March to Honor

This past week I attended Mr. Dundov's seminar on Roman History. As much as I have been learning about Roman history I knew that there is always something more I can learn and I was eager to do so despite the how early it was. Although so much was taught in the class from aqueducts to Julius Caesar the military lesson sparked my interest the most for several reasons. It was crazy to me how much the military meant to the people of Rome at this time, not only to the government but to each individual and family. Even though I know people of this day are still excited to join the military it seemed as though there was a total different motive and reward for joining during this time. The people of this time knew how important the military was in keeping Rome such a powerful country and they wanted to have anything to do to help out. All of the soldiers were volunteers which shows the push they had for the fact they weren't being drafted to be forced to work in the army. Having such a strong military and knowing that they are what held Rome as one of the most powerful countries in the world, they saw the military as more of and honor than just a civic duty. When men would do a great job in duty they would bring the entire family respect for years to come. The Roman women would stay home and do domestic duties while the men would fight in battle, as some would see that as sexist it was just how they made the country flow and everyone was participating. It seemed as though everyone knew what they were expected to do and did it to the best of their ability. The Romans seem like such nationalist, they believe in more than just themselves, they believe in Rome and that is so beautiful to me. They weren't just marching to defeat the next country they were marching for honor.

- Faith Virgen