Ancient Rome

Definition: Ancient Rome refers to the civilization centered on the city of Rome, spanning from its legendary founding in 753 BC through the heights of the Republic and Empire until the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD.

Ancient Rome’s story begins with myth and legend on the banks of the Tiber River, evolving into one of history’s most powerful civilizations. From the foundation of Rome in 753 BC to the establishment of the Roman Republic in 509 BC, the city’s transformation set the stage for unparalleled political and military achievements.

As Rome expanded its territories—winning the Punic Wars (264–146 BC) and repelling Hannibal’s invasion of Italy—it laid the groundwork for a vast empire. The pivotal assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC paved the way for Octavian’s rise as Augustus and the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus in 27 BC.

Yet, Rome also faced crises: the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD reshaped its urban landscape, while internal divisions and external pressures led to the division of the Roman Empire, ultimately culminating in the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and the emergence of the Byzantine Empire centered at Constantinople (now Istanbul).

Foundation and Monarchy (753 BC – 509 BC)

Explore the legendary origins of Rome by tracing the myth of Romulus and Remus, which leads us through the reigns of the city’s seven early kings.

Myth of Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus—twins cast adrift and raised by a she-wolf—are central to Rome’s origin story, with Romulus ultimately founding the city in 753 BC.

Role of the Seven Kings
According to tradition, seven kings ruled Rome over 250 years, establishing religious, legal, and civic institutions that shaped its early identity.

Republic and Expansion (509 BC – 27 BC)

An era defined by the overthrow of monarchy, groundbreaking political reforms, and expansive military campaigns.

Establishment of the Republic (509 BC)
In 509 BC, Romans expelled the last king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, and instituted a Republic governed by elected magistrates and the Senate.

Punic Wars (264–146 BC)

First Punic War (264–241 BC): Control of Sicily
Second Punic War (218–201 BC): Hannibal’s invasion, Battle of Cannae
Third Punic War (149–146 BC): Destruction of Carthage

Hannibal’s Invasion of Italy

Hannibal Barca famously crossed the Alps with war elephants in 218 BC, inflicting severe defeats on Rome before his eventual defeat in North Africa.

The Rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD)

Transition from Republic to Principate, marked by centralized authority and a flourishing cultural revival.

From Republic to Principate
After decades of civil wars, Octavian (later Augustus) emerged victorious, consolidating power while preserving republican institutions.

Establishment of the Empire (27 BC)

Augustus was granted supreme authority by the Senate in 27 BC, inaugurating the Roman Empire and ushering in the Pax Romana—a 200-year era of relative peace and prosperity.

Crisis and Calamity: The Great Fire of Rome (64 AD)

A defining disaster that exposed urban vulnerabilities and provoked sweeping reforms.

Outbreak and Response
The Great Fire began on July 19, 64 AD, ravaging ten of Rome’s fourteen districts before being contained on the ninth day.

Impact on Urban Planning
In the aftermath, Nero introduced stricter building codes, wider streets, and fireproof materials, transforming Rome’s architectural landscape.

Constantine and the Division of the Empire (306 AD – 395 AD)

Examines how Constantine’s reign and Christianity altered Rome’s trajectory, leading to eventual division.

Constantine Becomes Emperor (306 AD)
Following Diocletian’s tetrarchy, Constantine seized power in 306 AD, later promoting Christianity and founding Constantinople.

Edict of Milan and Christianization

In 313 AD, the Edict of Milan granted religious tolerance, accelerating Christianity’s ascent within the Empire.

Eastern Roman (Byzantine) vs. Western Roman Empire (395 AD – 476 AD)

Details the formal split and divergent destinies of Rome's two halves.

Formal Division (395 AD)
Emperor Theodosius I’s death led to separate Eastern and Western emperors, institutionalizing the divide.

Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire

Centered in Constantinople, it preserved Roman law and Hellenistic culture for over a millennium.

Western Roman Empire

Weakened by internal decay and barbarian pressures, it struggled to maintain authority until its collapse.

The Fall of the Western Empire and Legacy (410 AD – 476 AD)

Covers the final blows: the Sack of Rome and the formal end of Western imperial rule.

Sack of Rome (410 AD)
Alaric and the Visigoths breached Rome’s walls in 410 AD, marking the first sack in 800 years and shocking the ancient world.

Fall of the Western Empire (476 AD)
Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus in 476 AD, traditionally marking the end of Western imperial rule.

Enduring Legacy
Ancient Rome’s legal systems, engineering feats (roads, aqueducts), and cultural achievements continue to shape modern governance, architecture, and language.

From its storied foundation in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Empire in 476 AD, Ancient Rome exemplifies how political innovation, military might, and cultural dynamism can forge—and eventually fragment—a civilization. Whether you’re exploring Rome’s republican ideals or its imperial grandeur, understanding these milestones offers invaluable insights into the foundations of Western history and governance.

Next Step: Dive deeper into Rome’s influence by exploring our detailed article on the Byzantine Empire or compare Rome’s early republic with our coverage of the Greek Republics to see how these civilizations shaped each other.