Why the Roman Empire Was Not Called the Romulan Empire

The confusion over the naming of the Roman Empire is a fascinating historical quirk. Despite what some might imagine, the empire never took on the name Romulan. This article explores the historical reasons behind this and delves into the significance of such a name change would have had.

The Origin of the Name: Roma vs. Romula

The key reason the Roman Empire was not called the Romulan Empire is straightforward: the city was named Roma, not Romula. The name of the legendary founding hero, Romulus, is generally accepted as a back formation from the city's name. This is not just a linguistic detail but a significant part of the city's foundation myth.

It is noteworthy that the name Romulus was not simply chosen but is believed to be derived from the city's name. This mythological and etymological connection reinforces the cultural and historical identity of Rome, making the name change highly improbable.

The Last Roman Emperor of the West: Romulus Augustus

The story of Romulus Augustus, the last emperor of the Western Roman Empire, offers a unique perspective. In 476 AD, he was the first emperor to be peacefully deposed, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. Instead of facing traditional forms of usurpation or rebellion, he was merely given a large country estate and pension by the new rulers of Italy.

The eastern half of the empire continued under the rule of Emperor Zeno, who kept the title of the emperor. However, things took an unexpected turn with the invasion by Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD. This event marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the Roman Empire.

The First Emperor in a Modern Sense: Gaius Julius Caesar's Adopted Son

Before Romulus Augustus, in a more modern sense, the Roman Empire's first emperor was Gaius Julius Caesar's adopted son, who used the name Augustus. It is often overlooked that his enemies referred to him as Octavian. This term, though used by his critics, did not gain traction among the populace due to its emphasis on his original name, Gaius Octavius.

When he approached the Senate to request a special title, which would technically be an addition to his long name already including Imperator, he was considering the name Romulus rather than Augustus. However, his friends advised against this choice. The reasoning behind this lies in the historical and cultural context of Rome.

The Historical Context and Strategic Considerations

Romulus, both the founding hero and the first king of Rome, had a profound impact on the city's identity and mythology. However, choosing the name Romulus as emperor would have been problematic for Augustus due to the following reasons:

Kingship in the Roman Republic: Seeking to be crowned as a king would have been high treason in the Roman Republic, given the explicit ban on monarchy. Augustus, who carefully preserved his public image, took great efforts to portray himself as a restorer of the republic, not a monarch. Julius Caesar's Fate: Augustus, the adoptive son of Julius Caesar, well understood the risk of following in his stepfather's footsteps. Julius Caesar was assassinated by senators who wanted to seize his power. Adopting the name of Romulus would have been a doubtful and risky choice for Augustus. Faulty Legends: Even ancient historians like Titus Livius cast doubt on the legend of Romulus disappearing to heaven, suggesting that he was likely killed by jealous senators. This further underscores the political dangers of claiming such a name.

Given these reasons, Augustus chose the name Augustus, which translates to revered one or respected one. This name aligned with his carefully crafted image as the restorer of the republic and a stabilizer of Rome.

Conclusion

The reason the Roman Empire was not named the Romulan Empire lies in the intricate historical, cultural, and political factors that shaped its birth and evolution. The names Roma and Romulus were deeply ingrained in the mythology and history of the city. Understanding this context helps us appreciate the significant choices made by the emperors themselves in shaping the identity of Rome and the Roman Empire.