Reflecting on Why the Roman Empire was Great

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Recommended: Development of the Roman empire

As one reflects back on history Rome is an empire that stands out for its greatness, however many question on how and what caused them to have this greatness, was it the leaders, its location on earth, its military or was it the ability to change. It could be assumed that is the leadership that passed through Roman history that made it great but a greater question is are these leaders great through pedigree and lineage or was it by accountability.
Rome was a land that started with kings moved to a senate and ended with emperors. Emperors could gain power through war or money and family legacy. This was seen throughout Roman history, however the successfulness of such emperors was just as fluid as how they gained power. There is one time frame in Roman history that stands out as a guideline of what characteristics good roman leaders would have in them.
During the era of Five Good Emperors from 96-180 AD, it appears to be a time when emperors placed the countries needs at the fore front of their reigns. During this time these emperors gained power through being voted into power by the senate, and it was a choice they took very seriously. The first of these appointed emperor was Nerva. Nerva attempted to enrich Rome by attempting to relieve the poor by educating them, as well as setting aside property for them. Nerva adopted Trajan and it was accepted by the senate and was the next great leader in the era of Five Good emperors.
Trajan was the first emperor not native of Italy therefore it was very important that he made himself popular with the people and army. Trajan continued many of the programs that his father started. Trajan also gave to the people elective power to the senate, liberty in action and speech, as well ...

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...hem. On the other side was the history written by Tacitus, that the emperors were necessary to keep order and stability however not all emperors were worth the time that they lead. Tacitus speaks of a time when leaders did things for themselves and their own wealth and not for the good of the people or empire.
In conclusion, throughout the Roman Empire there have been emperors who have gained power through money and family legacy, however they have from what one could determine were more focused on enriching their wealth and fame than doing what was right by the empire. While the men who from the beginning were accountable to the senate were more focused on what they perceived as the greater good for the empire as well as the people who resided in it. Resulting in a theory that may accountability over family lineage is one of the factors that made Rome great.

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