The Roman Legacy in Star Trek: A Stoic Reflection of Ancient Values in the Galaxy Far, Far Away

In the vast universe of Star Trek, the planet Romulus serves as the homeworld of a formidable alien species. Interestingly, this planet shares the same name as the founders of the Roman Empire on Earth. This parallel is not an accident but a deliberate nod to the rich, ancient culture of Rome. Let's delve into the reasons behind this thematic link and explore the deeper meaning behind it.

Historical Nostalgia and Cultural Resonance

One of the most striking aspects of the Romulans is their sense of honor and tradition, reminiscent of the values of ancient Rome. This thematic connection adds depth to the Romulan narrative and highlights the series' tendency to explore the complexities of different societies by drawing from historical precedents. In many ways, the Romulans are apostles of the Roman Empire, whether it be in strength, tradition, or even their love for strategic warfare.Within Star Trek, the Roman influence is evident in several aspects of the Romulan society, including their culture, costumes, and even the names they bear.

The Earth Designations vs. Native Names

While the Romulans are often referred to as Romulan in everyday language, it is important to note that the names given to the planets are likely Earth designations rather than native names. In the Star Trek universe, many planets have similar Earth names, such as Vulcan and Sauria. However, exploring the true names and cultural origins of these planets can provide a deeper understanding of their respective societies. For instance, the novels have given us the native names for Vulcan, such as T’Khasi, and for Romulus and Remus, ch’Rihan and ch’Havran. It is possible, but unlikely, that the Saurians call their planet something entirely different. After all, it's probably not derived from Greek for "lizard," which would be a humorous oversight.

The Pressure of Scriptwriting

TV writers face a significant challenge in crafting engaging and coherent scripts. They must create stories that are both compelling and cost-effective, while also maintaining consistency and adding to the established canon. The introduction of the Romulans in the first season of the Original Series, in the episode "Balance of Terror," written by Paul Schneider, was indeed a strategic move. Schneider intentionally created a Romanesque alien race to serve as worthy antagonists to Captain Kirk. The episode drew inspiration from the 1954 film The Enemy Below, a World War II submarine movie.

Expressing his creative process, Schneider stated, "It was a matter of developing a good Romanesque set of admirable antagonists that were worthy of Kirk. I came up with the concept of the Romulans, which was an extension of the Roman civilization to the point of space travel, and it turned out quite well." This statement reveals that the Roman-inspired Romulans were never meant to be historically accurate but rather a narrative device to enrich the Star Trek universe.

Artistic License and Human Interpretation

The fantastical aspects of the Romulan culture—such as their names, ranks, and traditions—were, in fact, the result of human interpretation. According to later materials, particularly novels, the Romulans had their own names and cultural trappings, but these were translated by humans into the familiar Roman terms. This explanation aligns with the Star Trek series' tendency to present alien worlds that are conveniently Earth-like, making it easier for the story to be told and the audience to relate to them.

The evolution of the Romulans from a purely Roman-inspired concept to a fully fleshed-out alien culture is a testament to the show's creative flexibility. It demonstrates how the writers could use historical references to enrich the narrative while maintaining the necessary creative freedom to build a compelling and coherent universe.

In conclusion, the shared names between the Romulans and Roman Empire, as well as the thematic parallel of honor and tradition, serve not only to introduce a relatable villain for Captain Kirk but also to explore the complexities of different social constructs. The creative process behind the Romulans reflects the inherent balance between artistic license and narrative coherence, making the Star Trek universe as captivating as ever.