Political leaders in ancient Rome were also military leaders, expected to lead their armies into battle and demonstrate their commitment to the society they governed.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

The Roman military was a massive force of half a million people, integrating foreigners and turning them into Romans over time.

The Roman Republic lasted for 500 years, enduring significant upheaval, but eventually transformed into an authoritarian military dictatorship after internal conflicts.

The Roman Republic was characterized by a system of job rotation and assemblies, allowing citizens to participate in governance for about 500 years after the kings were expelled.