The political institutions of Rome mirrored their military institutions, with leaders serving as both political and military heads.

In ancient Rome, a politician aspiring to be consul was expected to lead a legion into battle, achieve victory, and return to Rome to celebrate a triumph, showcasing the spoils of war.

In early Roman society, only property owners could serve in the legions, reflecting the belief that those who fought for Rome should have a vested interest in its defense.

In ancient Rome, sponsoring public works like roads or games was a way for politicians to gain recognition and demonstrate their wealth and commitment to society.

The first king of Rome, Romulus, was a warrior, reflecting the martial nature of Roman society, which was very masculine and patriarchal.

The Romans focused on flexibility in their military organization, allowing them to adapt and overcome traditional heavy infantry tactics used by their enemies.

The wealthy Romans had the leisure time to engage in literacy and statecraft, believing this made them the best suited to lead the Republic, despite their reluctance to educate the lower classes.

During the late Republic, the Roman army primarily consisted of indigenous Italians, with the expansion of auxiliaries occurring later in the empire.

The rise of ambitious strongmen in the late Republic, such as Marius, Sulla, and Julius Caesar, undermined the institutions of the Republic, prioritizing personal gain over the state.