Rome

Colosseum

Forum

Trajan's Column

Circus Maximus

Ostia

A Brief History of Ancient Rome

According to legend and as recounted by the Roman historian Titus Livius (c. 59 B.C. to A.D. 17), Rome was founded by Romulus and built on seven hills beside the River Tiber (modern day Tevere) in 753 B.C. For some 200 years it was ruled by kings until the last one, Tarquinius Superbus, was expelled and the Roman Republic was set up in 509 B.C. It was then 'ruled' for the next 500 years approx. by two consuls (leading statesmen) in conjunction with a Senate (body of 'elder' statesmen). The First Century B.C. was a turbulent time with almost constant friction between leading politicians and generals each one trying to assume more authority than his opponent and this often erupted into Civil War. Until in 45 B.C. Gaius Julius Caesar took total control and had himself declared 'dictator for life' - thus, effectively, ending the Republic. After his assassination in 44 B.C. and a further 'brief' period of war, the first Roman Emperor took office, Octavian the adopted son of Julius Caesar. Having changed his name to Augustus Caesar this Emperor and his family set up the first imperial dynasty which subsequent emperors followed. Augustus Caesar introduced a period of calm into the Roman World. He also instigated new laws, began a great building project and stressed the importance of family values etc. The Emperors that followed contributed to Rome's greatness but also her notoriety by the way in which they lived their lives.