Founding and Early History of Rome

Founding Legend

• Romulus and Remus: Twin brothers, sons of Rhea Silvia and Mars, founded Rome on April 22nd, 753 BC.
• Survival and Rise: Attempted murder by their great uncle, survival by the Tiber River, and upbringing by a shepherd.
• Attack on Alba Longa: Sons sought revenge, restored their grandfather as king.
• Founding Conflict: Romulus killed Remus over a dispute, became sole founder of Rome.

Early Expansion and Conflicts

• Sabines and Expansion: Romulus abducted Sabine women to populate Rome; peace and merging of Romans and Sabines.
• Republic Transition: Last king overthrown due to tyranny; Rome became a republic in 509 BC.
• Societal Structure: Struggles between patricians and plebeians shaped political reforms.

Military and Political Developments

• Roman Republic: Establishment of written laws (Twelve Tables) and systems for political stability.
• Military Strategies: Use of dictators in emergencies; Cincinnatus as a model of temporary dictatorship.

Wars and Expansion

Early Conflicts

• Latin Wars: Battles like Lake Regillus and Mount Algidus against Latin tribes.
• Gallic Threat and Recovery: Sack of Rome by Gauls in 390 BC; recovery and rebuilding.

Expansion Beyond Italy

• Pyrrhic War: Conflict with Greek king Pyrrhus, ultimate Roman dominance in Italy.
• First Punic War: Struggle with Carthage over Sicily, resulting in Roman victory and control.

Roman Political and Military Systems

Senate and Governance

• Senate's Role: Aristocratic control, limitations on plebeian power, eventual plebeian eligibility for consulship.
• Roman Laws and Citizenship: Progressive reforms granting more rights and citizenship to conquered peoples.

Military Reforms and Leadership

• Marius's Reforms: Crucial military changes that shaped the Roman army.
• Sulla's Dictatorship: Power struggle and impact on Roman Republic's structure.

Late Republic and Civil Wars

Julius Caesar's Rise

• Early Career: Military successes and political maneuvering leading to consulship.
• Crossing the Rubicon: Initiating civil war due to Senate's hostility.
• Dictatorship and Assassination: Caesar's reforms and eventual assassination on the Ides of March.

Transition to Empire

• Second Triumvirate: Formation by Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus to defeat Caesar’s assassins.
• Civil War with Antony: Octavian vs. Antony, leading to defeat at the Battle of Actium.

Establishment of the Roman Empire

• Octavian as Augustus: Consolidation of power, marking the end of the Roman Republic and beginning of the Roman Empire.

Key Themes and Influence

Myth vs. Reality

• Founding Legends: Role of myth in shaping Roman identity and cultural heritage.
• Historical Accuracy: Modern historians' scrutiny of legendary and historical accounts.

Impact of Wars

• Punic Wars: Major influence on Rome’s military and territorial expansion.
• Internal Conflicts: Civil wars and social struggles reflecting the shifting power dynamics within Rome.

Political Evolution

• From Republic to Empire: Transition marked by power struggles, reforms, and centralization under Augustus.
• Legacy: Rome's legal and military innovations as enduring influences on Western civilization.