When Was Ancient Rome Started

Rome has long been known for its powerful and mighty empire, making it an interesting place to study in detail. It’s not surprising since it’s one of the oldest cities in the world, with its founding said to date back to 753 BCE. But when exactly was ancient Rome established?

The exact date of the founding of ancient Rome remains unknown due to various historical sources providing conflicting accounts. Many believe that Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus, the son of the god of war, Mars. However, this is not officially recognized by scholars since it’s hard to be sure exactly when Rome first became a city. Some historians suggest that there may have been an earlier proto-Rome, an Iron Age people known as the “Rutuli” who may have populated the area long before the founding of Rome in 753 BC.

According to legends, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus fought to decide who should lead the city. Romulus was said to have won and named the city after himself. In the 8th century BC, the city of Rome was established and engaged in its first recorded wars, against the other cities of the region. Rome’s expansion began during the reign of the Etruscan kings from the 7th century to the 5th century BC, when they started to conquer neighbouring areas.

The Roman Republic was officially established in 509 BC, when the Etruscan kings were overthrown. The Republic endured for more than five hundred years, although it was ruled by several consecutive emperors. Julius Caesar is considered one of the most important figures in this period, taking control of the Roman empire in 45 BC and inaugurating the reign of the Roman Empire. Therefore, ancient Rome was first established in 509 BC.

Experts suggest that the city of Rome would not have become as great as it was without the contributions of its many cultures. Rome started off as a small Etruscan city, but it was the civilizations of Greece and Egypt that contributed most to its development. This includes the introduction of democracy, a concept borrowed from the Greeks, as well as philosophy, architecture, engineering and art which were copied from the Egyptians.

The Roman Empire went on to become one of the most powerful and influential empires of its time. Throughout its history, its citizens developed several aspects of Roman life, such as language, literature, religion, architecture, law and science that are still used today. Ancient Rome deserves its reputation as one of the greatest empires in world history.

Culture of Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was home to many cultures and civilizations. The culture of Ancient Rome was a combination of both Greek and Roman traditions, a fusion of cultures which can be seen in their art and architecture. Roman art was primarily inspired by Greek art, and Roman sculptures were often copies of Greek sculptures.

Romans had a great appreciation for music and literature, and produced some of the greatest works of both during this time period. Great poets such as Virgil and Ovid wrote epic poems that are still read today. Roman religion was polytheistic, and although it included gods borrowed from the Greeks, there were many gods and goddesses that were unique to Roman culture.

The Roman legal system is considered one of the most influential in history, with Roman law forming the basis of many modern legal codes. Roman law was developed during the reign of the Roman emperors, and it covered areas such as property, contracts, civil rights, and criminal justice. Roman law was based on the idea of ius, or ‘what is right’, and was centered around the pursuit of justice.

The Roman language, Latin, was used throughout the Roman Empire and is still the official language of many countries today. Latin literature has made a significant contribution to modern literature, and it is estimated that around 75% of English words have Latin roots.

Roman Government & Education

The Roman government played a major role in the development of the Roman Empire. The Senate was the ruling body of the Roman government and it was made up of wealthy and powerful citizens who were responsible for making laws and decisions. Although the Senate was the main ruling body, the emperors were the rulers of the Roman Empire, with their power extending to most areas of society.

Education was highly valued by the Roman people, with young children being taught the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics. Education was mainly centered around the study of literature, with boys and girls both receiving an education in Latin and Greek literature. However, there were some gender differences, with boys being more likely to receive more specialised and advanced education.

The Roman Empire was known for its advanced system of roads, which connected cities and towns throughout Europe. The roads were used for trade and for the transportation of goods, and for the military to quickly move its forces across the empire. Roman roads are considered to be one of the most significant achievements of the Roman Empire, as it enabled them to travel quickly and easily across the vast empire.

Roman Expansion

The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful civilizations in world history and is seen as one of the most successful in terms of expansion. Starting as a small regional power in the Italian peninsula, over the centuries Rome spread its influence to encompass much of the known world including the Iberian Peninsula, Britain, and much of the Middle East. This was largely achieved through military conquest and by the use of alliances and diplomacy.

Throughout its history, Rome faced many threats, including barbarian invasions, resource shortages, economic crises and civil wars. Rome also managed to survive several civil wars which weakened its power and caused its territories in the west to become independent. Despite this, the Roman Empire was very successful in expanding its territory and influence, and it managed to become one of the most powerful empires of its time.

Roman Culture & Legacy

The culture of the Roman Empire still has an impact on the world today. Their art, literature, architecture, language and law have all had an influence on the way we think and behave today. Roman architecture has inspired many buildings today and their monuments, temples and amphitheatres are visited by millions of people every year.

The Roman language, Latin, is still used today in many countries, mainly in South America and parts of Europe. It is also still used by the Catholic Church and is often the official language in international contexts. Latin literature has been a source of inspiration for many authors and Roman myths and legends are still told today.

The legal system of the Roman Empire is also very influential, with Roman law forming the basis of many modern legal systems. Roman law was based on the pursuit of justice and covered areas such as property, contracts, civil rights, and criminal justice. In addition, Roman government and politics have had an influence on modern governments, with the idea of the Republic being an important part of modern political thought.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ancient Rome was founded in 509 BC and went on to become one of the most powerful empires in world history. Its culture and legacy still have an impact on the world today, with its art, literature, language, law and government being some of the most influential in the world. Rome was a great civilization and its impact is still felt today.

Moshe Rideout is a professional writer and historian whose work focuses on the history of Ancient Rome. Moshe is passionate about understanding the complexity of the Roman Empire, from its architecture to its literature, political systems to social structures. He has a Bachelor's degree in classic studies from Rutgers University and is currently pursuing a PhD in classical archaeology at UMass Amherst. When he isn't researching or writing, he enjoys exploring ruins around Europe, drawing inspiration from his travels.

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