Opinion

Ancient Rome and the Constitution, Part II: Roman History and Founding-Era Faves

Among the authors read by the American Founders, six stand out as having a particular influence on the Constitution.
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Ancient Rome and the Constitution, Part II: Roman History and Founding-Era Faves
A portrait of Greek historian Plutarch (46 C.E.–120 C.E.), circa 80 C.E. Engraving by Kean Collection/Getty Images
Rob Natelson
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Commentary
The first installment of this series on the lessons that America’s Founders drew from Rome summarized the dominant position of Roman writings in the Founding Era educational curriculum and the popularity of ancient Rome with the general public.
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Rob Natelson
Rob Natelson
Author
Robert G. Natelson, a former constitutional law professor, is Senior Fellow in Constitutional Jurisprudence at the Mountain States Policy Center and the Independence Institute. He authored “The Original Constitution” (4th ed., 2025) and is a contributor to the Heritage Foundation’s “Heritage Guide to the Constitution.”