|
Italy or America?
|
|
|
Our culture and values owe so much
to the many achievements of classical Rome.
Here are just a few "American" traits that have Roman origins or parallels.
|
| |
| Classical Rome |
Modern America |
| Political and economic superpower |
same |
|
Unified culturally diverse people
|
same |
|
Government represented by a Senate
|
same |
|
Protected citizens' rights
|
same |
|
Promoted the nuclear family
|
same |
|
Organized efficient military
|
same |
|
Built lasting roads
|
same |
|
Built lasting sewer systems
|
same |
|
Land and sea explorers
|
same |
|
Eagle and dome as symbols of the nation
|
same |
|
Latin mottoes on public buildings
|
same |
|
The Coliseum at Rome
Harvard Stadium at Cambridge, Massachusetts
|
| |
Note:
-
Thomas Jefferson and Ben Franklin read Roman writers voraciously, adopting their ideas during the formation of America.
-
Over 1,000 American cities and towns have Italian names.
-
"Foreign" foods such as pasta, bread, tomato sauce, calamari, pizza,
garlic, olive oil, wine, tiramisu, spumoni and espresso
are now staples of the "American" diet.
|
|
|
