Census Quote by Livy

“The failure of the roman system to furnish decent minimal standards for the mass of people was a fundamental cause of instability, both political…

— H.J. Haskell

“The central government was a despotism tempered by military rebellion and assassination and replacement of one scurvy lot of ruling dynasts by another. But…

— Norman F. Cantor

That Rome was comparatively great and wealthy is certain.

— Goldwin Smith

Rome was in the most dangerous inclination to change on account of the unequal distribution of wealth and property, those of highest rank and…

— Plutarch

“In 63 BCE that was around a million men spread across the capital and throughout Italy, as well as a few beyond. In practice,…

— Mary Beard

“The narrow policy of preserving, without any foreign mixture, the pure blood of the ancient citizens, had checked the fortune, and hastened the ruin,…

— Edward Gibbon

“In 63 BCE the city of Rome was a vast metropolis of more than a million inhabitants, larger than any other in Europe before…

— Mary Beard

“By being a citizen of Rome, a man gained honor, wealth, and security. The Latins, therefore, became eager to obtain this title, and used…

— Numa Denis Fustel de Coulanges

“I know not why any one but a schoolboy in his declamation should whine over the Commonwealth of Rome, which grew great only by…

— Samuel Johnson

“It was possible, no doubt, to imagine a society in which WEALTH, in the sense of personal pos- sessions and luxuries, should be evenly…

— George Orwell

“Rome increased its per capita income by exploiting its conquered territories, not by increasing its productive potential. Rome expanded but did not grow.”

— Edward A. Hudson

“Is your life really so bad? This city is full of opportunities –” “Can you call it a city?” Marcus asked. “No gymnasium, no…

— Matthew Johnson