The Beginning of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome was founded by Romulus in 753 BC. As the years progressed, the Roman civilization underwent sweeping reforms by the last two kings of Rome, Numa Pompilius and Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. Within the monarchy, the city of Rome was ruled by a single emperor who had absolute authority over the law and the military. The fall of the old Roman monarchy finally occurred in 509 BC when Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was overthrown by the Roman Senate.
The Rise of the Roman Republic
Following the fall of the monarchy, the Roman Republic emerged and was comprised of two consuls and an elected senate. During its time of power, Rome became an internationally powerful state and underwent an era of unprecedented economic and military expansion. The Roman Republic period lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC, when the transition from a republic to an empire began.
Augustus Becomes the Emperor of Rome
The transition from a republic to an empire began with the rise of Julius Caesar in 43 BC. After being assassinated in 44 BC, Caesar’s adopted son (and later, grandnephew) Octavian (also known as Augustus) became the first Roman Emperor in 27 BC. He was the great-nephew of Julius Caesar and heir to the legacy Julius left behind. As emperor, Augustus ushered in a period of stability and relative prosperity known as the Pax Romana, which ushered in a grand period in Roman history.
The Decline of the Roman Empire
The Pax Romana only lasted 200 years and by the 4th century, the Roman Empire was in decline. While the emperors ruling at the time were able to maintain the stability of the empire, they eventually lost the support of their own people. The era of the emperors eventually ended in 476 AD when Odoacer deposed the last emperor, Romulus Augustus.
The Byzantine Empire
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire emerged in the 5th century and lasted until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Byzantine period was marked by the establishment of a rule of law, the development of a strong military, and the introduction of Christianity. This period also saw the flourishing of culture, art and architecture, and the growth of an economic system that was both prosperous and equitable.
The Legacy of Ancient Rome
The period of ancient Rome was a prosperous and powerful era for the city and its people. The legacy left by the ancient Romans has had a lasting influence on our culture and society today. The Roman Republic and Empire left a lasting legacy that includes the Latin language, the principles of Roman law, an administrative system of government, an effective system of taxation, the elevation of art and literature, the establishment of a formal religion, the development of an aqueduct system and an elaborate architectural style.
Roman Architecture
The Romans were masterful builders, creating strong and solid structures out of stone and concrete. Some of the most famous Roman architectural achievements include the Colosseum, the aqueducts, and the Roman Forum. The Colosseum is among the most iconic of all the Roman structures, representing both beauty and strength. It was a massive amphitheatre used for gladiatorial combat, chariot races, and executions. The aqueducts enabled the Romans to bring fresh water from distant lands to the city of Rome. The aqueducts were also used to supply fresh water to farms, and many of these structures are still in use today. The Roman Forum was one of the most important public places in ancient Rome, and was used for political, religious and commercial activities.
The Impact of Roman Culture on the World
The culture of ancient Rome had a powerful and lasting effect on the world. Roman religion and beliefs were adopted by many people, and the concept of democracy was born in the city of Rome. The Latin language is still widely spoken today, and the Roman calendar that we use today was adopted during this period. Roman architecture and engineering also provided the foundation for many of the structures we know today, such as churches, baths, and theaters.
Roman Art and Literature
The Romans were known for their contributions to arts and literature. Roman literature and poetry explored themes of religion, philosophy, and morality, and their sculptures and paintings depicted scenes from everyday life and mythology. The Roman poets Horace and Virgil are just two of the most famous ancient Roman writers, both of whom have had an immeasurable influence on our culture today.
Conclusion
The history of ancient Rome is fascinating and has shaped much of the world we know today. From engineering feats and groundbreaking architecture to the rise of democracy and development of a vibrant artistic culture, the legacy of the Roman Empire continues to influence the world today.
