Romans took their laws very seriously, believing themselves to be the supreme arbiters of political and administrative elegance. The concept of diplomacy, descended from ancient Greek ideals, fitted neatly into the framework of Roman political dealing. As the Republic expanded into an empire, so too did the scale of their diplomatic dealings. Foreign policy was conducted by the Senate, and envoys were given lavish welcoming ceremonies. The success of Roman diplomacy, on the other hand, is a matter of some contention. As a state profiting from aggressive expansion, their diplomacy often seemed at best a formality, and at worst salt in the wound.
