There was a reason the Romans built a huge empire and kept it for centuries. 

They were ruthless, iron men, and that fact can be seen in the sculpture of their leaders.

Below is Julius Caesar, looking every bit the emperor that he was.  

Below is Emperor Caracalla, one of the empire's toughest and most bloodthirsty rulers.  It was literal death to fall on his bad side, and you can believe it looking at his likeness.

General Sulla, a tough guy if there ever was one.  Married five times, he marched his armies on Rome twice, and provided Caesar with the bad example of overthrowing the republic and declaring himself dictator.

What a collection of hard men those Romans were.