The Influence of Ancient Greece and Rome on the New Republic
by Bob Brooke

The Founding Fathers looked to ancient Greece and Rome to formulate the government of the New Republic of the United States. Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson drew on classical concepts to establish not only a system of government but also of civic values and architectural design. Both ancient Greece and Rome laid the foundation for democracy, from the Greek model and the rule of law based on the Roman one.

Both Jefferson and Washington adopted classical ideas to shape the legal and political frameworks for the new government. The Roman Republic served as a model for the U.S. government structure, emphasizing checks and balances, civic duty, and the importance of a mixed government.

Early American education emphasized the study of classical texts. This curriculum aimed to instill civic virtues and knowledge of governance, drawing from the works of ancient philosophers and historians.

Even those without formal education, like George Washington, were familiar with classical cultures indicating the pervasive influence of these ancient cultures in American society.

One of the most significant contributions of ancient Greece to the United States government is the idea of democracy. In ancient Athens, citizens had the right to participate in decision-making and had a say in how their city-state was run. This principle of "rule by the people" is similar to what is used in the United States, where citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern on their behalf. While modern democracy is much larger and more complex, its roots can be traced
back to the ancient Greeks.

The ancient Romans also played a vital role in shaping the United States government. They introduced the concept of the separation of powers, dividing their government into three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. This system ensured a balance of power, preventing any one person or group from becoming too powerful. The U.S. government, with its President, Congress, and Supreme Court, adopted this idea to ensure a fair and just system of governance.

Both the Greeks and Romans believed in the importance of the rule of law, where laws apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their status or wealth. This concept laid the groundwork for the American belief in justice and fairness under the law. Today, the United States government follows this principle, ensuring that no one is above the law and that justice prevails.

In ancient Rome, the Senate was a body of elected officials who made important decisions for the empire. This idea influenced the creation of the U.S. Congress, where representatives and senators are chosen by the people to discuss and pass laws for the nation. Congress, like the Roman Senate, acts as a crucial part of our legislative process.

The Greek and Roman architectural styles have also influenced the design of important buildings in the United States government. For example, the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman temples. Additionally, the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom, is reminiscent of ancient Roman goddesses.

The Influence of Classical Heroes
The Founding Fathers admired and actively emulated classical figures such as Cincinnatus, Cicero, and the Greek statesman Solon as paragons of virtue and leadership. These classical stalwarts served as moral and practical guides for their actions in the nascent American Republic.

Cincinnatus resonated deeply with George Washington, who, like the Roman general, voluntarily relinquished his military command after the Revolutionary War, reinforcing the ideal that leadership should be exercised with restraint and in service to the public good.

Cicero's devotion to the Roman Republic and his denunciation of tyranny shaped the philosophical underpinnings of many Founders, including John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Cicero's writings on natural law and the intrinsic rights of individuals provided a foundational philosophy that informed the Declaration of Independence.

The concept of virtus, or civic virtue, underpinned the ethos with which the Founders approached the creation of the new government. They believed, as Cicero did, that the success of a republic depended upon the moral character and active participation of its citizens.

Solon, the Athenian lawmaker credited with laying the foundations for democracy in Athens, influenced the Founders with his reforms that promoted economic fairness and legal equity. James Madison's reflections in The Federalist Papers often draw parallels to Solon's balancing acts between competing societal interests.

These classical heroes provided a living blueprint for governance and personal conduct. Through the emulation of Cincinnatus's humility, Cicero's eloquence, and Solon's wisdom, the Founders combined the ethical and civic virtues of antiquity with the enlightenment principles of their time, creating a legacy that has transcended generations.

Architectural Inspirations from Antiquity
The architectural choices made in the construction of key American buildings draw heavily from ancient concepts.

The U.S. Capitol's design, inspired by the Roman Pantheon, embodies classical elegance and endurance. The Capitol's interior features Doric columns from the Temple of Apollo, Ionic columns from the Erechtheion, and uniquely American Corinthian capitals blending native tobacco leaves with classical acanthus.

Thomas Jefferson's fascination with classical architecture is evident in the Virginia State Capitol, inspired by the Maison Carrée in Nîmes, France. This structure mirrors the grandeur and simplicity of a Roman temple, conveying stability and republican virtue.

The layout of Washington, D.C., also bears the imprint of ancient cities, with the Capitol on Capitol Hill evoking Rome's Capitoline Hill and the National Mall drawing inspiration from the Roman Forum.

The city's collective classical aesthetic is visible in the Treasury Building's Ionic columns, the Patent Office's Parthenon inspiration, and the Lincoln Memorial's Doric colonnade. This conscious borrowing of a language of power, endurance, and democratic ideals emphasizes the Founders' belief in the enduring truths of the Greco-Roman world.

As the nation grew, classical influences in American architecture evolved. The early Republic's embrace of Roman precedents gave way to Greek Revival architecture, seen in the University of Virginia and countless courthouses and statehouses across the country. This shift reflects the evolving American ideals of democracy and enlightenment.

The architectural echoes of Greece and Rome across America's capital are more than stylistic choices; they are a reminder of the values and virtues the Founding Fathers held in the highest regard. Classical architecture continues to speak to the timeless ideals of democracy, liberty, and justice.

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