads. The huge system of Roman roads made it possible for troops and supplies to be distributed quickly and effectively, making such a large empire possible.