History according to Asterix the Gaul

Well Doom-bringer, I guess that's that.

Thanks for that deep, insightful argument stating the facts.

Here's a few more:

1. Fascism - Originated in Italy, in 1922. So, you got the location right but you're only a few thousand years off in timing. If you mean the Roman political system, it evolved from city state to kingdom to a Republic. And yes in its later stages an emperor or a team of emperors (2 or 3 at a time). Hollywood aside, Rome developed a democratic system unparalleled in its time. With the exception of Greece, almost no where else in the world did the citizens of a government have rights and due process of law. By the way most non Roman men (sorry ladies) could become a naturalized citizen.

2. Slavery - Just google it please and show me which ancient culture did not use forced labor for criminals and former enemies. Again, yes slavery is horrible but imagine your fate at the hands of a barbarian chief if you traveled into his domain.

3. Brutality - If you mean Rome was brutal to its enemies and non-citizens, no more so than any other "Barbarian" tribe in existence at the time. If you want to judge ancient civilizations by modern, western, liberal norms, then you may as well call Rome a backwards culture that didn't even know how to use computers.

4. The empire at its zenith encompassed about a quarter of the world's population (~57 million). Rome's army spread throughout the empire was less than 450,000 at its peak (0.8%). Now those were trained soldiers, but still, armed only with swords, spears and rudimentary ballistic machines. Do you really think that they could control millions if they were as brutal as you suggest?

Rome succeeded because it was the LEAST brutal choice in a horrific world. It provided safe travel for merchants within its borders and the rule of law for its citizens.

just some facts...