What Ever Happened to Rome?

By Robert Palmer

What Ever Happened to Rome?

When we think of ancient civilizations, Rome is often one of the first that comes to mind. The Roman Empire was a powerhouse that lasted for centuries, leaving a lasting impact on Western culture.

But what ever happened to Rome? Let’s dive into the rise and fall of this mighty empire.

The Rise of Rome

Rome was founded in 753 BC and began as a small city-state in Italy. Over time, it grew into a republic and eventually became an empire. The Romans were known for their military prowess, building one of the largest and most powerful armies in history.

Under the leadership of famous generals like Julius Caesar and Augustus, Rome expanded its territory through conquests. At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from Britain to Egypt, covering vast amounts of land.

The Golden Age

During the Golden Age of Rome, which spanned from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD, the empire experienced stability and prosperity. This period saw significant advancements in art, architecture, literature, and philosophy.

The Romans built magnificent structures like the Colosseum and aqueducts that still awe us today. They also introduced concepts like concrete and arches into architecture, revolutionizing construction techniques.

The Decline

Despite its glory days, Rome eventually began to decline. Several factors contributed to its downfall:

  • Barbarian Invasions: The Roman Empire faced constant invasions from Germanic tribes such as the Visigoths and Vandals. These invasions weakened the empire’s defenses and ultimately led to its collapse.
  • Corruption: As Rome grew in size and power, corruption became rampant.

    Emperors and government officials were often more concerned with personal gain than governing effectively.

  • Economic Troubles: The empire faced economic issues due to overspending, inflation, and a decline in trade. These problems led to high taxes, which burdened the citizens and caused unrest.
  • Internal Conflicts: Power struggles and civil wars plagued Rome during its later years. Different factions fought for control, further weakening the empire.

The Fall of Rome

In 476 AD, the Roman Empire finally fell when the last emperor, Romulus Augustus, was overthrown by a Germanic chieftain named Odoacer. This event marked the end of ancient Rome and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe.

However, it’s important to note that while the Western Roman Empire fell, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to thrive for another thousand years as the Byzantine Empire.

The Legacy

Although Rome fell as an empire, its legacy lived on. The Romans’ contributions to law, language (Latin), engineering, and governance had a lasting impact on future civilizations.

Even today, we can see remnants of ancient Rome in our modern world. From government structures modeled after Roman principles to architectural designs inspired by their grandeur, Rome’s influence is still present.

In conclusion, Rome rose from a small city-state to become one of history’s greatest empires. However, due to various factors such as invasions, corruption, economic troubles, and internal conflicts, it eventually declined and fell. Nevertheless, its cultural contributions continue to shape our world today.