The History of the Roman Government

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The History of the Roman Government

The Romans have had almost every type of government there is. They've had a kingdom, a republic, a dictatorship, and an empire. Their democracy would be the basis for most modern democracies. The people have always been involved with and loved their government, no matter what kind it was. They loved being involved in the government, and making decisions concerning everyone. In general, the Romans were very power-hungry. This might be explained by the myth that they are descended from Romulus, who's father was Mars, the god of war. Their government loving tendencies have caused many, many civil wars. After type of government, the change has been made with a civil war. There have also been many civil wars between rulers. But it all boils

down to wanting to be involved in government.

When the Greeks finally entered Troy after ten long years of siege, a man named Aeneas escaped the city with his father, Anchises, and his son, Ascanius. They went to Mt. Ida, where they were to meet Aeneas' wife, Creusa, but she never showed up. Saddened, Aeneas acquired a boat and sailed around the Mediterranean. He bounced around from Asia Minor to Greece to Crete looking for a place to found a new Troy, but he couldn't find a satisfactory place. As told by Homer in the Aeneid, Aeneas was cared for by the gods. Venus, in particular, was very worried about him. She asked Jupiter, king of the gods about him, and he said this:

"Since you are so consumed with anxiety for Aeneas, I shall turn forward far

The hidden pages of fate and speak of the future. He shall conduct a great campaign for you. And conquer all Italy and its haughty peoples. He shall impose laws on his own people. And build walled cities for them; the third summer Shall see him rule in Latium, the third winter Of warfare see the Rutulians [an Italian tribe] subdued. But his son Ascanius... It is he who shall consolidate your power-For thirty years with all their turning months; Then shall he move his capital from Lavinium To Alba Longa, which he shall fortify To the uttermost; and there a line of kings... Shall reign and reign till Ilia [Rhea Silvia], a priestess Of royal blood, bear twins begotten by Mars; And one of these, Romulus, fostered by a she-wolf, And joyfully wearing her tawny hide, shall rule And found a city for Mars, a new city, And call his people Romans, af...

... middle of paper ...

...es are Republic, styled after the Romans. The Romans are probably the most influential people of all-time.

Works Cited

Actium, Battle of. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

Adcock, F. E. Roman Political Ideas and Practice. Ann Arbor:

University of Michigan, 1959.

Asimov, Isaac. The Roman Republic. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1966.

Burrell, Roy. The Romans. Oxford: Oxford University, 1991.

Caesar. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

Caesar, Gaius Julius. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996

ed.

Gibson, Elke. Personal Interview. 19 March 1997.

Nardo, Don. The Roman Republic. San Diego: Lucent, 1994.

"The Reforms of Diocletian and Constantine." CIS: Research and

Education (16 March 1997).

Republic. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

Rise of Rome (753-44 BC). Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia,

1996 ed.

"Rome, Ancient - the Empire." CIS: http://isdup/menu/133.html;

Research and Education, Academic American Encyclopedia; Grolier's (16

March 1997) .

Rome, History of. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

Sabines. Computer Software. Encarta Encyclopedia, 1996 ed.

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