Rome's History: From Founding to Fall

Early Habitation and Mythical Founding

• Palatine Hill:
  • Continuous habitation from ~1000 BC.
  • Legend: Romulus founded Rome after killing Remus. Also a settlement for hero Aeneas.
• Latins:
  • Originated from Latium region.
  • Forbearers of Roman civilization.

Founding of Rome

• 753 BC:
  • Traditional founding date by Romulus (seen as 1776 for Americans).
  • Modern scholars believe actual foundation was between 625 BC and 600 BC.

The Regal Period (753-509 BC)

• Kings of Rome:
  • Romulus (753-715 BC)
  • Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius
  • Tarquinius Priscus (616-579 BC) of Etruscan descent
  • Servius Tullius and Tarquinius Superbus (534-509 BC)
• End of Kings: Rome transitions to Republic after the tyranny of Tarquinius Superbus.

Establishment of the Roman Republic (509 BC)

• Early Political System:
  • Patricians (powerful families) dominated initially.
  • Plebeians (commoners) gained more influence over time.
• The Twelve Tables (451/450 BC):
  • Early codified laws limiting elite power and enforcing protections for citizens.

Conflicts and Expansion

• Sack of Rome (390 BC):
  • By Gauls, after Roman defeat in Northern Italy.
• Punic Wars:
  • First Punic War (264-241 BC): Rome vs. Carthage, ended with Rome's dominance in Sicily.
  • Second Punic War (218-201 BC): Hannibal's campaign against Rome, led to Roman expansion in Hispania and North Africa.

Internal Strife and Transition to Empire

• Rise of Julius Caesar (49-44 BC):
  • Defeated Pompey, declared dictator for life.
  • Assassinated in 44 BC leading to civil war.
• Formation of the Roman Empire:
  • Augustus (Octavian) becomes the first emperor, ending the Roman Republic.

Key Events in the Empire

• Mount Vesuvius Eruption (79 AD):
  • Destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• Battle of Milvian Bridge (312 AD):
  • Constantine's victory and conversion to Christianity.

Decline and Fall

• Sack of Rome (410 AD):
  • By Visigoths, marked decline of Rome.
• Official Fall (476 AD):
  • Deposition of the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus.
  • End of Western Roman Empire.

Legacy of Rome

• Byzantine Empire:
  • Eastern continuation of Rome until 1453.
• Influence:
  • Roman architecture, law, government, language, and Christianity have lasting impacts.
  • Considered influential up to today.