The Importance Of The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was vast, by the fall of the Empire it stretched from Asia, Europe and Africa. It was a strong empire, but internal strife and politics destroyed the wondrous and developed civilisation. It is interesting to note that Rome gave the implication that her citizens held full voting rights, which points to the fact that she could be considered a democracy . However, what was the actual foundation of Rome; in this essay we will be looking at the Roman Aristocrats and the structure of her political nature and how Roman Nobility reflects this.

In Gracchi to Nero, Scullard states “Sempronius GBracchus, embodied many of the older Roman virtues: a good solider, and provincial governor, …..twice consul” . The Roman people looked at

He submitted that the people entrusted the aristocracy with their interest and at first the aristocracy were appreciative of the responsibility beholden to them, “…the public advantage their chief concern and conducted all kinds of business, public or private, with diligence and caution” . Moreover, Polybius discusses the military life and civil service; “All citizens must serve ten years in the cavalry or twenty years in the infantry ……. and no one can hold an office in the state until he has completed ten years of military service” . Upon completion of your military service you than have the possibility to be elected to become as a Magistrate, and potentially become a senator or the more exalted position as a Consul. To enable to succeed in a political career, you must show excellence in public speaking skills, demonstrate your high level of morality and ethics, be proven to be brave and a ferocious leader and fighter to enhance Rome and live by what you preach. This leads us to an interesting chap by the name of Cato.

If we begin by examining the life of Cato, and his rise into power both military and civil, we can see how the people view nobility and what they expect from the senate and the like. We shall look at Plutarch’s writings, though not the best source, he does provide an insight into roman nobility and it should be remember that Plutarch was born after the events

Cato started with the name Priscus, although he earned the name Cato through his outstanding service and abilities It is to be noted, that Cato looked after the people under his command, and ensure their livelihood, while keeping in the limits of frugality. He worked tirelessly for the people as a lawyer and did not require a fee, furthermore, he worked and tolled on his own property, went to town every morning to collect what he himself needed from the market, he preferred to prove his ability and his loyalty to Rome on the battle field. Because of his lifestyle this brought him to the attention of Valerius Flaccus, who become Cato’s sponsor. This allowed him to move through the levels of government and militarily alike quite quickly. As attaching yourself to a great man in Ancient Rome gives you an entry into the aristocracy, that a “new man” . He built his fame and rights through military service, and excellence in civil service . Cato excelled in battle and speech, he was honoured for his triumphs in war. Although Cato, had many war triumphs including the pass at Thermoplae. He was mostly a government man and that is where he excelled and become able to display his ancestors bust at