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Overview of Roman History

Timeline:

• From Troy to Rome: 1200 - 753 BC

• Monarchy: 753 BC - 509 BC

• Republic: 509 BC - 27 BC

• Empire: 27 BC - AD 476

Key Events

• From Troy to Rome (1200 - 753 BC): Aeneas, a Trojan hero and son of Venus, leads the surviving Trojans to Italy after the fall of Troy. He marries Lavinia, the daughter of the local king, and establishes Lavinium, which becomes a significant settlement in early Roman history. This mythological foundation is crucial in establishing Rome's connection to divine ancestry and destiny.

• Foundation of Rome: Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf, are central figures in Roman mythology. After overthrowing Amulius, the king who had usurped their grandfather, Romulus becomes the first king of Rome in 753 BC. The city is believed to be founded on April 21, 753 BC, a date that is still commemorated today.

Seven Kings of Rome (VII REGES)

1. Romulus: Established the Senate and is credited with the creation of Roman military and political structures; remembered for the Rape of the Sabine Women, where he abducts women from the neighboring Sabine tribe to secure wives for his followers.

2. Numa Pompilius: A peaceful ruler known for instituting religious practices and rituals and is credited with the establishment of the 12-month calendar, including the addition of January and February.

3. Tullus Hostilius: A warlike king famous for sacking the neighboring city of Alba Longa and strengthening Roman military power.

4. Ancus Marcius: Focused on infrastructure by founding the port town of Ostia, which became crucial for trade, and he built the first prison in Rome.

5. Tarquinius Priscus: A king known for significant engineering projects, including the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome’s sewer system, and the initiation of Ludi Romani, the Roman Games to honor Jupiter.

6. Servius Tullius: Known for implementing the first census in Rome, he organized the Roman citizens into classes and centuries based on wealth, which had lasting implications for Roman society and military organization.

7. Tarquinius Superbus: The last king of Rome; his tyrannical rule led to his overthrow. He expanded the military and built the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill, solidifying the position of religion in Roman politics.

Political Structure of the Republic

• Consuls: The two elected leaders who acted as military commanders and heads of state. They had the power to convene the Senate and command the army.

• Praetors: Elected judges responsible for the administration of justice and legal matters, often attended by lictors who carried the symbols of their authority.

• Tribunes: Established in 494 BC after the first secession, tribunes were elected representatives of the plebeians who had the power to veto actions of the Senate and other magistrates, offering crucial protection for the common people.

• Dictators: Appointed in times of emergency, dictators had absolute power but were limited to a maximum term of 6 months, helping to ensure that such authority was not abused.

Important Early Republic Events

• Tarquinius Superbus Overthrown: This pivotal event in 509 BC led to the establishment of the Roman Republic, marking the end of monarchy.

• First Secession (494 BC): The plebeians' withdrawal from the city to struggle for political rights resulted in the establishment of the office of tribune, significantly increasing the political power of the common citizens.

• Gauls Sack Rome (390 BC): Following their victory at the Battle of the Allia, the Gauls invaded and sacked Rome, an event that deeply traumatized the Roman psyche and prompted military reforms.

Expansion and Warfare

• First Punic War (264-241 BC): This conflict with Carthage was largely fought over control of Sicily and ended with Rome's victory and the establishment of its first province.

• Second Punic War (218-201 BC): Marked by Hannibal's famous crossing of the Alps, this war included significant battles like Cannae, where Rome faced a crushing defeat, and Zama, where Scipio Africanus led a decisive Roman victory.

• Mark of Roman Dominance: The successful outcomes of these wars led to the consolidation of Roman power over the Mediterranean, setting the stage for the expansion of the Empire.

Geography Related to Early Rome

• Seas and Rivers: The region is bordered by the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, and Mediterranean seas, with the Tiber River serving as the lifeblood of the city and as an important transportation route.

• Mountains: The Apennines run down the spine of Italy, while the Alps form a natural barrier to the north, providing protection against invasions.

• Key Locations: Significant geographical areas include Palatine Hill, the legendary site of Romulus's founding, Capitoline Hill, home to major temples, and the Roman Forum, the political heart of the Republic.

Important Events in the Empire (27 BC – AD 476)

• Augustus (27 BC): Octavian, later known as Augustus, became the first emperor, implementing significant reforms that laid the foundation for the Pax Romana, an extended period of peace and prosperity.

• Crisis of the Third Century: A period marked by military anarchy, economic decline, and external threats, leading to the fragmentation of the Empire into several regions ruled by different leaders.

• Fall of the Western Empire (AD 476): The deposition of Romulus Augustulus by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer is often cited as the end of the Western Roman Empire, signifying the transition to the Middle Ages in Europe.

Overview of Roman History

Timeline:

• From Troy to Rome: 1200 - 753 BC

• Monarchy: 753 BC - 509 BC

• Republic: 509 BC - 27 BC

• Empire: 27 BC - AD 476

Key Events

• From Troy to Rome (1200 - 753 BC): Aeneas, a Trojan hero and son of Venus, leads the surviving Trojans to Italy after the fall of Troy. He marries Lavinia, the daughter of the local king, and establishes Lavinium, which becomes a significant settlement in early Roman history. This mythological foundation is crucial in establishing Rome's connection to divine ancestry and destiny.

• Foundation of Rome: Romulus and Remus, twin brothers raised by a she-wolf, are central figures in Roman mythology. After overthrowing Amulius, the king who had usurped their grandfather, Romulus becomes the first king of Rome in 753 BC. The city is believed to be founded on April 21, 753 BC, a date that is still commemorated today.

Seven Kings of Rome (VII REGES)

1. Romulus: Established the Senate and is credited with the creation of Roman military and political structures; remembered for the Rape of the Sabine Women, where he abducts women from the neighboring Sabine tribe to secure wives for his followers.

2. Numa Pompilius: A peaceful ruler known for instituting religious practices and rituals and is credited with the establishment of the 12-month calendar, including the addition of January and February.

3. Tullus Hostilius: A warlike king famous for sacking the neighboring city of Alba Longa and strengthening Roman military power.

4. Ancus Marcius: Focused on infrastructure by founding the port town of Ostia, which became crucial for trade, and he built the first prison in Rome.

5. Tarquinius Priscus: A king known for significant engineering projects, including the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome’s sewer system, and the initiation of Ludi Romani, the Roman Games to honor Jupiter.

6. Servius Tullius: Known for implementing the first census in Rome, he organized the Roman citizens into classes and centuries based on wealth, which had lasting implications for Roman society and military organization.

7. Tarquinius Superbus: The last king of Rome; his tyrannical rule led to his overthrow. He expanded the military and built the Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill, solidifying the position of religion in Roman politics.

Political Structure of the Republic

• Consuls: The two elected leaders who acted as military commanders and heads of state. They had the power to convene the Senate and command the army.

• Praetors: Elected judges responsible for the administration of justice and legal matters, often attended by lictors who carried the symbols of their authority.

• Tribunes: Established in 494 BC after the first secession, tribunes were elected representatives of the plebeians who had the power to veto actions of the Senate and other magistrates, offering crucial protection for the common people.

• Dictators: Appointed in times of emergency, dictators had absolute power but were limited to a maximum term of 6 months, helping to ensure that such authority was not abused.

Important Early Republic Events

• Tarquinius Superbus Overthrown: This pivotal event in 509 BC led to the establishment of the Roman Republic, marking the end of monarchy.

• First Secession (494 BC): The plebeians' withdrawal from the city to struggle for political rights resulted in the establishment of the office of tribune, significantly increasing the political power of the common citizens.

• Gauls Sack Rome (390 BC): Following their victory at the Battle of the Allia, the Gauls invaded and sacked Rome, an event that deeply traumatized the Roman psyche and prompted military reforms.

Expansion and Warfare

• First Punic War (264-241 BC): This conflict with Carthage was largely fought over control of Sicily and ended with Rome's victory and the establishment of its first province.

• Second Punic War (218-201 BC): Marked by Hannibal's famous crossing of the Alps, this war included significant battles like Cannae, where Rome faced a crushing defeat, and Zama, where Scipio Africanus led a decisive Roman victory.

• Mark of Roman Dominance: The successful outcomes of these wars led to the consolidation of Roman power over the Mediterranean, setting the stage for the expansion of the Empire.

Geography Related to Early Rome

• Seas and Rivers: The region is bordered by the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, and Mediterranean seas, with the Tiber River serving as the lifeblood of the city and as an important transportation route.

• Mountains: The Apennines run down the spine of Italy, while the Alps form a natural barrier to the north, providing protection against invasions.

• Key Locations: Significant geographical areas include Palatine Hill, the legendary site of Romulus's founding, Capitoline Hill, home to major temples, and the Roman Forum, the political heart of the Republic.

Important Events in the Empire (27 BC – AD 476)

• Augustus (27 BC): Octavian, later known as Augustus, became the first emperor, implementing significant reforms that laid the foundation for the Pax Romana, an extended period of peace and prosperity.

• Crisis of the Third Century: A period marked by military anarchy, economic decline, and external threats, leading to the fragmentation of the Empire into several regions ruled by different leaders.

• Fall of the Western Empire (AD 476): The deposition of Romulus Augustulus by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer is often cited as the end of the Western Roman Empire, signifying the transition to the Middle Ages in Europe.