Journal Question 1

Describe the ways the Roman genius has benefited the world. Provide concrete examples.

500 years ago the people of central Italy marveled at the aqueducts and paved roads that they thought had been put down by giants. Only in recent centuries have we come to rival the power of ancient  Rome. Their 2,000 year ideas continue to influence the world today. Innovations in engineering, political science, military, and legal practice are only a fragment of Roman contributions. What was their key to success? A combination of standardization, initiative, and aggression gave them an upper hand. 

 One of the great contributions of the Romans is military organization. They started full time armies. Soldiers could enlist for up to 20 years at a time. This gave them a highly trained and expired military force. Still today, people can make the army as a profession.  During the time of the Greeks farmers would only serve during times of emergency. Having a full time army meant that there was always a defensive force at hand. This way they could continue conquering or rush to aid Rome if it was under siege.

Legal affairs are another contribution. Many modern courts still base themselves upon the Roman example. They were the first to initiate the professions of lawyers and judges. During the time of the Greeks the accused and the accuser argued their case before a citizen jury.  Romans used a fair judge who would asses matters using rights and common sense. Lawyers defended their clients views. 


The Romans were the first to use running water. They did this buy running a pipe from a mountain spring down into a stone aqueduct. Everything from fountains to public baths to private bathrooms used running water. Even today in Rome the aqueducts are still in use. The Romans were also first to tax the use of private water in houses. They created  the first sewers (still used in Rome). Now there was adequate plumbing. Disease was cut down because the city was cleaner.


Romance languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish are all based on Latin. English, though it is a Germanic language has Latin roots. 


Many great ideas and inventions can be attributed to the ancient Romans. Though we many not know it, their genius affects us everyday. Where would we be without them?