According to Cicero why was Rome so great?
According to Cicero, Rome was great for several reasons. He believed that Rome's greatness stemmed from its system of government, its military prowess, its legal system, and its strong sense of civic duty.
1. Government: Cicero praised Rome's republican form of government, which he saw as the ideal model for the organization of a state. The Roman system of government was characterized by a balance of power between different branches, such as the Senate, the Consuls, and the People’s Assemblies. This system ensured that no individual or group could hold absolute control, and encouraged a broader participation of citizens in political decision-making.
2. Military Power: Rome's military strength was also a crucial factor in its greatness. Cicero admired the Romans' disciplined and skilled military forces, which enabled them to conquer and control vast territories. He believed that Rome's military victories were not based on brute force alone, but also on their ability to establish order, justice, and civilization in the conquered regions.
3. Legal System: Cicero believed that Rome's legal system was one of the hallmarks of its greatness. He admired the Roman commitment to the rule of law, which ensured equal treatment under the law and protected the rights and freedoms of citizens. Cicero was particularly impressed by the concept of natural law, which he believed was the foundation of a just society.
4. Civic Duty: Cicero argued that Rome's greatness was also a result of the Roman citizens' strong sense of civic duty. He believed that the citizens of Rome were willing to put the interests of the state above their own personal interests. This commitment to public service and the common good, according to Cicero, was an essential quality that distinguished Rome from other societies.
Overall, Cicero saw Rome's greatness as a result of its well-balanced government, its military success, its legal system, and the citizens' dedication to their civic duties. He believed that these factors not only contributed to Rome's prosperity and power but also made it a model for other states to emulate.