Ancient Rome
Summary
As the former supreme ruler of the Mediterranean and the grandfather of Italy and Romano, Ancient Rome is a figure of immense historical weight. Visually, he is characterized by dark brown hair featuring two curly ahoge on either side, brown eyes, and tanned skin, though earlier artwork depicted his eyes as green and the anime adaptation gave him fair skin. He is portrayed as a charismatic, handsome, and lively man with a profound capacity for love, which led him to fall for the mothers of both Egypt and Greece simultaneously. His passions included the arts, such as painting and sculpture, as well as fine food, beautiful women, and sexual pleasure. While original manga illustrations depicted him as an elderly man with a small mustache, his appearance was later refined to appear younger and more noble. Official profiles suggest that Ancient Rome viewed many of his descendants as "stupid," indicating their failure to replicate his greatness. Currently, only Italy and Romano are confirmed as his grandsons, though speculation extends to Spain, France, and others. He raised Italy, whom he considered his favorite, resulting in a deeply bonded relationship. Upon Ancient Rome’s death, Italy was devastated and initially refused to assume the role of the new Roman Empire due to his grandfather’s fate. Italy continues to hold him in high regard, addressing him as “Grandpa Rome” (Rome-ojiichan). Although Italy did not achieve the same level of success, he inherited his grandfather’s talents for trading, art, charm, and charisma. In contrast, Ancient Rome remained distant from Romano due to his focus on raising Italy, causing Romano to feel inferior and overshadowed. Romano harbored jealousy toward Italy for receiving their grandfather’s affection, inheriting his talents, and appearing more like him physically. Despite this dynamic, Ancient Rome loved and cared for both grandsons equally, a fact evidenced by his visits to Romano from the afterlife in the manga. His close friend and guard was Germania, the grandfather of the Holy Roman Empire. Once inseparable, the two became enemies, and while the full historical truth remains obscure, Germania is known to have delivered the final blow to Ancient Rome.
