The second king of Rome, Numa, emphasized the importance of religion to guide society ethically and morally.

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.

Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, established a system where soldiers were paid by the central state rather than local commanders, which helped maintain loyalty to the state.

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

Augustus, as the first emperor of Rome, established a political system that would influence countless later empires and shape global history. He oversees the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, setting a template that future emperors follow for the next 500 to 1500 years, as they all aspire to be like him, adopting his titles such as 'Caesar Augustus' and 'Imperator'.

The Romans enjoyed feats of athletic strength, which they found impressive and entertaining, reflecting the pinnacle of human physical capability.

The Romans would often take the sons of conquered tribal leaders, raise them as Romans, and incorporate them into their society, turning enemies into allies. As early as the second century AD, Roman emperors and senators began to come from provinces like Spain and North Africa, rather than just Italy.

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 were very into ritual and sacrifice, taking their religious practices seriously as part of their identity.