Rome & America

Presented by Grammar School, Grades 3-4

This year our class has been learning about famous men of Rome for our history class. Today we want to share with you some interesting connections between Rome and America.

It may surprise many Americans how much influence thecivilization of Rome had on our own country. Although most of us know little about what the Romans did and what they thought, our Founding Fathers were very familiar with their actions and ideas. At its founding, Americans modeled their new nation on everything they admired about ancient Rome.

The very structure of our government was modeled after the government of the Roman Republic. The Founding Fathers drew inspiration from Roman Republic ideals, incorporating concepts like separation of powers and a senate.

Our Founding Fathers often quoted Roman thinkers during the Constitutional debates and often called each other by Roman names. They also used Roman symbols on buildings and podiums, and even on our money.

George Washington was often compared to Cincinnatus, the Roman dictator who left his farm to defend Rome against her enemies, and then voluntarily gave up the absolute power he had obtained and returned to his farm.

Roman architectural styles are evident in many American buildings, especially in Washington D.C., by the use of columns, domes, and arches. We can see the inspiration drawn from Roman temples for buildings like the U.S. Capitol and the Jefferson Memorial.

Rome’s journey from Monarchy to Republic to Empire to Collapse was shaped by the actions and characters of people who appear to us larger than life. It is intriguing to think how the Founding Fathers, themselves portrayed as Great Men, were also in awe of the

ancients.

Adapted by Mrs. Teresa Layton from

Haaren, J.H. and Poland, A.B. (2006). Famous Men of Rome. Memoria Press.

---

This historical thought was delivered by our Grammar School students at devotional on 04/10/2025. Each week one class leads the student body in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, scripture recitation, a meditation, and an historical thought. Family and friends are welcome, Thursdays 8:30-9:05 am.

Belmont is an independent K-12 school in the classical, Christian tradition. In partnership with parents, we invest in students — helping them acquire an education of the highest quality, find joy in life, and become influences for good in the world. If you are interested in receiving updates about Belmont, please subscribe to Exulto here by inserting your email.

---