The earliest inhabitants of Rome were the Latins, an Italic people who settled in the area around the Tiber River in central Italy in the 10th century BCE. The Latins were joined by other Italic peoples, including the Sabines and the Etruscans, and together they formed the Roman Kingdom.
The Roman Kingdom
The Roman Kingdom was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were said to have been raised by a she-wolf. The kingdom lasted for over 200 years, and during that time the Romans expanded their territory and conquered many of the other peoples of Italy.
The Roman Republic
In 509 BCE, the Roman Kingdom was overthrown and the Roman Republic was established. The republic was a government in which the people elected representatives to serve in the Senate, which made laws and governed the Roman state. The republic lasted for over 400 years, and during that time the Romans conquered much of the Mediterranean world, including Greece, Egypt, and Carthage.
The Roman Empire
In 27 BCE, the Roman Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire. The empire was ruled by a single emperor, who had absolute power. The empire lasted for over 400 years, and during that time the Romans reached the peak of their power and influence.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
In 476 CE, the Western Roman Empire fell to the Germanic tribes. The Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist for another 1,000 years, but it gradually declined in power and influence.
The Legacy of Rome
The Roman Empire had a profound impact on Western civilization. The Romans developed many important political, legal, and cultural institutions that are still used today. The Roman Empire also spread Christianity throughout Europe and the Mediterranean world.