I just had to say this too. There are a million reasons why the Romans are so cool, but what's one of the best? I don't know that there ever has been, or maybe, ever will be a world state/power that had the "never say die" attitude and overcame so much as Rome did. The best example, but far from the only?

During the 2nd Punic War, Rome found itself up against one of the greatest generals the world has ever seen. Hannibal went undefeated (or pretty darn close) while in Italy for over 16 years and had many great wins. The most famous, at least to the Romans, was the Battle of Cannae. During that battle in 216BC, Hannibal routed both consular armies and effectively left Rome without an army thereby giving Hannibal and his still substantial forces, an open road to the Eternal City and certain victory. It has been argued by some that in that battle and on that single day of fighting, Rome lost more men then any western army had lost before or since in any war. The number ranges from 30 - 70,000 - so probably close to 50,000 Roman soldiers were killed. Moreover, of the few survivors, many were captured by Hannibal who for unknown reasons, did not march on Rome - at least not yet, but did, at least according to Livy, send to Rome hostages granting them release for a ransom. With no army, the country laid waste, and all hope seemingly lost and its enemy apparently giving back some of its soldiers, what was Rome's reply? More or less, fuck you. They said you can take back these hostages and you can suck it. After that they rallied, and by 202 BC, found themselves masters of the Mediterrean. They would go on to rule the world after that point with their (or their empire's descendants) last gasp not til 1453. That. That is incredible. Their backs were against the wall so many times, and yet, look at their legacy. That war was indeed one of the most important wars in world history, if not THE most important. So much of what we have here in the west would be different if Rome had raised the white flag and surrendered in that battle. Yeah. I'm gone now.