Omar Bennett
The Founding Fathers of the United States were heavily influenced by Roman history and diplomacy. They drew upon Roman history for the unique task of creating a republic, adapting the lessons of Rome to new problems. The history of ancient Rome is told through the lives of influential individuals who brought about massive change in war, politics, culture, and society. The Founders read Roman historians like Sallust and Livy, studied the biographies of Roman statesmen by Plutarch, and were inspired by the orations of Cicero. They also learned from the fall of the Roman republic, seeking to avoid the corruption and authoritarianism that led to its collapse. The concept of a senate, for example, was taken from Roman antiquity to balance the monarchical and democratic elements of the new American government.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diplomacy as a tool of foreign policy | The US has adopted diplomacy as a key tool of foreign policy, much like the Romans, who used diplomacy to manage their relations with rival communities in Italy and foreign peoples as they built their empire. |
| Respect for treaties | The Romans valued respect for treaties and alliances, which they used to extend their imperial power. |
| Language and ideals | Dr. Burton argues that Roman imperialism was built as much on language and ideals as on military might. |
| Sacredness of diplomacy | In royal Rome, diplomatic matters were handled by a college of priests, giving diplomacy a sacred dimension. |
| Long-term inspiration | The US Founders were inspired by Roman history and sought to apply its lessons to new problems, believing that knowledge of Roman history was key to preserving America's future. |
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What You'll Learn
The influence of Roman diplomacy on the founding of the US
The influence of Roman diplomacy extended to the founding of the United States, with the country's founders drawing on ancient Roman principles to shape the future with wisdom and justice. The Founders were well-versed in Roman historians like Sallust and Livy, and were inspired by the biographies of Roman statesmen penned by Plutarch.
Roman diplomacy was primarily aimed at benefiting the state, with a focus on settling territorial and economic disputes, as well as maintaining peace and declaring war when necessary. This diplomacy was sacred, falling under the responsibility of the Senate, and was conducted with dignity and for the benefit of the Roman people. The Romans developed a distinctive diplomatic procedure, emphasizing respect for treaties, good faith, equivalence, personal contact, formal meetings, and protocol. They also understood the importance of language and ideals in empire-building, recognizing that these contributed as much as military might to their expansion.
The Founders of the United States adapted these lessons to their own context, seeking to avoid the anarchic outcomes of the French Revolution and the subsequent brutal communist and fascist takeovers of the 20th century in Russia and Germany. By remaining rooted in history, the United States avoided revolutionary tyranny and totalitarian utopianism. The way the country governed itself, the virtues it demanded of its citizens, and the heroes it celebrated were all influenced by the successes of the past, with Roman principles playing a crucial role.
The influence of Roman diplomacy on the United States extended beyond its founding. The long-lasting impact of Roman principles on the American republic demonstrates the enduring relevance of Roman history and its ability to guide and shape the future.
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The role of the Roman Senate in diplomacy
The Roman Senate was the highest assembly of ancient Rome and its aristocracy. It was the governing and advisory council that proved to be the most permanent element in the Roman constitution. The power and authority of the Senate came from its lineage, the prestige of the senators, and its unbroken history, which dated back to the founding of the Republic in 509 BC.
During the Roman Kingdom, the Senate was an advisory council to the king, and it also elected new kings. However, the Senate's role changed over time, and it gained more power and responsibilities. During the Roman Republic, the Senate was politically weak, but it still had important duties. It was in charge of the treasury and had regulatory power over transactions. The Senate also created and maintained public buildings and oversaw judicial proceedings in extreme cases of violent offenses in Italy.
One of the most important roles of the Roman Senate was its involvement in diplomacy. During the Republic, Roman diplomacy fell under the responsibility of the Senate. It sent and received messages from other countries and dealt with disputes between Rome and other states or tribes. The Senate also had the power to declare war and make peace, although this was sometimes done through a sacred process involving priests called fetiales.
The Senate's role in diplomacy continued to evolve. In the last two centuries of the Roman Republic, the Senate became a self-perpetuating body, independent of the annual magistrates, and gained extensive powers. It acquired the right to assign duties to magistrates and appoint senatorial commissions to help organize conquered territory. The Senate's influence on foreign policy grew, and it claimed the right to conduct all negotiations with foreign powers, although the formal declaration of war and ratification of treaties were decided by the people.
The Roman Senate's role in diplomacy demonstrates the importance of this institution in the ancient Roman government and its lasting impact on Roman expansion and relations with other states.
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Roman diplomacy as a tool for empire-building
Roman diplomacy was a crucial tool for empire-building, with a long history that gradually developed and evolved over time. It played a significant role in the expansion of Roman influence and power, both within Italy and overseas.
During the early days of the Roman Republic, diplomacy was the responsibility of the Senate, which sent and received messages on behalf of the state. The Romans developed a unique approach to diplomacy, emphasizing principles such as respect for treaties, good faith, equivalence, personal contact, formal meetings, and protocol. They also utilized offensive diplomacy, leveraging the strength of their army to achieve their diplomatic goals without resorting to actual combat.
In the time of royal Rome, all diplomatic matters were entrusted to a college of priests at the temple of Jupiter, the supreme god. These priests, known as fetiales, acted according to the Law of Fetics (ius fetiale), which defined their powers and duties. They were believed to express the will of Jupiter and the ruler's orders, and they had the authority to declare war and make peace, employing magical formulas and rituals to give sacred meaning to these acts.
As the Romans expanded their empire, they employed diplomacy as a tool for managing their relations with rival communities in Italy and foreign peoples. They established a federation of formally independent states, cities, or smaller state associations that were connected to Rome. These entities enjoyed a significant degree of internal economic, political, and religious autonomy and had the right to send envoys to Rome, known as ius legationis. Roman diplomacy was marked by the use of gifts, with foreign envoys often competing in the grandeur of their offerings to the Roman treasury and officials.
The Romans also had two types of diplomacy: external and internal. External diplomacy dealt with countries beyond their immediate rule, while internal diplomacy focused on territories already within the Roman sphere of influence. This distinction allowed them to adapt their diplomatic strategies to the specific context of each relationship.
Overall, Roman diplomacy was a multifaceted and dynamic tool that served the empire's expansionist goals. It combined elements of sacred rituals, strategic alliances, and the projection of military power to establish Roman geopolitical dominance in the Mediterranean region.
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The use of sacredness in Roman diplomacy
The sacred nature of Roman diplomacy extended beyond the domestic realm and was also present in their interactions with other states. The college of fetiales played a crucial role in this regard, as the declaration of war or the conclusion of peace was considered sacred, adding solemnity and significance to the process. This institution was preserved even during the republic when Roman diplomacy was conducted by the Senate. The fetiales were responsible for maintaining diplomatic archives, and their presence elevated the act of diplomacy beyond mere negotiations.
Roman envoys, known as "legates" or "legati", were highly respected and considered sacred. They were chosen for their exceptional oratory skills and underwent training in private schools, where they studied law and rhetoric. Legates were provided with the necessary resources, including clothing and money, for their missions. They were accompanied by officials, translators, and servants, and their role was to act in the best interests of the Roman state. The concept of "amicitia", or friendship, was also important in Roman diplomacy, showcasing the value placed on relationships and alliances.
Roman diplomacy, therefore, had a strong spiritual and sacred dimension. The involvement of priests and the sacred nature of declarations of war and peace added a layer of solemnity and significance to their diplomatic endeavours. This sacredness was a central aspect of Roman diplomacy, influencing both their internal processes and external relations with other states. The Romans' unique approach to diplomacy, combining sacredness with pragmatism, contributed to their empire-building and expansion.
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Roman diplomacy in ancient Italy
During the Republic, Roman diplomacy was the responsibility of the Senate, which sent and received messages. The college of fetiales, a group of priests, played a crucial role in declaring war or concluding peace, adding a sacred dimension to diplomacy. The recuperatores, elected judges, also existed from the early days of Rome, dealing with disputes between Romans and other states or tribes.
Rome's external diplomacy, on the other hand, focused on countries beyond its immediate rule. The Romans developed a distinctive diplomatic procedure, emphasizing respect for treaties, good faith, equivalence, personal contact, formal meetings, and protocol. They often leveraged the threat of their powerful army to achieve their goals without fighting. Roman diplomacy was aimed at benefiting the state, and missions were led by the princeps legationis, the main legate, who were skilled speakers and well-equipped for their tasks.
The psychology, language, and gestures associated with the concept of amicitia, or 'friendship,' also played a significant role in Rome's empire-building. This interpretation challenges the Cold War-era realist view that solely attributed Roman imperialism to military might. Instead, it highlights the importance of language and ideals in expanding their influence.
The Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire introduced a three-step diplomacy: fostering rivalry among outsiders, securing the friendship of frontier tribes through flattery and bribes, and converting many to Christianity. This cunning practice still resonates in modern diplomacy through foreign aid, trade, and loans.
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Frequently asked questions
Roman diplomacy refers to the distinctive procedures and practices employed by ancient Rome to manage its relations with other communities and establish its empire. It involved principles such as respect for treaties, good faith, equivalence, personal contact, formal meetings, and protocol.
Roman diplomacy was primarily aimed at benefiting the state. It included the settlement of territorial, economic, and other disputes, but the ultimate focus was on peace and war. Roman diplomacy often leveraged the threat of their powerful army to achieve their diplomatic goals without resorting to actual combat.
The founders of the United States, such as Thomas Jefferson, Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, were influenced by Roman history, including its diplomacy. They adapted the lessons of Rome to shape the future of their republic, ensuring it stayed rooted in history and avoiding the anarchic outcomes of revolutions like the one in France.
In royal Rome, diplomatic matters were handled by a college of priests at the temple of the supreme god Jupiter. These priests, called fetiales, acted according to the Law of Fetics (ius fetiale), declaring wars and making peace through sacred rituals and magical formulas.
The Romans did not recognize the concept of neutrality. Their diplomacy was often aggressive, leveraging their military might to achieve their goals.
