Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome — page 1
ulius Caesar s triumphant quote Veni vidi vici I came I saw I conquered could be ancient Rome's rallying cry The Romans excelled in warfare engineer ing and government a trio of strengths that helped them become a world power During the period of the Roman Empire most of the known world was united under Roman rule This volume provides a lively overview of the history of ancient Rome and highlights its many literary architectural and engineering achievements as well Rome's early history is shrouded in myth and legend According to tradition the city was founded by twin brothers Romulus and Remus in 753 BC and Romulus served as Rome's first king Although Romulus was a mythical figure the kings who followed him likely existed The last three kings of Rome were Etruscans who ruled in the 6th century BC These kings made improvements to the city building temples and public works such as the remarkable sewer Cloaca Maxima Rome prospered and became Italy s wealthiest city Still Etruscan rule was not universally appreciated Around 509 BC the Romans revolted against the tyrannical king Tarquinius Superbus and expelled the Etruscans from