Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was a civilization which developed from a small trading post and agricultural village into one of the most powerful empires of the ancient world. Ancient Rome's form of government went from a monarchy to a republic and finally to autocracy.

History

Founding (C. 800 BCE)

The founding of Rome is embroiled in a mixture of myth and fact. The traditional date given for the founding of Rome is April 21 753 B.C. by the twin Brothers, Romulus and Remus.

Monarchy (753 BCE - 510 BCE)

753-716. Romulus. 716-673. Numa Pompilius. 673-641. Tullus Hostilius. 640-616. Ancus Marcius. 616-578. Tarquinius Priscus. 578-534. Servius Tullius. 534-510. Tarquinius Superbus.

Republic (510 BCE - 30 BCE)

The Roman Republic spanned five centuries and formed the basis for much of our modern political thought. The principle that power could not be invested in one person was re-inforced over the years with the establishment of many differing magistracies, though the two Consuls held nominal power of the state. As time went on, positions such as the Tribunate were introduced in order to provide representation for the Plebians. The exception to this principle was the office of Dictator, who could be appointed for six months at a time in a national emergency.