What is the Ancient History of Rome?

Rome is one of the most influential cities in human history. Founded in 753 BCE on the banks of the Tiber River, it is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments, monuments that have stood the test of time in a region with a tumultuous past. The city’s history run long and deep so to understand Rome today, it’s essential to explore its ancient history.

How was Rome Founded?

The traditional belief is that Rome was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, two twin brothers who were raised by a she-wolf. This she-wolf, according to legend, cared for them as if they were her own. The fraternal sons of Mars, the god of war, and a vestal virgin, Rhea Silvia, the brothers were fighting over the right to found their own city when a flock of birds settled on the top of a fig tree. This was a powerful omen that they should settle the quarrels and unite to built the legendary city of Rome.

After uniting the city, Romulus created the Senate to advise his eldest citizens while Remus set out to defend it. But Romulus killed Remus after a heated disagreement over whose name would go first when creating a wall around their city. The wall formed by Romulus is now known as “The Servian Wall”.

The Origin of Roman Laws

Early Rome was a monarchy but it eventually became a republic after an uprising against King Tarquinius Superbus. (It is this particular uprising which gave the Roman Republic its name). Soon after, the 5th-centry BCE politician Marcus Furius Camillus created 12 laws in order to ensure Roman citizens’ protection and rights, most importantly, protection from mistreatment and injustice. These laws formed the basis for Roman civil law, which has influenced legal systems around the world and still influences contract, property, and debtor-creditor laws today.

The Important Roman Leaders

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was born around 100 BCE and is widely considered one of the most important figures of Romans history. He served as consul (the highest elected office) at 59 CE and was instrumental in reforming the Roman Republic. He declared himself as a dictator for life and through his reforms, he expanded Rome’s power in Europe and Asia.

Augustus Caesar

Augustus Caesar was Julius Caesar’s adopted son and served as Rome’s first emperor from 31 BCE until his death in 14 CE. He oversaw the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire. He expanded the borders of Rome to encompass much of Europe, Europe Minor, and the Middle East. His reforms modernized Roman society such as forming efficient roadways, establishing fire brigades for cities, and cutting taxes.

Emperor Constantine

Emperor Constantine (born in 285 CE) served as Emperor from 306 CE until his death in 337 CE. He is best known for recognizing Christianity as an accepted religion alongside paganism in 312 CE and made Constantinople (present day Istanbul) as the new capital of Rome. Under Constantine’s rule, Rome reigned peacefully although internally he faced some opposition from pagans and Jews who opposed Christian teachings which led to some imperial decrees against Christian opponents.

The Decline of Rome

Rome fell in 476 CE to “barbarian” forces led by Odoacer and Theodoric. This marked the end of Roman rule in Europe and the beginning of what historians refer to as “The Dark Ages” of Europe from 476 CE until c.1000 CE when feudalism began. While they may not have been entirely dark (the period was marked by cultural advancements as well) it was a period of political disarray rivaling that of post-Roman antiquity and saw the dissolution of Roman law and tradition.

The Legacy of Rome

The legacy that Rome has left on modern-day civilisation is vast and far-reaching. As one of the greatest empires in world history, Roman influence can be felt in many aspects of modern life such as law-giving, engineering, architecture, military strategy, civil governmental processes, literature, culture and law-giving. Today, understanding this extensive history is more important than ever in understanding why Rome has been so influential around the world for centuries.

In short- Rome is a city with an incredibly rich history that still affects us today. From its founding as a monarchy in 753 BC up until its decline during the fall of 476 CE, it has been an integral part of world history. In its heyday, it provided stability throughout Europe and its legacy has left many important changes to our contemporary world such uncovering much modern aspects of law-giving, engineering, military strategy, literature & culture present today not only in the Mediterranean but all across Europe and beyond. And if you are planning a trip to Rome now, don’t forget to book Rome Drunk History Walking Tour with Included Drinks, a unique way to truly appreciate its long historical legacy!