Prior to Rome's existence the
Etruscans inhabited the Italian
peninsula. Very little is known regarding the Etruscan culture. 753 BCE marks the founding of Rome. Most stories imply that the city was named for
Romulus who outsmarted his brother
Remus for ownership of the land. However,
Plutarch is very clear to say that "from whom, and for what reason, the city of Rome, a name so great in
glory, and famous in the mouths of all men, was so first called, authors do not agree..." The vast majority of the founding of Rome is rooted in
myths and
legends, none of which can be verified.
Ancient Rome
The actual Roman Republic was founded in 509 BCE. This is the date that marks the overthrow of the Etruscan monarchy and the beginning of the Rome with which most people are familiar. Myth and legend states that the overthrow was a product of the
Rape of Lucretia. Prior to the establishment of the
Republic, Rome was ruled by
Kings. According to most sources there were 7 of these Kings between 753 and 509 BCE. These Kings are considered more myth than reality and few researchers have been able to produce any
proof that they ever existed. The establishment of the Republic brought on the ideals of
self-government and a sense of
morality.
The Roman Republic actually claimed its land in a treaty with
Carthage in 510 BCE. However, the
Latin League would not recognize such agreements and a war broke out. Rome eventually claimed victory but it was uncertain whether this was true or if it was simply a
draw between the two armies. Rome and the Latin League signed a treaty in 493 BCE thus ending the conflict. However, Rome's hand in conflict was far from over. Between 494 and 297 BCE there were a total of five conflicts referred to as
The Conflict of the Orders. These conflicts consisted of
plebian uprisings and demands for equal rights and representation in the government of the Republic. These uprisings led to the creation of
The Twelve Tables. These tables were the recorded Roman law. These laws were engraved and displayed for all to see. The laws laid out rules for public, private and political dealings within the Republic.
Rome's history continued to be pocked with war and uprisings. There were many more conflicts including the
Great Latin War,
The Punic Wars, and
The Macedonian Wars. These conflicts shaped the nature of the government and the state and led to the creation of the
Roman Empire which ruled much of Europe until the death of
Theodosius the Great in 395.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome was once again the target of attacks. The city was sacked several times and the situation was looking pretty dim until late in the 8th century. The
Pope decided to back up the
Frankish King
Pepin the Short who was claiming to be
God's chosen one. In return for his support, the Pope received land around Rome and the alliance was known as the
Holy Roman Empire which, of course, was neither
Holy nor
Roman.
Modern Rome
The Popes continued to gain power until 1527 when
Charles V sacked Rome. This was followed by
The French Revolution,
Napoleon’s march and the
Franco-Prussian War. These all brought an abrupt end to the power of the Popes and begin the shaping of a new Rome. In 1870, Rome became the capital of the newly united
Italy. This left the Pope with no real power in Rome and thus he fled to the
Vatican.
The 1920's and 1930's were a time of expansion in Rome. The city extended beyond its walls and
Mussolini reigned supreme. During
WWII, Mussolini sided with
Germany and the city was treated appropriately. Following the war, Rome saw the resurgence of its old spirit and once again became a republic in 1946. The 1970's and 1980's were once again a time of change. Several student groups, the most famous being
The Brigate Rosse, led protests against the
left-wing government. Much of the 20th century in Rome was concerned with transforming a politically and economically
corrupt government.
To this day the city is still undergoing changes and fighting the onset of political
extremists from all sides. However, Rome is still a center for
tourism. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is the home to very unique
architecture as well as an obvious wealth of
history and
culture. The city is also home to many artifacts from multiple
ancient civilizations. How could you resist the city where
Roman Holiday was filmed?
Sources
http://www.exovedate.com/ancient_timeline_one.html
http://www.roman-empire.net/founding/found-index.html
http://travel.yahoo.com/t/europe/italy/rome/index.html