The Roman Empire and Its Influence on Western Civilization

The Roman Empire and Its Influence on Western Civilization

Rome's vast empire lasted for an amazing one thousand-year reign. Half of it referred to as the republic, and the other as the empire. However, after its fall in 5oo-a.d. Rome has still remained in existence through its strong culture, architecture, literature, and even religion (Spielvogel 175). Even after its disappearance as a nation Rome left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Its ideals and traditions have been immolated, and adopted for over two thousand years. Whether, it is through its language of Latin, its influence of religion, or its amazing architectural ability Rome has influenced almost every culture following its demise. The heritage of Rome has been passed down through three different channels; one is through the eastern Roman Empire; through the Roman Catholic Church, and consciously by any and every one who has been in touch with Roman Culture (Hadas 157).

The first to try to reconstruct Rome was the emperor Constantine. In his capital of Constantinople, Constantine wanted to reconstruct the city to be an exact replication of Rome. In doing so he reconstructed some of the buildings as almost exact duplicates of the originals of early Roman architecture. Or Constantine's drive to reenact Rome's republic, and turn it back to a government ran by the senators for the people. In fact he was quite successful until it was finally demolished. However, Constantine did further the beliefs of Roman Catholic Christianity, which with its advancement of the army, Rome's religion reached many new lands.

Secondly, Rome's legacy was spread by the advancement of the church. As the Catholic Church continued to flourish into the middle ages the church capital remained in Rome (Hadas 159). This allowed the spreading of Roman culture to continue. Not only did the church keep the capital in Rome, but also it continued to teach the Roman language of Latin, and kept the writings of Roman literature on record for many years. This aided to the study and adoption of Roman culture throughout the parallels of time.

The third and most important way that Roman culture and ideals were spread throughout western civilization is through mere contact. Whether this is through physical influence, or the study of Roman relics, Rome's ideas spread like wild fire. An importan...

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...t and dinner consist of some bread or the remaining food from the feast. This could be in part of Rome's early conquest of Spain. Influence of Rome back then has survived through the Spanish conquistadors landing and taking over much of South America.

Whether it is war, the church, or influential contact Rome has made a huge impact on western civilization. From its strong followers trying to recreate the Republic, to lasting impressions imposed on its conquered lands, Rome has sent its culture and heritage throughout the entire globe. Even though Rome its self only lasted one thousand years its presence is still felt today. Rome in the eyes of the world never actually died, but was born over and over, and still remains standing to this day in one form or another. The mighty Roman Empire is and forever will be the rock of hope, advancement, and pure culture that holds this world together.

*Works Cited*

Bernard, Charlotte. Great Ages of Man: Imperial Rome. New York: Time Incorporated, 2005.

Hadas, Moses. Caesar and Rome. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2006.

Spielvogel, Jackson J. Western Civilization: Volume 1 to 1715. Wadsworth Thompson learning, 1999.