The question of who founded Ancient Rome has been a source of debate for centuries. Most people associate Rome with the rule of Caesar Augustus in 27 B.C.E., but the truth of the matter is much more complex. Rome did not simply evolve under one ruler; rather, it was the result of a long series of events and dynasties that took place over several hundred years.
One of the earliest known inhabitants of Rome were the Etruscans. They were of non-Latin origins, and controlled most of the Italian peninsula at one point. Though the evidence is scarce, it is thought that Rome was then a small settlement within Etruscan territory. However, this group was eventually overthrown by the Latins in the mid-eighth century B.C.E., and it is here that Rome begins to take the form of a city state.
According to tradition, the Latin settlers were led by Lucius Iunius Brutus and his sons. He was the son of a mythical woman, and wanted to drive away the Etruscans who had helped in their own downfall. As a result, he led a coup and drove the Etruscans away, thus creating a Latin-dominated region.
At this point, Rome was still a small settlement, but had its own form of government. It was ruled by the kings, most of whom were from the royal house of Iulus. The city is thought to have had several kings from wealthy families during this era, such as Tullus Hostilius and Ancus Marcius. Though these kings shaped Rome, making it an important city in the region, it was not until the seventh century B.C.E. that it began to truly have an impact.
This period was known as the Roman Monarchy. It was during this time that the Roman Republic was formed by Lucius Iunius Brutus and the Senate was created. This era was marked by a great amount of political upheaval as the Senate attempted to limit the power of the monarchy. It was also during this time that the foundation of Roman institutions such as law, religion, and religion were being laid down.
The Republic saw the rise of Rome during the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.E. As it grew in power, it conquered and annexed the other city-states in the region. It was during this period that Rome’s expansionist policy was successful and it established itself as a major superpower. This period was also characterized by a rise in cultural achievement and the development of infrastructure.
However, the most influential period in Rome’s history was the rule of the first emperor, Augustus. Augustus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar and was proclaimed as the first Emperor in 27 B.C.E. He was the one that truly made Rome a world power and he is credited with unifying Rome and setting it up for its long-term success.
Political Strategies
Augustus was a shrewd ruler and his political strategies remain unparalleled. One of his most successful strategies was the creation of the Principate, which gave a certain amount of autonomy to local rulers while keeping the ultimate authority with the emperor. This allowed Augustus to concentrate power in Rome while still being able to effectively govern an immense expanse of land.
These strategies were also crucial in maintaining Rome’s alliance system as it grew and expanded. Augustus was able to create and maintain strong relationships with other nations, allowing Rome to keep its independence and grow in power.
In addition, Augustus is credited with increasing the efficiency of the Roman military. He reformed the system and made it more efficient, allowing it to conquer large swaths of land. This allowed Rome to become the big power of its day, as it could quickly and easily expand its empire.
At the same time, Augustus had a great fondness for art and literature. He funded many of the great masterpieces that remain to this day and brought the wealth of the classical world to bear on Rome. As a result, Rome became a place of great sophistication and culture, drawing in people from all over the world.
Auguries and Soothsaying
To further establish his power and prestige, Augustus also used auguries and soothsaying to further his influence. He often arranged for theatrical events or religious ceremonies to accompany his political announcements, attracting people from all over Rome. He also tried to justify his actions by claiming divine support from the gods and goddesses of Rome.
This was not unusual for an ancient ruler, but Augustus put a great emphasis on these practices. During his reign, he devoted a great deal of money to temple construction, religious ceremonies, and other activities that helped to popularize his rule. This was a great way for the emperor to show that he was above the law, and it helped to further cement his control over Rome.
While many of these practices had existed before Augustus, it was he who truly popularized them and made them a major factor in Roman politics. By making use of auguries and soothsaying, Augustus was able to create a sense of stability and legitimacy during his rule, which helped to ensure that his successor would maintain control of Rome.
Administrative Reforms
Aside from employing various tactics to increase his power, Augustus was also responsible for a number of administrative reforms. He restructured the government to make it more efficient and streamlined, setting the groundwork for modern Rome. He also created a taxation system that was designed to increase revenue for Rome, as well as for its provinces.
Additionally, Augustus created a judicial system which was based on Roman law, as well as a police force to help enforce the law. He also established a standardized system of weights and measures, which helped facilitate trade. Finally, Augustus established a number of public works projects, such as roads and aqueducts, that greatly improved the infrastructure of Rome.
Without Augustus, it is highly unlikely that Rome would have reached its position of greatness in the ancient world. Not only did he increase Roman power, he also helped to shape Rome’s identity and culture for centuries to come. He was the founder of Ancient Rome, and his influence is still felt to this day.
Legacy
Augustus is widely considered to be one of the greatest rulers in the history of Rome. It was he who took the city from a small settlement to one of the most powerful empires in history. His success was due to a combination of his administrative reforms, political strategies, and religious appeal. As a result of his efforts, Rome had a period of stability and prosperity that lasted well into the fourth century.
The legacy of Augustus has become even more prominent in modern times. Not only is he the founder of Ancient Rome, but his name has been adopted as the title of various leaders and institutions around the world. The true impact of Augustus is difficult to measure, but it is clear that it was he who set the foundation for the greatness of Rome.
Conclusion
The influence of Lucius Iunius Brutus and Augustus on Ancient Rome cannot be understated. The former initiated the Latin takeover of the city, while the latter established a period of unprecedented stability and prosperity. Augustus was the founder of Ancient Rome, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day. Through his administrative reforms, political strategies, and religious appeal, Augustus took Rome from a small settlement to one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world.
