In the culture of ancient Rome, being a man involved much more than a difference in genitals. In many ancient civilizations, patriarchy was the primary way to govern one's citizens. Men were responsible for earning money, making decisions that could affect their family and/or community, and fighting in battles that would inevitably change Roman history. One's reputation within one's community would make or break their ability to achieve certain goals in life. Whether it was becoming a new trader in the market or leading the troops on the next expedition, a man's virtue controlled his destiny. Many writers, such as Cicero, Augustus, and Virgil, found themselves defining virtue through the use of words and descriptions of their characters. Virtue played an important role in ancient Roman society because of the powerful influence the observer had on others. One of the most important characteristics a man wanted to have was virtue due to the innate struggle for dominance. While virtue represents manliness, it also involves many other significant traits. Prudence, justice, self-control and courage were considered the four most important virtues that any person could have. In ancient Rome, the governing body was a senate controlled by men. The problem with the Senate was that the consul had too much power; he could choose who voted, what topics would be discussed, and stack the Senate in his favor. It was crucial to elect someone to the role of consul who was described as virtuous to ensure that he made decisions that benefited the Roman citizens rather than just himself. In Selected Works, Cicero attacked Marc Antony's leadership skills and his morality; “I [Cicero] am obliged to record that, for the last twenty years, our cou… in the middle of the paper… at that very moment. One of the major deciding factors that altered the politics of civilization was a man's reputation and virtue. If a man had good reputation and virtue, he was in power and trusted among the Roman people. On the other hand, if a man had a bad reputation and lacked virtue, he was not always found in power and the Romans did not like him. In ancient Rome, virtue was an important characteristic to embody because of the powerful influence associated with it. Works Cited Augustus, P. A. Brunt, J. M. Moore, Augustus and Augustus. Res Gestae Divi Augusti: The conquests of the divine Augustus. London: Oxford UP, 1967. Print. Cicero, Marcus Tullius., and Michael Grant. Selected works. Harmondsworth, Middlesex, England: Penguin, 1971. Print. Virgil and Allen Mandelbaum. Virgil's Aeneid. Berkeley: University of California, 1971. Print.