Roman Empire 2 Essay, Research Paper
As Greece reached the pinnacle of its prosperity Rome which lye slightly to the west slowly began its rise as a civilization. The Greeks centered their culture around Art and literature whereas opposed to the Romans who settled their culture upon warfare and leadership. Without planing it Rome rose very steadily as an empire. Shortly before Christ most of the surrounding cities and nations were at peace under Rome’s rule.
Rome was established upon seven hills next to a river known as the Tiber. There was a flat plain where lived a people called the Latiums or the Latins. They established a small village near the shallow of the River on a hill called Palatine. After many years the village spread to form a city by the name of Rome.
Early roman history was not written down and is based upon no factual recorded evidence, and has been so mixed with truth and fables that it is difficult for historians to distinguish between myth and fact. The legend on the founding of Rome still remains and is the most common description of how Rome was founded.
The legend states that Romulus and Remus who were brothers decided on constructing a city on a hill, but they could not decide on which hill to be gin on. They both chose different locations. So they decided to wait at their site and seek a sign from the gods. When the reconvened Remus claimed he saw six vultures fly above him and that the gods have chosen him. Romulus claimed he had seen twelve and thus began Rome.
Many notable Leaders followed Romulus, Numa Pompilius who added two moths to the ten month calendar, Tullus Hostilius who conquered Alba Longa, Ancus Martius who settled Aventine hill, Tarquinius Priscus who drained the cities marshes and founded the temple of Jupiter. Servius Tulius, Gaius Licinius, Cornelius Sulla, Augustus, and Julius Caesar.
Rome was conquered by the Etruscans and under went several changes. Temples were built forum was increased The city was expanded and walls were built around the seven hills. It also increased importance and power as a city and trade prospered. Although this period helped the Romans greatly the Latin aristocrats. They revolted under the lead of Junius Brutus They banished the Etruscans and became a republic. The Etruscans made four more attempts to reclaim Rome but failed.
The Romans now centered their attention to conquering their first intentions were not to rule the civilized world. One of the largest conflicts during this time was the on going argument between the patricians or and the plebeians or commoners. The patricians were the only citizens eligible for political office. Plus patricians’ votes counted significantly more than plebeians’ did. In 494 BC the plebeians marched out of Rome and threatened to leave forever. This terrified the patricians who then relinquished all debts and took out those in prison for debt. Plus they allowed the Patricians to represent themselves in government with people called tribunes. In 367 the plebeians were finally allowed to hold one of the two positions known as consuls.
In 390 the Gauls Sacked Rome. They came from their home to the heart of Etruria. The Gauls laid waste to the land destroying and pillaging, but in the nick of time Garrison was awoken and offered the Gauls a hefty ransom to save Rome and they returned to their home in the valley of Po. Rome had been badly burned, but Etruria was far worse off which enabled the Romans to capture it.
Many cities were captured by Rome following that the Samnite (Greeks) Carthage, Upper Italy, Spain, Macedonia, Greece & Asia Minor.
Many things began the downfall of roman German barbarians, Upper Italy’s revolt, rivalry of Marius and Sulla And the transfer of leader ship from the public to the aristocrats.
Under one-man-rule the Romans conquered many lands until the end of the line of Augustus. When the Byzantine Empire grew transferred its capitol to Greece and as they rose the Romans fell. Finally invasion of barbarians from the north finished the Romans and ended their empire forever.