The Roman Empire

Rome Begins

100

Rome was originally settles by the Latins between 1000 and 500 BC. Although constantly at war with neighboring Etruscans and Greeks, they influenced Roman culture signifigantly, adopting their alphabet and architecture. These are the foundations on which Rome was formed.

Fall of the Republic

100

With the Republic stretched so thin, economic turnmoil and military dissary ensued. Jusius Caeser , Crassus, and Pompey ruled as a triumvirate for 10 years, breaking the previous 1 year limit. They eventually broke apart, all comanding seperate armies and ruling different areas. Julius Caeser, a former general, eventually overtook the others, and became the dictator of Rome.

Rome Expands its Borders

265

With rising tensions on the Italian Peninsula, the Romans finally conquered all of Italy. Shortly after this, Rome begins the first Punic War by going to war with Carthage. These deadly wars caused heavy casualties for both sides. These wars went on for over 100 years, eventually leading to Roman victory, and caused Hannibal to commit suicide.

Roman Religion

300

Although a prominently polythiestic society, Romans were allowed to follow other religious customs to an extent. With the rise of Judaism, other religions came about. Christianity, although strongly opposed at first, eventually became the backbone of Rome. Hence, the Roman Catholic Church.

Cracks in the Empire

350

Pirates and tribal raids cut down Roman trade lines, greatly weakening the economy. Without the ability to import and export goods, it is nearly impossible to sustain an empire the size of the Roman Empire. Coupled with a drastic drop in the value of currency, Rome's economy was in great danger.

Fall in Power

350

These economic struggles leaked into the Roman military, leading to the slight dissoving of the Roman Empire. Troops left their loyalty to Rome at the door, and focused on their individual units. This dissaray greatly weakened the power of Rome, and left many rivals stirring at the chance to strike

Atilla the Hun

444

Germanic tribes proved to be one of Romes greatest foes. Not because o their power, but their numbers and persistance. Wiping out a 2000 man tribe bought the Romans no time before another tribe attacked. The Huns, a rather powerful tribe, completely terrorized the empire. With over 100,000 soldiers, the Huns marched on Rome, only to be defeated by disease and famine, Although the Huns never breached Rome itself, they proved a most annoying foe to the Roman Empire.

The End of an Era

476

After years of misfourtune, Rome was being ruled by a 14 year old boy. He was quickly defeated by Germanic forces, and in 476 AD, the Roman Empire was no more. It dissolved into the Byzantine Empire and other colonies regained their power. Roman culture lived on in these areas for thousands of years, and Roman cultural influence lives on in art, architecture, sports and politics to this day,

A Republic is Born

Mar 2, 2022

The city of Rome had gone through many changes in power and culture. The Republic began when Tarquin, the last king of Rome, was driven from power by the people. The roman people, from then on, voted on who their leader would be.

Pax Romana

Mar 2, 2022

Augustus, the eventual sucessor of Caesar, became a very popular ruler. He restored some elements of the Republic, and kept Rome out of wars for over 200 years. Although at peace, Rome was at the height of its size and power, and the Roman economy was flourishing. Crops, livestock, and other goods from all sides of the mediterranean sea pumped the Roman economy full of money and strengthened the people as a whole.