Overview of Roman History and Culture

Apr 3, 2025

History of Rome

Introduction

  • Lecture opened with Octavianus Augustus's famous words.
  • Focus on the history of Rome: its city, republic, and empire.
  • Impact on Italian culture and European languages through the expansion of Latin.
  • Romance languages emerged from the Roman Empire: Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian.

Chronological Division of Roman History

  1. Regal Period (753 B.C. - 509 B.C.)

    • Foundation in 753 B.C.
    • Last king Tarquinius Superbus expelled in 509 B.C.
    • Monarchy lasted about 2.5 centuries.
    • 7 kings: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, Tarquinius Superbus.

  2. Republican Age (509 B.C. - 27 B.C.)

    • Senate's significant role in government.
    • Expansion in Italy and the Mediterranean through Samnite and Punic Wars.
    • Internal conflicts between populares (Gaius Marius) and optimates (Lucius Cornelius Sulla).
    • Civil war between factions: Sulla's victory led to his dictatorship.
    • Catilina's conspiracy uncovered by Cicero in 63 B.C.
    • First Triumvirate formed in 60 B.C.: Pompey, Crassus, Julius Caesar.
    • Crassus's death in 49 B.C. led to civil war between Caesar and Pompey.
    • Caesar's victory at Farsalo in 48 B.C.; proclaimed dictator.
    • Caesar assassinated on March 15, 44 B.C.
    • Second Triumvirate formed in 43 B.C.: Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus.
    • Octavian defeats Antony at Actium (31 B.C.), becomes Augustus (27 B.C.).

  3. Imperial Age (27 B.C. - 476 A.D.)

    • Power transferred from Senate to emperor.
    • Two phases:
      • Prosperous phase until 2nd century A.D.
      • Crisis phase from 3rd century A.D.
    • Julio-Claudian dynasty (Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero).
    • Greatest expansion under Emperor Trajan (98 - 117 A.D.).
    • Crisis reasons: military coups, economy, border pressures, spread of Christianity.
    • Diocletian's tetrarchy (division of power).
    • Final division into Eastern and Western Roman Empire (395 A.D.).
    • Western Roman Empire fell in 476 A.D. under General Odovacer; last emperor Romulus Augustulus deposed.
    • Eastern Roman Empire persisted until 1453 (Fall of Constantinople).

Conclusion

  • Recap of Rome's history and its importance in shaping Europe.
  • Encouragement to visit Rome and explore its landmarks.
  • Promotion of LearnAmo for language learning and social media engagement.