The Founding of Rome
Rome has long been known as one of the most influential civilizations in the world. Founded in 753 BC, this vast empire began with the three sons of Mars, the god of war – Romulus, Remus, and Lucumo – and their city of Rome. The three brothers fought to determine who would be the city’s ruler and eventually Romulus emerged victorious. He then named the city after himself and declared himself the first King of Rome.
It is believed that a talisman of the god Jupiter was placed in the Forum, a public square, to serve as a symbol of the city’s unity and strength. King Romulus then established five major institutions which would define the structure of the Roman government, such as the assembly and the senate. He also declared that every citizen would enjoy the same rights, regardless of race and background, and Romulus is regarded as Rome’s founding father.
Julius Caesar
It was Julius Caesar who, in 48 BC, declared himself the ‘Imperator’ (emperor) of Rome and solidified the Roman Empire. He was responsible for reorganizing Roman provincial administration and setting up new military commands. He also unified the legal system and spread Roman culture throughout the empire.
Caesar also reformed the Roman calendar and in 45 BC, with his calendar in place, he launched a major public works program to improve the city’s infrastructure, including roads, aqueducts, and monuments. Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC and the Roman Republic returned to its previous form, with power divided between a Senate and a Consul.
Though he only lived for 48 years, Julius Caesar remains one of the most important and influential people in Rome’s ancient history. He is credited with laying the foundations for Rome as it is today and his legacy lives on in the form of the many political, legal and administrative systems he created.
Augustus Caesar
Augustus Caesar, Julius’ adopted son, is credited with ushering in the Pax Romana – a period of 200 years of peace and prosperity in Rome. This period saw the rise of one of the greatest empires in world history. Augustus was responsible for expanding the Roman Empire and reorganizing its taxes and finances.
Some of his other accomplishments include the construction of a new forum and the temple of Apollo as well as the mobilization of the Roman army for the project of enlarging the empire. It was Augustus who also restructured the Roman civil service and established the Imperial provinces.
Under Augustus’ rule Rome was richly endowed with public buildings and monuments, and the reign of the first emperor marked the beginning of Rome’s golden age.
Constantine the Great
In 312 AD, Constantine the Great, an emperor of the Roman Empire, issued the Edict of Milan, a decree that allowed Christians to practice their religion freely. This move made Christianity the official religion of the empire.
Constantine also helped to spread Christianity’s influence throughout the empire and his decision is considered one of the most important in the formation of modern Christianity. He also rebuilt the imperial capital of the Roman Empire from Byzantium, transforming it into Constantinople, which eventually became the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
Constantine’s vast palace contained a chapel that contained his private chapel, which was full of mosaics and images of religious figures. Constantine is remembered as the first Christian Roman Emperor and is often referred to as the “Defender of the Faith.”
The Popes
The Popes, who ruled the church and the faithful for centuries, also had a great influence in Rome. From the fourth century onwards, popes appointed and removed officials, issued decrees, declared holy wars, and excommunicated rulers. Popes also acted as mediators between the state and the people, helping to maintain the peace and stability of the Roman Empire.
The papacy was also a major political force, significantly more powerful and influential than the imperial power. As the rulers of the papal states, the popes had a direct impact on the lives of their people, shaping the culture and traditions of their time.
The Popes had a great role in the development of Christian art, music and architecture and their influence over Rome has continued to this day.
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was one of the most important and influential Roman emperors. He was a Stoic philosopher, who wrote a large collection of speeches and essays on various topics, such as his famous ‘Meditations’. He is also credited with the creation of several military campaigns, the reformation of finances, and the reorganization of the military apparatus.
It was Marcus Aurelius who declared the cult of Apollo and he also patronized artists and philosophers. He is also known for his philanthropy, being an important benefactor of the poor and for his support of the slave rebellion in Sicily.
Marcus Aurelius’ reign marked a period of great expansion of Roman dominion and he is remembered as one of the most enlightened and virtuous rulers of the Roman Empire.
Trajan
Trajan was a Roman emperor who came to power in 98 AD and is best known for consolidating the Roman Empire, expanding the borders and increasing its military strength. He reorganized Roman finances and created a welfare system for the poor, supported public works and buildings, and instituted judicial reforms.
Trajan was also a great admirer of Greek culture and was responsible for the construction of the Forum Traiani, and several other forums, connecting Rome to provinces of the empire. He also founded numerous temples and public buildings, including Trajan’s Market in Rome.
Trajan is remembered as one of Rome’s greatest and most influential emperors and his legacy continues to have an immense influence on modern politics, engineering and architecture.
The Vestal Virgins
The Vestal Virgins were priestesses who protected and kept the sacred fire of Rome burning in the Temple of Vesta. They were held in high esteem in Roman society and enjoyed numerous privileges and exemptions. The High Priestess was the leader of the virgins and the main spiritual leader of the Roman religion.
The Vestal Virgins were also responsible for performing numerous rituals and were a symbol of purity and chastity. To become a Vestal Virgin, a girl had to be between 6 – 10 years old and she had to take a vow of chastity and celibacy. This vow was binding for 30 years and breaking it was seen as a great sin and was punishable by death.
The Vestal Virgins were one of the most influential religious figures in the Roman world and their legacy lives on in the form of a modern-day order similar to the Vestals.
Conclusion
The contribution that these figures have made to the growth and success of ancient Rome is indisputable. Whether it was in politics, religion, military, engineering or art, these people helped shape the Roman Empire and its legacy is still visible today. From Romulus and Julius Caesar to Trajan and the Vestal Virgins, these people were critical to the success of Ancient Rome and are responsible for influencing the world as we know it today.
