Why is Rome important to us today?”
The Roman Empire lasted 12 centuries. In that course of time the Mediterranean and its surrounding areas would enjoy the only periods of relative peace and unity they have known before or since – the famous Pax Romana (Roman Peace). Western Europe owes a debt to Rome. Its legal codes, architecture, languages and literature all bear a heavy imprint from the city of the Tiber. Roman colonies and army camps would develop into the great cities of Europe. Roman engineering still inspires and amazes people today. The Roman gods are some of the most easily recognizable figures in Occidental mythology. Lightening wielding Jupiter, swift footed Mercury, Vulcan and his forge – all these are a fundamental part of the Western psyche. Moreover, Roman religious practices are some of the best documented in the ancient world, much to the delight of its Reconstructionists. We find the Roman legacy worthy of respect. Furthermore, we believe that in order to understand the Roman gods fully, one must stud
