25+ Best Roman Quotes For All History Buffs

Oluniyi Akande
May 10, 2024 By Oluniyi Akande
Originally Published on Mar 11, 2021
Edited by Anusuya Mukherjee
Fact-checked by Joan Agie
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Image of Roman Forum in Rome, Italy during sunrise



The grandeur of the Roman Empire has long fascinated history buffs and scholars alike. From its legendary founders through the era of the Western Roman Empire, the impact of Rome's military strategy, cultural conquests, and political prowess has been profound. The words of its most notable figures, such as Julius Caesar, the stoic wisdom of emperors, and the oratory of Marcus Tullius Cicero, have been immortalized in history.

This collection of quotes offers a glimpse into the lives of those who walked the forums and battlegrounds, from the captivating speeches of Marcus Aurelius to the personal reflections of Roman emperors.

Their insights shed light on an era where continual military training, philosophical pondering, and the pursuit of power were interwoven with daily life. Embrace the legacy of Rome with these timeless Roman quotes that resonate with as much authority and wisdom today as they did thousands of years ago.

Insightful Quotes From Great Minds Of The Roman Empire

Sunrise view of Colosseum in Rome, Italy.

Dive into the timeless wisdom of Rome's greatest political minds and thinkers. These Roman quotes from the epoch of the empire speak volumes about the values and beliefs that shaped history.

1. "The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living." – Marcus Tullius Cicero

2. "While we wait for life, life passes." - Lucius Annaeus Seneca

3. "If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it." - Julius Caesar

4. "Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." - Marcus Aurelius, 'Meditations'

5. "To be ignorant of the past is to be forever a child." - Marcus Tullius Cicero, 'Orator Ad M. Brutum', Chapter XXXIV, Section 120

6. "The more we value things outside of our control, the less control we have." - Marcus Aurelius

7. "I’m never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone." - Scipio Africanus

8. "A room without books is like a body without a soul." - Marcus Tullius Cicero

9. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles, 'Flicker To Flame: Living With Purpose, Meaning, And Happiness', Jeffrey Thompson Parker

Quotes On Power And The Art Of Leadership

Famous Saint Peter's Square in Vatican and aerial view of the city.Shutterstock

Witness the enduring impact of Julius Caesar and other famed leaders of Rome as their thoughts on power, leadership, and military prowess continue to inspire and instruct to this day.

10. "I came, I saw, I conquered." - Julius Caesar

11. "Experience is the teacher of all things." - Julius Caesar, 'Commentarii De Bello Civili'

12. "Men in general are quick to believe that which they wish to be true." - Julius Caesar

13. "No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected." - Julius Caesar

14. "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble." - Augustus

15. "It is the duty of a good shepherd to shear his sheep, not to skin them." - Tiberius

Roman Quotes About Stoicism And Virtue

A side view of the Colosseum in Rome at sunset

Traverse the philosophy of stoicism through the words of Roman emperors, philosophers, and statesmen who believed in the unwearied cultivation of virtue, endurance of pain, and acting in accordance with the will of the gods.

16. "The best revenge is not to be like your enemy." – Marcus Aurelius

17. "He who fears death will never do anything worth of a living man." – Lucius Annaeus Seneca

18. "Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one." – Marcus Aurelius

19. “It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." – Marcus Aurelius

20. "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." - Marcus Tullius Cicero

21. "If you have overcome your inclination and not been overcome by it, you have reason to rejoice." - Titus Maccius Plautus

22. "It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." - Julius Caesar

23. "Never esteem anything as of advantage to you that will make you break your word or lose your self-respect." - Marcus Aurelius

24. "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit. The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are." - Marcus Aurelius, 'Meditations'

25. "If it is not right, do not do it. If it is not true, do not say it." - Marcus Aurelius

26. "If someone can show me that what I think or do is not right, I’ll gladly change. For I seek the truth." - Marcus Aurelius, 'Meditations'

FAQs

What makes Roman quotes relevant to modern readers?

Roman quotes resonate with modern readers due to their timeless wisdom and insights into human behavior, leadership, and philosophy. Despite the historical gap, many principles of Roman thought still apply today, offering valuable lessons and inspiration in various aspects of life, including politics, personal development, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Can I use these Roman quotes for educational purposes?

Absolutely. This collection of Roman quotes is designed to be a valuable resource for educators, students, and history enthusiasts alike. Whether for classroom discussions, essay references, or personal study, these quotes can serve as a springboard for exploring the profound impact of Roman civilization on modern culture and thought.

How do Roman quotes reflect the culture and values of ancient Rome?

Roman quotes offer a window into the cultural, political, and philosophical values of ancient Rome. They often emphasize virtues such as courage, honor, duty, and wisdom, which were central to Roman society. By studying these quotes, you can gain insights into how Romans viewed the world, their sense of morality, and their approaches to governance and personal conduct.

Can these Roman quotes be used for personal inspiration?

Definitely. Many Roman philosophers, leaders, and writers spoke about universal themes like love, success, perseverance, and character. Their observations can be a source of motivation and guidance for contemporary individuals looking to lead a balanced and thoughtful life, imbued with the lessons of the past.

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Sources

https://www.ancienthistorylists.com/rome-history/top-10-famous-people-ancient-rome/

https://ceocoachinginternational.com/7-leadership-quotes-from-the-roman-empire-to-inspire-any-ceo/

https://deepstash.com/idea/241843/while-we-wait-for-life-life-passes "

https://www.azquotes.com/quote/13033#google_vignette

https://philosiblog.com/2013/09/25/you-have-power-over-your-mind-not-outside-events-realize-this-and-you-will-find-strength/

https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Cicero#De_Legibus_(On_the_Laws)_(c._40s_BC)

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Written by Oluniyi Akande

Doctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

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Oluniyi AkandeDoctorate specializing in Veterinary Medicine

With an accomplished background as a Veterinarian, SEO content writer, and public speaker, Oluniyi brings a wealth of skills and experience to his work. Holding a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Ibadan, he provides exceptional consulting services to pet owners, animal farms, and agricultural establishments. Oluniyi's impressive writing career spans over five years, during which he has produced over 5000 high-quality short- and long-form pieces of content. His versatility shines through as he tackles a diverse array of topics, including pets, real estate, sports, games, technology, landscaping, healthcare, cosmetics, personal loans, debt management, construction, and agriculture.

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Fact-checked by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

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Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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