Roman Identity Essay

Romans utilized certain aspects of mythology and storytelling to set precedents for the values that comprised the Roman identity. These stories, some true, some embellished over time, and some created in times of conflict, were embraced by Romans alike. Being a Roman meant that you held the utmost amount of pride in your nation, even over yourself, that you actively pursued glory, and were honorable. Portrayed in myths was a Roman triumph in 396 BCE regarding the town of Veii. Before this, “Rome’s relations with the outside world were entirely unremarkable”, in fact, “its direct interactions were mainly local”. This, however, was turned around in 396 BCE when Rome, who, for reasons obscure, decided to attack its neighboring city of Veii.
During a conflict in the fifth century, he was appointed dictator by the senate. A messenger from the city reached him at his small farm, while he was tending to his small plot of land. “This naturally surprised him, and, asking if all were well, he told his wife Racilia to run to their cottage and fetch his toga.” He, without thought, dropped all he was doing and went to the city. “He summoned all men of military age to gather with their equipment, marched out and won a great victory, and returned to Rome to celebrate his triumph. His chariot was preceded by the captured enemy commanders and followed by his soldiers with their booty. Cincinnatus then resigned his dictatorship. He had been in office for just 15 days.” Not only did this man complete his civic duty and triumph over his enemies, but he rested his power as soon as he could in order to hinder any exploitation of authority. This would promote the memory of him “as a model of the ideal Roman.” This story may be true, it may be different, or it may have been written during strife in Roman society at a much later date, but Cincinnatus was a person that Rome wanted its citizens to be nonetheless. His message would go on to inspire people many years