Is Rome Considered a State?

By Robert Palmer

Is Rome Considered a State?

Rome, the eternal city, holds a special place in history and culture. It is known as the capital of Italy and the birthplace of one of the greatest civilizations in human history, the Roman Empire.

But is Rome considered a state? Let’s delve deeper into this question and explore the various aspects that define a state.

What is a State?

Before we determine whether Rome can be considered a state, let’s establish what defines a state. According to international law, a state must possess several key characteristics:

  • Sovereignty: A state must have full control over its territory and be free from external interference.
  • Government: A state must have a functioning government that exercises authority over its population.
  • Population: A state must have a permanent population residing within its borders.
  • Territory: A state must have defined borders that separate it from other states.

Rome as a City-State

Historically, Rome was indeed considered a city-state during the time of the Roman Republic. From 509 BCE to 27 BCE, Rome existed as an independent entity with its own government and administration.

It had sovereignty over its territory, which extended beyond the city itself.

During this period, Rome expanded its influence through conquest and established control over numerous territories, forming what would later become the Roman Empire. However, despite these expansions, Rome remained rooted in its identity as both a city and a state.

Rome as part of Italy

With the unification of Italy in 1871, Rome became the capital of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. At this point, Rome transformed from being an independent city-state to being part of a larger nation-state.

The government of Italy assumed authority over Rome, and it no longer possessed the characteristics required to be considered a separate state.

While Rome lost its status as an independent state, it continued to hold immense cultural and historical significance as the capital city of Italy. It became a symbol of Italian unity and served as the center for political, economic, and cultural activities in the country.

Rome Today

In modern times, Rome remains the capital city of Italy. It is governed by the Italian government and is not considered a separate state.

However, it continues to be recognized as a unique entity due to its historical legacy and global influence.

As we have seen, while Rome was once considered a state during its time as a city-state, it no longer meets the criteria to be classified as such. Nonetheless, its rich history and cultural significance make it an extraordinary place that continues to captivate people from all around the world.

In conclusion,

Rome is not currently considered a state but rather functions as the capital city of Italy. Its evolution from being an independent city-state to part of a nation-state showcases how political boundaries can change over time.

Nevertheless, Rome’s importance as one of humanity’s greatest cultural and historical treasures cannot be understated.