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753 BCE
The Roman Empire Began
It is said that twin brothers Romulus and Remus were abandoned by their parents and tossed into the river Tiber. The basket they were in ran aground and was found by a mother wolf. The wolf took care of both babies for a while before they were found by a shepherd. The shepherd adopted the two babies. When they reached adulthood, they decided to found a city in the place where they were first found by the wolf. -
Period: 509 BCE to 519
Rome Became a Republic
At the beginning, Rome was ruled by a king and it grew steadily until in 509 BC the Romans formed a new structure of government – the republic. Over the centuries, other countries have modelled themselves on this Roman structure. The Roman Republic began when the Romans overthrew their Etruscan conquerors who had ruled Rome for hundreds of years. They set up a new system of government which allowed the citizens to select representatives to rule on their behalf. -
449 BCE
The Law of the Twelve Tables.
The Law of the Twelve Tables is one of the earliest surviving codes of law. There was a struggle between the patricians (the privileged class) and the plebeians (the common people) to protect the legal, social, and civil rights of citizens. A commission of 10 men was appointed in 433 BC called the Decemviri to write a code of law that was suitable for both parties. Before the Twelve Tables law, there were private laws which applied to Roman citizens. The Law of the Twelve Tables can found here -
218 BCE
Hannibal Invades Italy.
Hannibal was a Carthaginian military commander who was known as one of the best and most talented commanders in history. After the First Punic War there was a temporary peace between Carthage and the Romans as both economies were dependent on the Mediterranean Sea as a commercial trading route from Eastern countries like Greece and Lebanon. After the death of Hannibal’s father, Hamilcar, Hannibal came to power and he spent years preparing to defeat the Romans. -
98 BCE
The City of Rome Expelled All Non-Roman Citizens (except Slaves)
There was a dramatic point in Roman history when non-Romans were no longer allowed to stay in Rome, and all non-Romans except slaves were expelled from the city. -
Period: 50 BCE to 55
Rome Introduces the Gold Coin, the Aureus.
Rome introduced its first gold coin in 50 BC called the “aureus” which was valued at 25 silver denarii. The aureus was used in trading from the first century BC to the fourth century AD until it was replaced by the “solidus.” The aureus was the same size as the denarius but a little heavier due to its higher density of gold. -
45 BCE
Julius Caesar Becomes the First Dictator of Rome
Gaius Julius Caesar was born on 12 July, 100 BC in Rome. He is considered the greatest military strategist and most brilliant politician of all time. Caesar conquered the Gauls in 51 BC and was the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine and begin the invasion of Britain. This achievement afforded Caesar supreme military power. He implemented government reforms and Roman society overthrew the existing government and proclaimed Caesar as Rome’s dictator. -
44 BCE
Julius Caesar Was Assassinated
Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, the festival day of Ides of March, in 44 BC by his own senators. The plan was led by Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus. They stabbed Caesar next to the theater of Pompey. -
12 BCE
Augustus Ended Pontifex Maximus
Pontifex Maximus was the highest religious post in ancient Rome. It was only open to patricians until 254 BC, but later plebeians started occupying the post and it became more politicized. When Augustus consolidated power, he had the right to appoint other pontifices, but by ending this tradition, the new emperor was given religious supremacy and responsibility for the entire Roman state. -
12 BCE
Augustus Ended Pontifex Maximus
In Ancient Rome, the highest religious priest was called Pontifex Maximus. He was not a real magistrate, but rather a regular citizen. Pontifices were responsible for the entire Roman state cult and for several cults in particular. Initially, the post was only opened, patricians. However, the plebians, later on, started occupying the post and everything suddenly became politicized. Julius Caesar was also appointed pontifex maximum (63 B.C.E). He kept the office until his death. -
27
The Roman Empire Began
Roman civilization had already changed drastically by this point. Gaius Octavian Thurinus (Julius Caesar’s nephew) became the first emperor of Rome and took the name Augustus Caesar. Although Julius Caesar ruled Rome as the emperor for a while, he was never considered emperor, taking the title of dictator Augustus ruled the Roman Empire from 31 BC to 14 BC. -
Conclusion
Ancient Rome held so much more than just what’s written here. Nevertheless, these significant historical events of Ancient Rome are meant as a guide to help you understand Rome in the past in a big picture. It was clear that the Romans went through many drastic changes before A.D., starting from social to the political structure. There also lies many changes in religion and architecture as well. As a matter of fact.