Was the Roman Empire better than most empires of the past?

Question

Many historians are in opinon that the roman empire lasted for over a millenium because of its society and culture and its strong military and good governance. I think if its civilization existed still now the western empire would be atleast 100 times Stronger ( at least they did not convert their slaves or jews or people of ethnic faiths to their culture and religion by use of economic coercions,
EX commmunications, and use of Bribes and Force)

Answer 1

The Roman Empire does exist today.

It is called the "Holy Roman Empire" and is also known by other names, Catholic church, Vatican, Vatican City, and the Holy See.

The Holy See is it's official name and it claims to have one billion citizens. It's located within the state of Italy, provides few or no services to her citizens and collects taxes from her citizens using a means of coercion based on superstition and fear.

Answer 2

Yes the Roman Empire was better than most empires. The founders of the United States used the Roman Empire as a base when building the governement of the United States. I believe that the United States is 100times stronger though because we learned from the Roman Empire. We have a solid system of checks and balances where the Roman Empire did not.

Answer 3

I am not a historian nor do I claim any special knowlege of the Roman Empire but it is pretty obvious to me that the civilization lasted so long because the Emperors decided early on that they needed to expand and conquer to stay rich and stable. The more they took over other civilizations the richer they became, the more slaves they had and the cultures of those conquered entered and became the culture of the Romans. Their diversity kept them expanding and together as a Republic.

Answer 4

The roman empire survived as a type of democracy for only around 200 years before the government became too corrupt. before and after then it was much less strong, and much more venerable.

I think it was better than any past empire, simply because it paved the way for science, history, and democracy.

Although if you compare america to the roman empire, you'd start to see where the fall of the empire starts to match up with where we are in our own history.

People are too currupt and selfish for democracy to last for too long. And we are well over our limit.

Answer 5

I think not. I think we focus on the Roman empire because can connect with the history as westerners. But the Chinese empire , in my opinion, was just as significant. It was larger and lasted longer. Their conquests may not be as interesting in western culture and studies, but they were no less grand in my opinion.

Answer 6

Very interesting thought. Does being 'morally better' lead to a stronger empire. Being completely evil seemed to work for Rome for quite a long time, but not forever. My hope is that good wins out.

Answer 7

They were efficient and strong. They made their mistakes that we can learn from. They were not any better than most Empires - all oppress.

They did have Pax Romana, really they just wanted the money from taxes and conquests. Having some idiotic emperors didn't help matters.

Answer 8

What about ancient Egypt? the original empire recreated itself twice.

Answer 9

"at least they did not convert their slaves or jews or people of ethnic faiths to their culture and religion by use of economic coercions"

Maybe you should double-check that one.

Answer 10

Yup, they were good at what they did- conquering the civilised world, they were brutal to anyone who stood in their way, and they were we'ren't too hard on amyone that submited to their will.