Centuries before the Empire and Republic, Rome was a monarchy.
Rome's civilization thrived for over 1,000 years, leaving a legacy recognized and studied in history.
Foundation Myth of Rome
Location: Italian Peninsula, city of Albalonga, ruled by King Numa.
Legendary Descent: Latins claimed descent from Aeneas, a Trojan War hero.
Conflict with Amulius: Numa's brother, Amulius, murders Numa's sons and deposes him.
Birth of Romulus and Remus: Numa's daughter, Ria Sylvia, has twins with Mars; Amulius orders their drowning.
Wolf and Shepherd: A she-wolf nurses the twins; a shepherd raises them.
Revenge and City Founding: Romulus and Remus depose Amulius; they bicker over founding a city. Romulus kills Remus and names the city Rome (April 21, 753 B.C.).
Historical Context
Myth vs. Reality: Archaeological evidence suggests settlements began in the 900s B.C., potentially two tribes uniting.
Geographical Advantage: Rome expanded over seven hills, making it defensible and fertile.
Early Kings of Rome
Kingdom Era: Rome claims seven kings starting with Romulus.
Romulus: Established the Senate as an advisory council.
Numa Pompilius: Established peace and temples, including the Temple of Janus.
Tullus Hostilius: Revived militarism, waged wars on neighboring tribes, including the Sabines.
Ancus Marcius: Continued diplomacy and founded port of Ostia.
Tarquin the Elder: Etruscan influence, built Circus Maximus and Cloaca Maxima.
Servius Tullius: Reformed assemblies and created a wall around Rome.
Tarquin the Proud: Brutal reign, leading to his overthrow.
Transition to the Republic
Lucretia's Death: King Tarquin's son assaults Lucretia, leading to her suicide and civic outrage.
Fall of Tarquin: Citizens, led by Brutus and Collatinus, overthrow Tarquin in 509 B.C.
Establishment of Consuls: Senate abolishes monarchy; consuls elected with limited terms.
Class Struggles: Conflict of the Orders
Patricians vs. Plebeians: Wealthy landowners versus commoners, leading to plebeian strikes and the creation of the Tribune office.
Laws of the Twelve Tables: Established in 451 B.C. to create a fair legal system.
External Conflicts and Expansion
Siege of Veii: Significant conflict with Etruscans; Rome lacked siege capabilities initially.
Gallic Threat: In 387 B.C., Gauls sack and occupy Rome, marking a pivotal moment in its history.
Rome's Resilience: Disease weakened the Gauls, leading to their departure and a renewed determination for Rome.
Conclusion
Rebirth of Rome: Post-sack, Rome rebuilt and solidified its presence in Italy.
Transition to Expansion: Rome poised for further campaigns beyond Italy, leading towards the Hellenistic era and Alexander's age.