The Roman Empire

The Roman empire was one of the strongest empires that historians have ever studied. They have influenced our life in numerous ways. Through their highly effective system of government, brilliant architecture, and structured set of laws. But how do these features of the ancient world affect our modern world today?

The Romans were the first to ever have a republic. The Romans wanted to prevent one person from gaining too much power. They decided to divide political power among three branches of government, the magistrates, the Senate, and the Assembly. Future governments adopted this idea for the same reason as the Romans, for not one individual to gain too much power. The first branch was the magistrates, which consisted of several ruling officials. The consuls were the most important part of this branch. Their term was only one year long and they could not be elected again for another 10 years. They administered laws and controlled military affairs. Praetors, who were judges, were under the consul. They defined and interpreted the laws. Under the praetors were officials called censors, who collected taxes. The second branch was the Senate. Membership was for life. That branch had the power to decide foreign policy, approve contracts for building temples and roads, propose laws, and handle the daily problems of government. The third branch was the Assembly, the democratic branch. All citizen-soldiers were members of this branch. Early on the Assembly had little power, only being able to vote to approve or reject a law. Over time, though, their power increased. Today, Rome's republic is a major factor in many government styles. The U.S. Itself is a republic. Without the Romans and their highly effective system of government, many countries wouldn't be the way they are today. But government isn't the only Roman achievement to help shape our world today.

The brilliant architecture of Rome has surely impacted our world. Romans built immense palaces, temples, and stadiums. The column and the arch are two devices