40+ Best Roman Quotes For All History Buffs
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The Roman Empire held a legendary reign during the period of Ancient Rome. It ruled for an approximate time frame of 1,000 years. Over time, these Romans have come to be considered as one of the most influential civilizations in all of history.
The Roman Empire marked its beginning when Augustus Caesar proclaimed himself to be the first Roman emperor in 27 BC, and came to an end with the fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE. Augustus, Trajan, Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, Aurelian were a few of the many Roman emperors who undoubtedly left their mark on world history.
The very existence of Rome revolves around the saying 'Roma invicta', which is Latin for 'unconquered Rome'. Similarly, the Roman motto SPQR (which stands for 'Senatus Populusque Romanus') means 'the senate and the people of Rome'.
Another famous quote translated from Latin states that 'Rome will stand as long as Coliseum does; As Coliseum falls, Rome will fall too and when Rome falls the world will collapse too'. From great emperor to humble philosopher, the Roman Empire spread the message of standing strong and fast along with the might of its people.
Do you believe you know your Caesar from your Augustus? Here you'll find a quote from all of the most significant Roman emperors, along with quotes from other men alive at the time — all translated from Latin.
Ancient Roman Empire Quotes
The Roman land has witnessed the purest of friendships and bitterest of betrayals. Check out these great quotes to learn more about Roman history.
1. "If you have overcome your inclination and not been overcome by it, you have reason to rejoice."
- Titus Maccius Plautus.
2. "Those most moved to tears by every word of a preacher are generally weak and a rascal when the feelings evaporate."
- Gaius Sallustius Crispus.
3. "You have control over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."
- Marcus Aurelius.
4. "I found Rome a city of bricks and left it the city of marbles."
- Augustus.
5. "Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
- Marcus Aurelius.
6. "Which death is preferable to every other? The unexpected."
- Julius Caesar.
7. "Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others."
- Tullius Cicero.
8. "An unexamined life is not worth living."
- Socrates.
9. "Each of us needs what nature gives us, when nature gives it."
- Marcus Aurelius.
10. "Rome has grown since its humble beginnings that it is now overwhelmed by its own greatness."
- Titus Livius.
Roman Emperor Quotes
Below are some ancient quotes said by Roman Emperors. Do you have a favorite quote from one of the emperors?
11. "An angry man is again angry with himself when he returns to reason."
- Publilius Syrus.
12. "Do not act as if you were going to live 10,000 years. Death hangs over you. While you live, while it is in your power, be good."
- Marcus Aurelius.
13. "Say not always what you know, but always know what you say."
- Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.
14. "I had rather be first in a village than second at Rome."
- Julius Caesar.
15. "Be tolerant with others and strict with yourself."
- Marcus Aurelius.
16. "If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it."
- Julius Caesar.
17. "The greatest impediments to changes in our traditional roles seem to lie not in the visible world of conscious intent, but in the murky realm of the unconscious mind."
- Augustus Y Napier.
18. "Experience is the teacher of all things."
- Julius Caesar.
19. "As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can."
- Julius Caesar.
Ancient Roman Philosopher And Emperor Quotes
God blessed the Roman Empire with the birth of many exceptional and extraordinary philosophers whose work has resulted in some insightful quotes. Which quote do you believe is most apt for the modern world today?
20. "Fear is proof of a degenerate mind."
- Publius Vergilius Maro.
21. "Anybody can become angry, that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody's will and is not easy."
- Aristotle.
22. "I love the name of honor more than I fear death."
- Julius Caesar.
23. "If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed."
- Marcus Aurelius.
24. "In war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes."
- Julius Caesar.
25. "So much for the Emperors; the rest of this history must deal with the Monster."
- Suetonius.
26. "All men's souls are immortal, but the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine."
- Socrates.
27. "There is no such thing as pure pleasure; some anxiety always goes with it."
- Publius Ovidius Naso.
28. "Would that the Roman people had but one neck!"
- Caligula.
29. "If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need."
- Marcus Tullius Cicero.
30. "Can anyone be proved innocent, if it be enough to have accused him?
- Flavius Claudius Julianus
Famous Quotes By Marcus Aurelius And Other Roman Emperors
Enjoy this compilation of eminent quotes from the work of distinguished and brave men and find your next favorite quote to believe in.
31. "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the order to revoke at any moment."
- Marcus Aurelius.
32. "Men willingly believe what they wish."
- Julius Caesar.
33. "It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life."
- Julius Caesar.
34. "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.
35. "The life of money-making is one undertaken under compulsion, and wealth is evidently not the good we are seeking; for it is merely useful and for the sake of something else."
- Aristotle.
36. "I have always reckoned the dignity of the republic of first importance and preferable to life."
- Julius Caesar.
37. "A shoe that is too large is apt to trip one, and when too small, to pinch the feet. So it is with those whose fortune does not suit them."
- Quintus Horatius Flaccus.
38. "I have lived long enough both in years and in accomplishments."
- Julius Caesar.
39. "Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
- Marcus Aurelius.
40. "I’m never less at leisure than when at leisure, or less alone than when alone."
- Scipio Africanus.
41. "The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane."
- Marcus Aurelius.
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With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.
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