What is Bob Cowan's view on the contemporary political situation in Rome in relation to the civil wars?

• A. Civil wars are ghastly but necessary due to leaders' ability to calm the frenzy.
• B. Civil wars are glorious and just.
• C. Civil wars should be avoided at all costs.
• D. Civil wars prove the heroes' virtue.

Answer: (D)

Civil wars function as a crucible that reveals a leader's true virtue. Bob Cowan reads the contemporary Roman political turmoil as a test: the moments of conflict expose who embodies virtus and steadfastness to Roman ideals. In his view, the heroes prove themselves not by rhetoric but by their actions under pressure, making the wars means by which virtue is demonstrated and validated. This framing makes the idea that civil wars prove the heroes' virtue the best match. The other possibilities treat the wars as mere necessity, as glorious triumph, or as something to be avoided, but Cowan's emphasis is on moral character revealed through struggle rather than the war's outcome or desirability.