The start of the ancient Roman empire is a topic that has fascinated historians for centuries. It has been studied in depth since the 17th century, and is still debated today. In spite of the difficulty of piecing together the story of Rome’s distant past, there is some general consensus on the main events that marked the start of its rise to a long-lasting superpower.
In 753 BC, the city of Rome was founded in a small region of Italy. Its original purpose was as a defensive fortress. It was built by a people known as the Latins in a strategic location, close to a number of rivers and on commanding ground. The site was seen as a natural stronghold, easily defendable against any attack. It was well defended by a network of hills and marshes – the “Seven Hills of Rome”.
By the middle of the 7th century BC, Rome had become a city with an established government. This government allowed for orderly rule, with laws and codes being set down to guide the people. This allowed for a strong sense of order and stability in the city and its surroundings. With this orderly government in place, the city began to grow in population, power and influence.
By the 6th century BC, Rome had begun to expand beyond its original boundaries. Rome was now putting pressure on its neighbours, as it sought to become the most powerful nation in the region. This led to a succession of wars, as Roman forces sought to conquer the surrounding territories. In 390 BC, Rome managed to take control of the city of Veii, a powerful city in what is now central Italy. This was seen as a key moment in the development of Roman power, marking the beginning of an unstoppable empire.
By the early 4th century BC, Rome had become the pre-eminent power in the Mediterranean. It had grown from being a small city-state to a formidable military force, with control over much of Italy and surrounding territories. This newly acquired control over much of present-day Italy, as well as parts of Europe, Asia Minor and Africa, allowed Rome to start to consolidate its power. It was at this point that the Roman Empire truly began.
At the same time the Roman Republic was established. This allowed for the efficient governance of Rome, with a system of checks and balances between different branches of government. This Republic also allowed Rome to exert its influence beyond its borders. By the 2nd century BC, Rome had become the undisputed master of the Mediterranean. Its armies controlled a vast expanse of land and sea, and its citizens were firmly in control of much of Europe, Asia Minor and Africa.
So in summary, the start of the ancient Roman empire began in 753 BC, when the city of Rome was founded. From here it quickly grew in terms of power, wealth and influence, and by the 4th century BC it had become the pre-eminent force in the Mediterranean. Expansion continued, and by the 2nd century BC it had become the undisputed master of the Mediterranean, with a vast network of territories under its control.
Religious Influence
One of the defining characteristics of the ancient Roman Empire was its close association with religion. The Roman religion, known as the cult of the gods, was closely intertwined with the government and the daily life of the Romans. The gods were venerated and even consulted upon important state decisions. The official religion helped to unify the vast territories of the empire, as it was shared by all citizens regardless of ethnicity or location.
The connection between religion and the state was formalized in the year 312 BC with the establishment of the “Etrusca Disciplina.” This was a set of laws, practices, and rituals that were based on the teachings of the Etruscan gods. This system of belief became the official state religion for the duration of the empire and profoundly affected the development of Roman culture, law and politics.
Religion also served a political purpose. By having such a strong connection between religion and the state, the rulers of Rome were able to ensure that citizens remained loyal and obedient. This connection also enabled the Roman government to use religion as an effective tool for maintaining peace and order within the empire.
Economic Expansion
The start of the Roman Empire saw a period of rapid economic growth and prosperity. This was due in part to the introduction of new technologies, such as irrigation and the use of coins in everyday transactions. Rome also expanded its trade networks, allowing them to import vital resources, such as food and materials. This expansion opened up new markets, allowing Roman merchants to sell their goods at a premium.
The Romans were also great innovators when it came to engineering. Many of the infrastructure projects they undertook were designed to benefit the economy. This included roads, aqueducts, and bridges which all served to improve the effectiveness of travel and transport, making the trade of goods and services easier and more efficient.
In addition, the Romans improved the quality of their agriculture, allowing them to produce more food, which was essential for their burgeoning population. This ensured that their citizens had access to a stable food supply, as well as access to a variety of other products.
Rome’s success in creating wealth and expanding its economy was a major factor in its rise to superpower status.
Cultural Diversity
The Roman Empire was an incredibly diverse cultural melting pot. This was in part due to the fact that it was an empire that stretched far and wide, encompassing many different cultures, languages, and religions. The citizens of the empire were made up of different ethnicities, including Greeks, Egyptians, and Syrians.
The diversity of the empire was embraced by the Romans, and rather than attempt to create a homogenous culture, they drew on the different cultures in their empire to provide the basis for their own culture. This included aspects of religion, art, architecture, and language. The Romans took ideas, objects and customs from the different cultures they encountered and incorporated them into their own culture, creating something truly unique.
The cultural diversity of the Roman Empire allowed it to become a melting pot of ideas and innovations, many of which ended up being integral components of Roman life. This cultural exchange meant that the citizens of the empire were open to new ideas and perspectives, allowing innovation to flourish.
Military Strength
The Romans were renowned for their military might, and it is no secret that their success was built upon it. This was particularly true in the early history of the empire. The Roman soldiers were organized and highly trained, which allowed them to be extremely effective in battle. This translated into victories on the battlefield and the acquisition of new territories.
In addition, the Romans also employed advanced tactics and strategies to gain the upper hand in their military campaigns. This included the use of siege warfare, where walls and defensive lines were used to prevent enemies from entering the city. It also included the use of guerilla tactics, where small bands of soldiers would ambush unsuspecting enemies.
The Romans were also adept at using technology to gain an advantage in battle. For example, they developed effective catapults to attack enemy fortresses and were able to construct impressive defensive structures and walls.
The success of the Roman army was a major factor in their rise to power and their ability to maintain control over their vast territories.
Legacy
The legacy of the ancient Roman Empire is still felt today. It left behind key aspects of our modern-day society, notably in the areas of law, politics, and architecture.
The legal system of the Romans, in particular, was incorporated into many of the world’s legal systems. Even today, there are similarities between modern law and that of the ancient Romans. The concepts of justice and fairness, for example, are still rooted in Roman law.
Similarly, their political system, based on the Republic, has been incorporated into many of the world’s democracies. This includes the practice of checks and balances in government, as well as the election of representatives.
Finally, the art and architecture created by the Romans has had an enduring influence. Many of their works, such as the Colosseum and the Roman aqueducts, still stand as magnificent monuments to the greatness of the empire.
The start of the ancient Roman Empire has been an enduring source of fascination for historians and is still studied today. It left behind a powerful legacy, which we still feel the effects of today.
