Roman virtues
Classical civic values
Roman virtues are the moral qualities and character traits valued in ancient Rome, particularly during the Republic.
The cardinal virtues included *pietas* (duty to gods, family, and state), *virtus* (courage and excellence), *fides* (faithfulness), *gravitas* (seriousness of purpose), and *dignitas* (personal honor and standing).
These ideals shaped Roman identity and appear throughout Latin literature.
The phrase now evokes classical standards of discipline, duty, and public service: He admired the Roman virtues of self-sacrifice and civic responsibility.
- pietySincere religious devotion
- honorHigh regard, moral dignity
- valorCourage in danger
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
temperance · loyalty · patriotism · devotion · austerity · filial piety · patria potestas · magnanimity · gravitas · faithfulness · public service · industriousness · courage · citizenship · perseverance · self-control · discipline · moral integrity
Roman virtuesmoral corruption
Degradation of ethical principles
cowardice · degeneracy · licentiousness · treachery · sloth
Roman virtuesGreek philosophy
Classical Mediterranean intellectual tradition
Epicureanism · Platonic ideals · Eastern philosophy · Christian virtues · arete
Roman virtueshedonism
Pursuit of gratification
self-indulgence · individualism · irreligion · political corruption · softness