American architecture isn’t even subtle in saying that we’re like Rome.
The White House
The Temple of Hercules Victor in Rome
The Washington Monument in DC (left) and Trajan’s Column in Rome (right)
U.S. Supreme Court Building
Roman Temple of idolatry, built 19-16 BC. Still standing in Southern France.
The Colosseum in Rome
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas
US Capitol building, prior to 1850s expansion
Jefferson Memorial
University of Virginia Rotunda, designed by Thomas Jefferson himself
Antoine Desgodetz’ engraving of the Pantheon in Rome
Roman fasces, symbolizing many rods becoming strong through unity, is the root of the word fascist, and was used heavily by Mussolini.
The fasces on the U.S. mercury dime.
Roman eagle, was Rome’s main symbol and sat atop Imperial flagpoles in battle (left)
U.S. mint silver coin (right)
In the newly renovated West Wing press room, notice the Roman column and eagle atop the flag.
I don’t mean to demonize Rome, the Founding Fathers wanted to reference the ideal Republic, the good side of Rome; Cicero and Archimedes and all that.
But I wonder how much the Founders predicted we, like Rome, would become an Empire?
Me, victorious at new federal courthouse in Montgomery (notice the Roman eagle)
Nick