Book Review—The Roman Republic, History, Myths, Politics, and Novelistic Historiography by Miguel A. Faria, MD. Reviewed by Robert A. Waters

In his introduction to The Roman Republic, History, Myths, Politics, and Novelistic Historiography, the author, Dr. Miguel A. Faria, Jr., writes: “Rome laid the foundation for the system of jurisprudence that later formed the basis of civil law in Latin nations like France, Spain, and Portugal and in countries of North America (Mexico) and Central and South America. Even English-speaking countries, such as the United States, England, Australia and New Zealand, whose laws were based on evolving English common law, were influenced by the Roman civil system.”

Rome is credited with beginning in 753 B.C. with the founding of the city. While many myths are included in writings about Rome’s early beginnings, the fact is that Roman writers and historians also included great swaths of actual history. Archaeology has proven the accuracy of much of those writings. The Etruscans, a former culture, and ancient Greeks had a significant influence on Roman government and language. 

The author states that “Romulus was…responsible for forming the Roman Senate, the Roman army, and the initial cults of Roman religion.” In the very beginning, Rome needed men and women to populate the city. “To attract men to the new city, Romulus created an asylum where fugitives, slaves, or even freemen from other areas could take refuge.” To get women, the Roman army raided and conquered smaller tribes.

Rome’s military might was necessary for the country to survive for as long as it did. Dr. Faria writes, “The military remained disciplined and strong, able to ward off the barbarians at the frontiers and capable of enforcing peace within the empire.” Although the republic was shaken numerous times, it lasted 500 years, long enough to influence the founders of our country, the United States of America. (By contrast, the American Republic has lasted about 250 years.)

Instead of establishing a monarchy or democracy, “ancient Rome created the res publica (‘in the public interest’) form of governance.” Rome developed an executive branch that managed the military and the government; the senate, whose leaders  debated and passed legislation; and the judicial branch made up of judges. Most Roman government officials were voted into office, an unusual practice during that era.

Over time, Rome fought hundreds, if not thousands, of battles and wars against outside forces, but the Republic was brought down from within. In the decades before Jesus Christ was born, a brutal civil war doomed the Republic.

Both Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (i.e., Pompey) and Julius Caesar were successful military leaders. The author writes, “Pompey was a popular youth. In his younger days, he was often compared in appearance to Alexander the Great because of his fine features, golden hair and limpid eyes.” 

Although Julius Caesar was born into an aristocratic family, his longing to be dictator of Rome caused friction between him and Pompey, who aligned himself with the Senate.

In 48 B.C., Julius Caesar’s military destroyed Pompey’s army at the Battle of Pharsalus. In describing the horrific conflict that ended the Republic, the author writes that Caesar’s infantry was ordered not to throw their javelins (as was normal) at the charging Republican army but “to thrust them at the heads of the enemy horsemen in an effort to gouge out their eyes, puncture their throats, or cause other dreadful wounds.” In the battle, the Republican army suffered 15,000 casualties and 24,000 of its soldiers were taken captive. Pompey fled to Egypt, but was murdered by associates of Ptolemy VIII, the thirteen-year-old boy-king. (NOTE: the author’s description of these events reads like a novel and is guaranteed to keep the reader in suspense.)

Julius Caesar became the ruler of Rome, but was famously assassinated a few years later, in 44 B.C. The Republican form of government never recovered as Octavian assumed power and transformed the Republic into the Empire. 

Most Romans believed in “natural law.” Cicero, well-read and highly educated, taught the concept. Dr. Faria writes that “Natural Law and Natural Rights theory assert that the rights of the individual were unlimited as long as they do not impinge on the rights of others and do not disturb the peace and tranquility of the community. On the other hand, the power of the state upon the individual was limited.” While writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson followed the tenets of Cicero and other more modern thinkers, such as Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.

There are so many great stories in this book. We all know about Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Here is a quick biographical sketch of Marc Antony and his wife Octavia: “All of Rome knew that Marc Antony had been consorting with Cleopatra. Yet Octavia, his devoted and long-suffering wife, remained loyal to him despite his shameful treatment of her. She took care of his business affairs during his long absences from Rome, all the while residing in Antony’s house and not returning to her brother Octavian’s home as a scorned and mistreated wife.” The real story (not Hollywood’s version) shows Antony as a not-so-great general and a cad of the worst sort. During his last battle, he abandoned his post in the midst of the fighting to follow Cleopatra to Egypt. Needless to say, his rudderless navy (and army) were quickly destroyed.

So many of the true stories in the book bear little resemblance to the romantic notions of Hollywood. Most are even more interesting than some modern made-up dramatic tale.

The Roman civilization, particularly the Republic, influenced the formation of our own country and, as such, should be studied by American citizens. The author (pictured) describes many heroes and villains. The writing is fast-paced and exciting. The characters had many of the positive traits and negative flaws that we have today, and that makes their stories even more readable. The book has 263 high-quality B/W pictures and 33 color photos in high definition. I highly recommend The Roman Republic, History, Myths, Politics, and Novelistic Historiography written by the avid scholar and clear-thinker, Dr. Miguel A. Faria, Jr.

Reviewed by Robert A. Waters

Robert A. Waters is the author of the national best-seller The Best Defense: True Stories of Intended Victims Who Defended Themselves With A Firearm (1998) as well as five true crime books, including Guns Save Lives (2002) and Guns and Self-Defense (2019). His blog is Kidnapping, Murder and Mayhem.

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