The history of Rome dates span back centuries into ancient times and is filled with fascinating turns and twists, battles and times of peace. From dates tracing back to early civilization to events leading up to the Fall of Rome, there is a vast and involved chain of events leading from the foundations of Rome—arguably either 753 BC according to the Romans or 625 BC according to world-famous historians—to Rome today.

The earliest foundations of Rome are attributed the twin brothers called Remus and Romulus. Though based on a myth, the story is widely known and recognized to be the tale of Rome's origins. The brothers both agree to build the new city yet argue wildly about the ideal place to begin. Romulus favors Palatine Hill while Remus chooses Aventine Hill as an ideal location. Their dedicated following arises from their birthright—their father was the Roman god Mars. During the dispute, Remus is killed and Romulus embarks on the mission to Build Rome, supported by his many admirers.

In the earliest days of Rome, the main controllers were kings responsible for constructing such historic sites as the Roman Forum and controlling others such as Capitoline Hill and Palatine Hill. Facts about Rome Italy during this period show that the kings eventually went down a path leading Rome toward becoming a republic. This republic, a well-known component in the history of Rome, was reigned over by the Roman Senate. During this period, Rome’s rule reached out to Sicily and as far as northern parts of Africa. Dominant and steadfast, Rome blossomed into a Mediterranean superpower following the descent of Greece and the fall of Carthage, a Phoenician settlement near modern day Tunis.

Rome Map

After the kings came the dictators, of which some were extremely unsavory, irrational, and tyrannical. Julius Caesar was, without any doubt, the most infamous dictator in the history of Rome. As acting Consul to the Roman Senate, Caesar was completely obsessed with the becoming the next Emperor of Rome, and was so incredibly uncontrollable that facts about Rome Italy relay he was murdered by several Senate members who felt he was nothing but a liability. The many years following Caesar’s untimely death brought about many interesting facts about Rome Italy. Augustus became the first ever Emperor of Rome after Caesar perished, civil war permeated the area, and internal domestic conflict plagued Rome.

In the years preceding the Fall of Rome was a period known as Imperial Rome. Unprecedented growth catapulted Rome into new standing. Unparalleled military prowess gained Rome control over myriad territories creating a massive empire that presented a never-before-seen cultural and historical European influence, and eventually a major global presence. The ascending emperor Diocletian was responsible for splitting the west and east sections of the Roman Empire in 285 AD seeing the equilibrium of control shift slowly. The gradual decrease in power left Rome with a fraction of authority it once had and, in this point in the history of Rome, the region lost its influential iron-fist capabilities. Constantine came into power as the cardinal Christian ruler and in 330, establishing his main foundations in Constantinople. It was more than a century later when the Fall of Rome (arguably) occurred at Constantinople in 1453.

Book upon book has been written about the Fall of Rome. The history of Rome is so vast and detailed and includes everything from ancient history to Rome's modern history based in the last century or so. Museums and galleries alike offer Roman art, exhibits, and artifacts that tell an ambiguous tale of Rome’s past. A combination of financial strife, religion (specifically Christianity), military issues, and extreme decadence are all factors attributing to the Fall of Rome. Still, others claim it was the ascension of Islam or the successive invasions of Rome and other parts of Italy.

No matter what the true details of the history of Rome are, the historic attractions throughout today’s ancient city paint a good general picture of Rome’s past. Through basilicas such as Santa Maria Maggiore, to time-honored squares like Piazza Navona, visitors gain comprehensive knowledge of a city bathed in fascinating ancient events and one that still stands true to it’s earliest foundations.