Introduction According to an ancient legend Rome was founded by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus who abandoned at birth were saved from death and raised by a she-wolf Whether or not the legend is true archaeologists believe Rome began as a small village sometime around 753 b.c. Over the next few centuries it gradually gained power over its neighbors By the time of Julius Caesar’s dictatorship in 49 b.c. Rome had become the greatest power the ancient world had ever seen During the next few hundred years Rome became even greater Wherever its victorious armies went new towns sprang up Roman engineers built temples public buildings aqueducts and roads In the conquered lands All roads lead to Rome became a popular as well as a true saying Travel and trade became faster and safer than ever before In Latin the Roman language this period from 27 b.c. to a.d. 180 was called the Pax Romana the Roman Peace Listen to the sound of hobnailed sandals as a Roman legion marches out to its tour of duty See the bright flashes of sunlight reflected on the wings of the golden eagles held high by the legion’s standard bearers Now draw the proud legionary as he prepares to defend the empire
