At its height, the Roman Empire stretched all over Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the UK. It had permanent military bases in all of the above stocked with military garrisons, weapons, politicians and operatives sent to control and subvert local governments. During that zenith, the popular beliefs of the time went something like this:


1. We invented everything: The important technological and social advancements of our modern world were invented here. Our scientists and engineers are the best and brightest the world has ever seen. Also, our religion is far superior to yours and is, in fact, the only true religion. We’ll try and tolerate your heathen gods, but you’re misguided.

2. We have the best soldiers: We have the toughest, fiercest fighters in the world and our military will defeat all opposition. Your fighters are lazy, unorganized and clearly seeking to subvert our superior way of life if you oppose us. In other words–why do you hate Rome?

3. We have the best life: We eat the best, wear the best, live in the best places. Our homes and buildings are the best money can buy and are really what any sensible person would live in.

4. We have the best government: Our Emperor wisely and benignly reigns over the land with justice and mercy. He has the safety and prosperity of the citizens in mind. The Senate thinks only of the people and ensures that the Emperor understands and fulfills the people’s needs.

5. Everybody wants to be (or should be) like us: We’ve got everything you need. Dress like us, speak Latin, adopt our beliefs, religion and form of government and you’ll be happy, just like us.

With beliefs like that, how can you fail?