Perhaps surprising to some and maybe not so much to others, modern societal structure and cultural customs reflect ancient Rome in numerous foundational ways. Before researching this topic I was aware of a few, as I’m sure many of you are. But by the time I learned the breadth, width, and depth of this influence I was pretty astonished. Maybe you’ll feel the same.
Please bear in mind that I’m not making the claim that these influences and structures are all inherently bad, I’m merely shining a light on the profundity of Roman influence in modern Western culture. Conversely however, I do believe that any practices that reflect some element of worship, which was often in tandem with astrological precession, should be avoided by the modern Christian at all costs.
The all-encompassing nature of this imprint, in conjunction with the subsumption of Christianity, and the mistreatment of YHWH’s chosen people, will hopefully begin to paint a clearer picture of what has taken place throughout the Piscean age.
I’ve compiled it into a bullet-point outline to respect everyone’s time, mine included (though it might still be hard to tell). In this age, with our handy pocket supercomputers, it’s easy to look into anything deeper if we choose. (NOTE: an asterisk will mark things that were adopted from Greek culture and reimagined and institutionalized by Rome).
Wedding Traditions:
WEDDING RINGS:
Started in Rome as engagement/wedding ring ('anulus pronubus')
Romans chose left fourth finger, believing it had love vein ('vena amoris') to heart
Originally iron rings served as legal contracts, not just symbols
Gold rings later replaced iron as symbols of lasting trust
Circle shape represented eternity and protection from evil
Spread through Roman Empire and preserved by Catholic Church
WEDDING CEREMONY:
Roman marriage ceremony called sacred wedding ritual ('confarreatio')
Required high priest ('pontifex maximus') and special witnesses
Included joining of right hands ('dextrarum iunctio') ritual
Many elements preserved in modern Christian ceremonies
WEDDING DRESSES:
Roman brides wore straight white tunic ('tunica recta') for purity
White showed wealth (ability to keep clean)
Hair arranged in six-strand braid ('seni crines') with iron spear
Original practice faded during Middle Ages
Victorians revived white dress tradition during classical revival
Color had significant class implications
WEDDING PARTY:
Roman law required 'decem testes' (ten witnesses) for legal marriage
Matron of honor ('pronuba') had to be married once and still with husband
Bridesmaids originally dressed like bride to confuse evil spirits
Witnesses' legal role gradually became today's ceremonial one
THRESHHOLD CARRYING:
Romans avoided stepping on threshold ('limen') due to sacred spirits
Home protected by 'Lares' and 'Penates' (household gods)
Showed respect for spirit of the place ('genius loci')
Prevented tripping (considered a bad omen)
Showed bride wasn't eager to leave family (eagerness was bad luck)
Practice spread throughout Empire, continues today
WEDDING CAKE:
Romans broke sacred wheat cake ('farreum') over bride's head
Breaking symbolized both fertility and separation from childhood family
Wedding cake ('mustaceum') made with must (grape juice)
Crumbs brought luck to unmarried guests
Guests required to eat it - refusing meant bad luck for couple
Evolved to stacked buns (used for "kissing test" to predict couple's fortune)
Modern tiered cakes evolved from these traditions
WEDDING VEIL:
Romans used yellow bridal veil ('flammeum')
Protected bride from evil eye ('fascinatio')
Showed modesty and father's protection
Color changed to white but meaning remained
JUNE WEDDINGS:
Historically, for at least 100 years and likely beyond, the most popular wedding month in US
June named for Juno (Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth)
Roman brides sought Juno's blessing for marriages
Traditional belief that June weddings would be blessed/protected
In recent years (2022) the trend has shifted toward autumn weddings (October at 14.9%, September at 13.6%, June at 12.5%).
Holiday Traditions:
CHRISTMAS:
Timing/Date:
Early Eastern Christians celebrated Christ's birth on January 6th (Epiphany)
Some early Christian scholars calculated spring dates (March-May) based on historical events
Romans celebrated Saturnalia ("Festival of Saturn") December 17-23
Followed by Dies Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of the Unconquered Sun") December 25
Roman Emperor Constantine made December 25 a legally enforced feast day
Roman Church officially codified date at Council of Tours in 567 CE
New date spread from Rome throughout Christian world
Gift-Giving:
Romans exchanged 'sigillaria' ("little figures/dolls") during Saturnalia
Also gave 'strenae' ("good luck gifts") including candles and coins
Saturnalia role reversal, where masters served their servants, is also evident in present day Christmas celebrations
Early Christians adopted gift-giving practice from these Saturnalia customs
Practice preserved through Church's adaptation of Roman traditions
Decorations:
Romans hung 'oscilla' (decorative disks/masks) from trees during Saturnalia
Used wreaths and garlands to decorate homes and public spaces
Lit homes with 'cerei' (wax candles) to brighten darkest winter days
Special clothes (synthesis) required during celebration
Likely influenced tradition of decorating with evergreens and ornaments
Practice spread through Roman Empire and preserved by Church
VALENTINE’S DAY:
Timing/Date:
Church placed Valentine's feast on February 14th
Lupercalia celebrated February 15th
Both tied to mid-February fertility timing
Marks seasonal transition toward spring/renewal
Coupling/Match-making:
Lupercalia had ritual matching of young men and women
Modern Valentine's continues theme of coupling
Both involve community recognition of pairs
Both include elements of fate/destiny in matching
Physical/Fertility Practices:
Lupercalia had ritual whipping or women with leather straps for fertility blessings
Modern celebration maintains physical/sensual elements
Both involve consensual physical practices
Both channel sexual/creative energies
Both involve community recognition of pairs
Both include elements of fate/destiny in matching
Community Celebration:
Lupercalia was public festival
Valentine's remains community celebration
Both involve public declarations
Both celebrate coupling within social context
EASTER:
Timing/Date:
Original Jewish Passover used lunar observation
Floralia (Roman spring festival) celebrated April 28 - May 3
Council of Nicaea standardized date using Roman Julian calendar
Fixed spring equinox to March 21 (Julian date)
Calculated first full moon after equinox
Set celebration to following Sunday
Spread through Roman Empire via Church authority
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS:
Cake candles ritual (offered to Luna)
Smoke carries prayers to gods
Birthday feast customs
Gift-giving practices
Birthday wreaths/garlands
Current cake and candle traditions stem from Roman offerings
Modern birthday party customs reflect Roman celebration patterns
Today's birthday wish tradition evolved from Roman prayers
Current gift-giving practices mirror Roman spiritual exchanges
Institutional Systems:
LEGAL SYSTEM:
Court Structure
Judge (iudex) role and powers
Jurors (iudices)
Legal representation rights
Public trial concept
Evidence rules
Appeals process
Legal Concepts
Burden of proof
Precedent-based reasoning
Civil vs. criminal law distinction
Written law requirements (lex scripta)
Legal Terminology
Pro bono (for the public good)
Habeas corpus (have the body)
Subpoena (under penalty)
Affidavit (he/she has sworn)
Alibi (elsewhere)
Legal Procedures
Court protocols (ordo iudiciorum)
Public hearings (in iure)
Legal standing (persona standi)
Time limitations (praescriptio)
Default judgments (in absentia)
Preliminary hearings (causae cognitio)
Written submissions (libellus)
Legal Roles
Prosecutor (accusator)
Witness (testis)
Court clerk (scriba)
Legal guardian (tutor)
Expert witness (peritus)
Advocate (advocatus)
Magistrate (magistratus)
Property Law Concepts
Property rights (dominium)
Contracts (contractus)
Inheritance (hereditas)
Easements (servitutes)
Possession (possessio)
Transfer of ownership (traditio)
Judicial Powers
Issuing edicts (edictum)
Granting remedies (actiones)
Enforcement authority (imperium)
Interpretative power (interpretatio)
Emergency powers (senatus consultum ultimum)
Jurisdictional limits (competentia)
EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM:
Academic Structure
Grade level progression (Roman education stages: ludus litterarius, grammaticus, rhetor)
Lecture-based teaching
Written examinations
Homework concept
Academic year timing
University organization (higher schools of rhetoric/law)
Academic Traditions
Public speaking emphasis (central to Roman education)*
Student recitations
Honor systems
Teacher-student relationships (magister-discipulus)
Academic competitions (declamatio)
Academic Terms
Alumni (foster sons)
Campus (field)
Curriculum (chariot course)
Professor (one who professes)
Diploma (folded document)
Teaching Methods
Socratic questioning*
Memorization exercises
Text analysis
Rhetorical training
Writing exercises (progymnasmata)*
Subject Areas
Liberal arts foundation*
Rhetoric and oratory
Grammar and literature
Basic mathematics
Legal training
Philosophy*
GOVERNMENTAL/CIVIC POLITICAL STRUCTURE:
Government Terms
Senate
Republic*
Veto (I forbid)
Referendum
Imperium (executive power)
Mandate (entrusted to)
Quorum (of whom)
Legislature (law-bringer)
Province (territory)
Civic Concepts
Citizenship rights
Public service*
Civic duty*
Public works
Infrastructure management
Public archives
Census taking
Municipal administration
Municipal charters
Local administrative roles
Standardized record keeping
Tax collection
Public works management
Local councils
City management
Public funding (tributum)
Administrative Systems
Provincial governance
Public treasury (aerarium)
Civil service roles
Public records
Tax collection
Urban planning
Public security
Roads and transport
Political Offices
Magistrates
Consuls
Tribunes
Censors
Praetors
Administrators (praefecti)
Public defenders
Civic Institutions
Public forums*
Courts of law
Public libraries (bibliothecae)
Civic temples
Civic-Religious Integration
Religious elements in civic ceremonies
Religious holidays as civic events
Religious oaths in civic functions
Religious buildings as civic spaces
Religious tolerance with civic compliance
Official state religious positions
Dual civic-religious offices
State management of religious affairs
Religious validation of state acts
URBAN PLANNING:
City Design
Grid street system (cardo and decumanus)
Central forum layout
Radiating road networks
Planned public spaces
Architectural innovations
Concrete arch construction
Large-scale domes
Load-bearing columns
Standardized municipal buildings
Infrastructure
Engineered road systems (layered construction)
Advanced water management
Aqueducts
Underground sewers
Public fountains
Water distribution
Building regulations
Height restrictions
Material standards
Fire prevention
Structural requirements
MILITARY ORGANIZATION:
Professional Army Structure
Standing army system (exercitus)
Fixed unit organization
Legion (legio)
Cohort (cohors)
Century (centuria)
Maniple (manipulus)
Professional officer corps
Commander (imperator)
General (legatus)
Tribune (tribunus)
Centurion (centurio)
Technical specialists
Military engineers (fabri)
Surveyors (metatores)
Medical corps (medici)
Military Institution
Military law (ius militare)
Service contract (sacramentum)
Standardized training (disciplina)
Equipment standards (armatura)
Professional pay grades (stipendium)
Retirement system (missio)
Veterans' System
Military awards (dona militaria)
Veterans' benefits (praemia militiae)
Land grants (assignatio)
Veterans' colonies (coloniae militares)
Veteran privileges (beneficia)
Life and Culture:
TIME & CALENDAR:
Calendar Structure (calendarium)
Month names and origins
Ianuarius (from Janus, god of doorways/transitions)
Februarius (from Februa purification festival)
Martius (from Mars, god of war)
Aprilis (possibly from Aphrodite/Venus or aperire "to open")
Maius (from Maia, earth goddess)
Iunius (from Juno, goddess)
Iulius (from Julius Caesar)
Augustus (from Emperor Augustus)
September (seventh month)
October (eighth month)
November (ninth month)
December (tenth month)
Time Divisions
AM/PM system
Ante meridiem (before midday)
Post meridiem (after midday)
Hour divisions (horae)
Calendar dating system
Kalends (kalendae) - first of month
Nones (nonae) - 5th/7th of month
Ides (idus) - 13th/15th of month
Official Time
Public calendar (fasti)
Festival dates (feriae)
Market days (dies nundinalis)
Official announcements (acta diurna)
State chronology (annales)
SOCIAL CUSTOMS:
Greetings & Social Protocol (urbanitas)
Handshake (dextrarum iunctio)
Name format
Given name (praenomen)
Family name (nomen)
Personal title (cognomen)
Social clubs (collegia)
Patron-client relations (clientela)
Guest rights (hospitium)
Dining Customs
Three-course meal
First course (gustatio)
Main course (primae mensae)
Dessert course (secundae mensae)
Formal dinner party (convivium)
Reclining dining custom (accubitio)
Wine mixing ritual (temperatio)
Host duties (dominus convivii)
SPORTS & GAMES:
Venue Architecture
Stadium design (amphitheatrum)
Tiered seating (cavea)
VIP sections (podium)
Arena layout (arena/harena)
Entry/exit systems (vomitoria)
Professional Athletics
Professional athletes (athletae)
Training facilities (palaestra)
Personal trainers (lanista)
Performance contracts
Public sponsorship
Event Organization
Public games (ludi)
Competition categories
Tournament brackets
Award ceremonies
Official referees
Event scheduling
Spectator Culture
Season tickets (tessera)
Crowd control
Fan sections
Organized cheering
Betting systems
Game Management
Official rules
Time keeping
Score keeping
Performance records
Team organization
DOCUMENTATION & RECORD KEEPING:
Personal Documents (acta)
Birth registration (professio)
Marriage contract (tabulae nuptiales)
Census records (census)
Property deeds (mancipatio)
Wills (testamentum)
Identity documents (tessera)
Government Records
Public archives (tabularium)
Official seals (sigillum)
Document formulas (formulae)
Certified copies (exemplum)
Public notices (acta diurna)
Official correspondence (epistulae)
Notary system (tabellio)
Record preservation methods
Multiple copies (exemplaria)
Bronze/stone inscription
Archive storage (scrinium)
LANGUAGE INFLUENCE:
Common Phrases
Administrative/Business
Et cetera (and the rest)
Pro rata (in proportion)
Per annum (by the year)
Per capita (by the head)
Bona fide (in good faith)
Ad valorem (according to value)
De facto (in fact)
Ex officio (by virtue of office)
Pro forma (as a matter of form)
Sine die (without day/indefinitely)
Time/State
Status quo (existing state)
Ad hoc (for this)
Interim (meanwhile)
Pro tempore (for the time)
De jure (by law)
In situ (in position)
Ad infinitum (to infinity)
A priori (from before)
In perpetuum (forever)
Ipso facto (by the fact itself)
General Wisdom/Usage
Carpe diem (seize the day)
Vice versa (position turned)
Nota bene (note well)
Quid pro quo (this for that)
Caveat emptor (buyer beware)
Modus operandi (method of operating)
Per se (by itself)
Ad nauseam (to the point of nausea)
Verbatim (word for word)
Professional Language
Legal (ius)
De jure (by law)
Ex post facto (after the fact)
Prima facie (at first sight)
Mens rea (guilty mind)
Pro bono (for the good)
Habeas corpus (you shall have the body)
Sub poena (under penalty)
In camera (in private)
Ultra vires (beyond the powers)
Res ipsa loquitur (the thing speaks for itself)
Medical/Scientific (medicina)
In vitro (in glass)
Post mortem (after death)
Ad libitum (at pleasure)
Per os (by mouth)
In vivo (within the living)
Rigor mortis (stiffness of death)
Ad hoc (for this purpose)
In situ (in position)
Et al. (and others)
Pro re nata (as needed)
Academic/Literary (academia)
Et al. (and others)
Ibid. (in the same place)
Op. cit. (in the work cited)
Viz. (namely)
Exempli gratia (for example)
Id est (that is)
In toto (in total)
Sic (thus)
Vide (see)
Circa (around)
Scientific Classification
Binomial nomenclature
Genus names
Species descriptors
Taxonomic ranks
Anatomical terms
Body parts
Directional terms
Structural descriptions
Chemical nomenclature
Element names
Compound descriptors
Reaction types
Technical descriptors
Measurement terms
Process descriptions
State indicators
In Closing…
So, as you can see, it’s just a couple things. This isn’t quite everything, but I’m sure you get the idea. Once again: I believe the practices that included some element of spirituality for the Romans should be avoided! We can be like Lot, or we can be like his wife (Genesis 19:15-26). I’ll tell you, I do want to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), but not like that.
But perhaps the most striking parallel to Rome isn't just in our institutions and customs, but in how our society operates as a whole. Just as Rome absorbed and systematized diverse cultural elements while maintaining its core institutional framework, modern Western society follows a remarkably similar pattern. We retain Roman systems of law, governance, education, and civic life while incorporating various cultural influences, just like Roman syncretism did. Our culture even reflects the basic principle of "pay your taxes and participate in the civic system, and you can maintain your cultural identity."
And much like Rome's vast network of provinces, outposts, and client states that spanned the known world, today's Western influence (particularly American) extends globally through military bases, embassies, economic systems, and cultural reach. The U.S. currently has some form of official presence in about 190 out of 195 countries (97%). And while the type and extent of presence varies, the reach is nearly universal.
It’s almost as though we're all still living in Rome…
Thanks for reading and God bless!