ANCIENT ROMANS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "Ancient Romans" refers to the people who lived in the city of Rome and the surrounding territories during the time of the Roman Republic, which was established in 509 BC, and the subsequent Roman Empire, which emerged in 27 BC and lasted until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. The Ancient Romans were renowned for their significant contributions to human civilization, particularly in areas such as law, government, art, architecture, engineering, and literature.
The Romans of this period believed themselves to be descendants of the mythical Trojan hero Aeneas, and their culture was heavily influenced by Greek civilization. The Ancient Romans developed a sophisticated legal system, known as Roman law, which had a profound impact on subsequent legal systems in many parts of the world. They also created a republican form of government, with elected officials, Senate, and citizen assemblies, until the transition to an autocratic Empire under the rule of Augustus Caesar.
In addition to their political and legal systems, the Ancient Romans were known for their architectural and engineering achievements, such as the construction of monumental buildings like the Colosseum, aqueducts, and roads, which facilitated the spread of their empire. The Romans also produced remarkable works of literature, including the plays of playwrights like Seneca and Plautus, and the epic poem "The Aeneid," written by Virgil.
Overall, the Ancient Romans were a civilization that left an indelible imprint on human history, contributing greatly to various fields of knowledge and leaving behind a rich cultural legacy that continues to intrigue and influence people today.
Etymology of ANCIENT ROMANS
The word "ancient" derives from the Latin word "antiquus", meaning "old" or "former". It entered the English language through Old French and Middle English, with the same meaning of referring to something or someone from a previous time.
The term "Romans" comes from the Latin word "Romanus", meaning "of Rome" or "pertaining to Rome". It was used to describe the people of the ancient city of Rome, as well as their language, culture, and empire.
Therefore, when we refer to "ancient Romans", we are using the term "ancient" to describe the time period in which the Roman Empire existed, and "Romans" to specify the people and civilization that thrived during that time.
