Why Did the Romans Call Themselves Romans?

Tradition holds that Rome was founded in 753 BCE. Over the decades, the inhabitants of Rome gradually came to identify as Romans. However, this article delves into the historical reality, revealing that despite the significant influence of Greek art and literature, the Romans never referred to themselves as Greeks. Instead, it was the Greeks who adopted the Roman identity, particularly after the establishment of Constantinople as the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This article explores the reasons behind this intriguing cultural switch and unravels the meaning behind the famous Latin phrase SPQR.

Early Identification as Romans

The early Romans did not refer to themselves as Greeks, and this was intentional. In ancient times, identity was closely tied to geography and ethnicity, and the Romans were clear about their distinct identity. They were the people of Rome, as opposed to Greeks, who were people of Athens, Sparta, or other Greek city-states. This distinction was not just linguistic; it was a matter of cultural and political pride.

The Greek Influence

Despite the profound impact of Greek art and literature on Roman culture, the Romans never considered themselves Greeks. Greek art and literature influenced Roman cultural and artistic developments, as seen in the ruins of Roman cities, the writings of Roman poets, and the architectural structures they admired and replicated. The Roman religious practices also adopted many Greek deities, but they remained distinct in their cultural and political identities.

The Shift in Greek Identity

The Greeks began to identify themselves as Romans after the fall of Greece to Roman dominance in 146 BCE. However, their adoption of the Roman identity became more pronounced after the granting of Roman citizenship to all residents of the Roman Empire in 212 CE, under the edict of the Emperor Caracalla. Rome had become a vast, multi-ethnic empire, and the idea of a common Roman identity began to take hold.

With the establishment of Constantinople as the capital of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire in 330 CE, the Greeks further embraced the Roman identity. Constantinople, initially known as Byzantium, was rebuilt and renamed to reflect the new capital's significance. Its citizens, including the Greeks who made up a significant part of the population, began to see themselves as Romans, rather than Greeks. This change was more than just a linguistic shift; it reflected a broader cultural and political identity.

The Meaning of SPQR

The phrase SPQR, inscribed on many Roman monuments, shields, and buildings, stands for Senatus PopulusQue Romanus, which translates to “the Senate and the Roman people.” This is a clear statement of the dual governance of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. The term highlights the democratic roots of the Roman state, where the Senate represented the aristocracy and the Roman people represented the citizens. The concept of SPQR epitomized the unity and strength of Roman identity, both in terms of governance and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The Romans never referred to themselves as Greeks, even under the significant influence of Greek culture. Instead, it was the Greeks who began to identify themselves as Romans, particularly after the establishment of the Byzantine Empire under Emperor Constantine. The adoption of the Roman identity by the Greeks was a significant cultural transformation, marking the end of a distinct Greek civilization and the beginning of a new era under Roman influence. The phrase SPQR encapsulates the essence of Roman governance and identity, reflecting the dual sovereignty of the Senate and the Roman people.