Rome versus America

There are some interesting similarities between present day America and Ancient Rome in the last century BC when the Republic declined, including:

• Both Armies changed from a mass citizen force, mobilized only during wartime, to a professional, all volunteer Army.
• America now relies on small brigades about 6000 strong, as combat units, which compares with the 5000 strong Roman Legion.
• Like Europe today, the surrounding Greek nations of the Roman Era were weak militarily and increasingly relied on Rome for protection and direction.

And more ominous considering scandals buffeting our own Congress these days:

• The Roman Senate became corrupt and ineffective and was often controlled by charismatic leaders called “Consuls” which seized greater and greater power, finally to become Emperors.