Background
Ancient Rome was originally founded in the 8th century BC, and rose to prominence as a powerful social, political, and cultural center of the Mediterranean region. It was known for its great Roman Empire, which was founded by Julius Caesar in 27 BC. The Roman Empire began to decline in the 4th century AD, and eventually the city of Rome fell in 476 AD. Although Rome collapsed, its influence can still be seen throughout Europe and other parts of the world.
Relevant Data
Ancient Rome was located in what is now today’s Italy, however, in its heyday, the Roman Empire extended beyond Italy’s borders to include territories in Europe, Africa, and Asia. During the empire’s roughly 1,200-year lifespan, it was home to millions of people. The population peaked during the reign of Constantinus I, who was emperor from 306 to 337 AD, at an estimated 60 million. Ancient Rome also had a largely multi-ethnic populace, originally comprising of Latino-Italic, Celtic, and Greek peoples.
Perspectives from Experts
One of the most renowned experts on Ancient Rome is Mary Beard, a professor of Classics at Cambridge University. According to Professor Beard, it is impossible to say with precision when Ancient Rome existed exactly. She argues that the so-called “Golden Age” of Rome lasted from the 5th to 1st centuries BC, however, one could argue that the City of Rome was truly in its prime between the 1st century BC and 2nd century AD, during the height of the Roman Empire. This was the period when Roman architecture, engineering, and culture reached its apex.
Analysis and Insights
To fully understand the concept of “when does Ancient Rome exist”, it important to consider that Ancient Rome’s power and influence permeates many aspects of modern life. Its influence can be seen in politics, law, architecture, technology, and art. Despite the fall of the Empire in 476 AD, its legacy is still left behind in the form of monuments, public works, and literature. During the peak of the Roman Empire, Rome had an illustrious Roman Senate which made decisions for its people, a sophisticated legal system, and engineering feats.
Architecture
Architecture was a main part of Ancient Roman life. Roman architecture was characterized by its unprecedented scale, convenience, and grandeur. The city of Rome was built around a network of roads, aqueducts, sewers, and monuments. These included famous structures such as the Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Appian Way. Marble, stucco, and bronze were all commonly used to build the monuments and public works of Rome.
Technology
The Romans are renowned for their engineering feats and advanced technological innovations. They developed various forms of concrete which have been used in modern infrastructure and construction. The Roman preference for public bathing was also incredibly influential and they developed a detailed system of aqueducts to supply the cities with fresh water.
Art
Art was a major component of Ancient Roman culture, and many of the sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes that have survived to this day were crafted by Ancient Roman artisans. These works of art depict a variety of topics ranging from myths and gods to everyday life. Much of the art was filled with drama, emotion, and spectacle to captivate the observer.
Influence
The influence of Ancient Rome can still be seen today in the shape of European culture, politics, and law. Its influence was so vast that many consider it to be the foundation of Western Civilization. Its influence is reflected in the countless descendants of the Latin language, its political and social structure, and even its architecture and engineering. Even after its fall, the impact of Ancient Rome is still felt by people around the world.
