History of Roman Government

Essay by togolocoHigh School, 12th grade May 2004

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The Romans have had almost every type of government there is.

They've had a kingdom, a republic, a dictatorship, and an empire.

Their democracy would be the basis for most modern democracies. The

people have always been involved with and loved their government, no

matter what kind it was. They loved being involved in the government,

and making decisions concerning everyone. In general, the Romans were

very power-hungry. This might be explained by the myth that they are

descended from Romulus, who's father was Mars, the god of war. Their

government loving tendencies have caused many, many civil wars. After

any type of government, the change has been made with a civil war.

There have also been many civil wars between rulers. But it all boils

down to wanting to be involved in government.

When the Greeks finally entered Troy after ten long years of

siege, a man named Aeneas escaped the city with his father, Anchises,

and his son, Ascanius.

They went to Mt. Ida, where they were to meet

Aeneas' wife, Creusa, but she never showed up. Saddened, Aeneas

acquired a boat and sailed around the Mediterranean. He bounced around

from Asia Minor to Greece to Crete looking for a place to found a new

Troy, but he couldn't find a satisfactory place. As told by Homer in

the Aeneid, Aeneas was cared for by the gods. Venus, in particular,

was very worried about him. She asked Jupiter, king of the gods about

him, and he said this:

"Since you are so consumed with anxiety for Aeneas,

I shall turn forward far

The hidden pages of fate and speak of the future.

He shall conduct a great campaign for you

And conquer all Italy and its haughty peoples.

He shall impose laws on his own people

And build...