What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
By 117 CE, Rome had reached its maximum territorial extent. However, its vast size that spread over 1.9 million sq. miles (5 million sq. km) made it difficult to manage. The Empire was spread far too thin, and internal struggles combined with external pressures led to its eventual decline.
The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE when the city of Ravenna (which was the Empire’s capital at the time) was captured by Germanic armies. This marked the end of ancient Rome's direct rule, but its influence persisted through the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire.
The Roman Empire essentially had a major grip over most of Europe. If Rome had never fallen, Europe might have avoided many conflicts, including both World Wars. A unified Roman Empire could have altered the course of our history by enforcing peace throughout the continent.
The first Roman Emperor, Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE), brought stability to the Empire after the tumultuous periods involving Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. This stability allowed Rome to expand significantly, marking the beginning of its golden age.
This peace would have been ensured by the Romans' profound military capabilities. Indeed, Rome's professional military is still considered to be one of the best in history, and it might have continued to provide security across the Empire and deter unnecessary conflict.
Religion as we know it would be completely different if the Roman Empire had persisted. Indeed, the Fall of Rome predated the foundation of Islam by two centuries. If the Empire had spread further into the Middle East and Africa, the birth of Islam (which is currently the world’s second-largest religion) would most likely have been hindered.
The hindrance of Islam would have meant that many Islamic inventions that were created during the Golden Age (algebra, the windmill, and even the foundation of modern chemistry, for example) wouldn’t have existed for a longer time. The Dark Ages could have been even worse.
Christianity's rise was closely intertwined with Rome's history, and a persistent Roman Empire might have strengthened its influence further. Religious persecution would have most likely been worse than our current history indicates, especially since a singular Empire would be behind the religion.
Roman architecture and artistry might have continued to evolve over time. Buildings across Europe and beyond would have been influenced by this aesthetic, and the style that we now reference as “Roman” would have been the norm across the Western world.
The bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century and killed an estimated 50 million people might have been less impactful if the Empire still stood. Rome’s history with plagues would have ensured that extra precautions be put in place, thus minimizing the spread of the disease.
Compared to other medieval kingdoms, Roman hygiene standards were significantly higher. The Romans developed advanced public health systems, including aqueducts to supply clean water, public baths, and sophisticated sewage systems that effectively removed waste. Many of the diseases that spread through Europe in the Middle Ages would have been less catastrophic.
As the lingua franca (the common language) of the Roman Empire, Latin might have remained a dominant way of communicating. Other modern European languages would have been profoundly influenced, and Latin would most likely be spoken by the millions.
The innovations and techniques used by the Romans to grow agriculture was impressive, to say the least. If Rome hadn’t fallen, these methods could have led to more efficient and productive farming practices across Europe and possibly the world.
The Roman Empire placed a profound emphasis on education, which means that the Empire’s continuation could have led to the establishment of more advanced educational institutions across the world. If Rome hadn’t fallen, perhaps there would be higher literacy rates across the planet.
Despite how deeply rooted Christianity would be in Europe if the Roman Empire had continued, the religion would still need to adapt to the Roman pagan customs that were prevalent at the time. Christianity would have most likely looked very different to the religion we know today.
After conquering much of Europe, the Roman Empire would have spread its conquest across as much land as it could. In this case, Asia would have been ripe for the taking, and the Empire’s advanced military prowess would have laid waste to the Mongol Empire’s influence.
Roman philosophy was greatly influenced by the Greek traditions that came before. These philosophical thoughts could have continued to evolve even further, helping to develop a better understanding of human morality and what it means to live.
The emphasis that Romans placed on infrastructure could have possibly led to more advanced and widespread urbanization across Europe. Places that are currently poverty-stricken would instead have well-maintained roads, aqueducts, and public buildings.
The United States as we know it would most likely not exist. The Roman Empire would be powerful enough to cross the Atlantic, and American civilization would look wholly different to the one established by Spanish conquistadors and English Puritans.
The political framework of the modern world would look incredibly different if the Roman Empire were still around. As the Empire hypothetically expanded across the world, they would have developed a hierarchical system upon which all areas of the Empire were based. Democracy would most likely not exist.
The Empire’s incredible military power and wealth enabled it to expand quickly. More and more territories were captured and brought under the Empire’s rule, but this rapid expansion is what ultimately led to its downfall.
If Europe had been kept under the control of Rome, other wars would have also been avoided, particularly those that saw two monarchies in battle. In fact, the Roman Empire’s autocracy would probably have meant that Europe’s monarchies wouldn’t have been able to form in the first place.
On the other hand, the Roman Empire's advanced infrastructure and intellectual pursuits could have accelerated technological and scientific progress, leading to earlier industrial advancements and a different timeline for the development of modern technology.
The Roman Empire’s expansion was marked by significant economic stability. Had the Empire not seen its end, Europe might have been a more prosperous place that wasn’t hindered by war or division.
The truth is that the Roman Empire was inevitably going to fall at some point. If it hadn’t fallen when Germanic forces seized Ravenna, it would have at a later time. After all, Rome’s resources were stretched far too thin over far too great an area, and, as they say: all empires eventually fall.
Sources: (WatchMojo) (Medium)
See also: The empire and exploits of Genghis Khan
The city of Rome (which would become the seat of the Roman Empire in 27 BCE) is said to have been founded in the 8th century BCE by Romulus and Remus, orphaned brothers who were raised by wolves. This legend drove the Empire to expand and become one of the largest in history, encompassing much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
At its height, the Roman Empire was ruled by Hadrian (pictured) and influenced much of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Its cultural, political, and technological advancements still have an impact on modern society today, which shows the lasting legacy of Roman civilization.
Before Rome was the head of an empire, it was the seat of power of the Roman Republic. During this time, Julius Caesar was famously assassinated during the Ides of March (15 March) in 44 BCE at the Theatre of Pompey.
What if the Roman Empire never fell?
What if circuses and bread were enough to sustain a civilization?
LIFESTYLE History
While there are many historical events that stand out from over the years, the end of the Roman Empire can certainly be counted as one of the most significant. But what if the Empire never fell? What sort of advancements would there be amongst civilization as we know it? And would the world be better, or worse? Click through the following gallery for an idea.