At first glance, there may seem to be little reason for citizens of the United States in the twenty-first century to look back to ancient Rome for political guidance. Of course, we know that ancient Rome had a profound influence on the Founders of the United States, and we can also see its inspiration if we walk around a city like Washington, DC, and look at the classical facades on many of the public buildings. We may also know that Rome had a mighty empire. Yet it is also well known that Rome was a violent, patriarchal, enslaving society. Women did not have the right of direct political participation; slavery was an unquestioned fact of life. Such realities should never be overlooked; although we may admire features of ancient Rome, we do not want to romanticize the Romans. We are not the Romans, nor should we want to become the Romans. So this leaves us with a question: while such a society might have appealed to the Founders, what can ancient Rome possibly teach us, who claim to be so far beyond gladiatorial spectacles and slavery?

Well first, in a spirit of humility, we may want to admit that twenty-first century America is not so far advanced from such barbarisms. For example, more people are enslaved now through human trafficking than at any other time in human history. Recognizing our own limitations also allows us to acknowledge that there are some things the Romans cannot teach us, or at least are not best suited to teach us. After all, for their many faults the Romans did not have the atomic bombs and internment camps that we have employed with such precision and efficiency. If we are looking for ways to avoid ethnic, religious, and racial hatred as well as the violence and genocide they can inspire, then the twentieth century is our master teacher. To this list, we can add America's genocide of indigenous peoples and the institution of slavery and its perduring effects on racial injustice. Given America's racial tensions, studying antisemitism in Europe or our own history of white supremacy will most reward our studies.

Yet if we are also concerned, and I believe we should be, with the rise of political violence, authoritarianism, and the maintenance of our republic, then Rome is still our best teacher.