When Did Rome Start and End?

By Anna Duncan

When Did Rome Start and End?

Rome, the eternal city, has a rich and fascinating history that spans over two and a half millennia. Let’s delve into the timeline of when Rome began and when it came to an end.

The Founding of Rome

According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were raised by a she-wolf. Although the story is mythical, it symbolizes the origins of this great city.

Rome started as a small settlement on the banks of the Tiber River in central Italy.

The Roman Republic

In 509 BC, Rome became a republic after overthrowing its last king. The Roman Republic lasted for nearly five centuries until 27 BC when it transitioned into the Roman Empire.

During this period, Rome expanded its influence through military conquests and established itself as a dominant power in the Mediterranean region.

The Punic Wars

One significant event during the Republican era was the series of Punic Wars fought against Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa. These wars took place between 264 BC and 146 BC.

The most famous figure from these conflicts was General Hannibal, who famously crossed the Alps with his army to attack Rome directly.

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire began in 27 BC when Augustus became the first emperor of Rome. This marked a significant shift from the republican system to an imperial one.

The empire reached its peak during the reign of Trajan (98 AD – 117 AD), encompassing vast territories stretching from Britain to Mesopotamia.

Expansion and Decline

The Roman Empire continued to expand its borders through military conquests, but it also faced challenges such as political instability, economic crises, and invasions from barbarian tribes. The decline of the empire is often attributed to the sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 AD and the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.

The Eastern Roman Empire

While the Western Roman Empire fell, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive. Its capital was Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), and it lasted until 1453 AD when it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks.

Rome’s Legacy

Although Rome as an empire came to an end, its legacy continues to influence modern civilization. Roman architecture, laws, language (Latin), and political systems have had a profound impact on Western culture.

The city of Rome itself remains a vibrant hub of history and culture.

  • The founding of Rome: 753 BC
  • The Roman Republic: 509 BC – 27 BC
  • The Punic Wars: 264 BC – 146 BC
  • The Roman Empire: 27 BC – 476 AD (Western Roman Empire)
  • The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire): 476 AD – 1453 AD

In conclusion, Rome started as a small settlement and grew into one of the most powerful empires in history. Its timeline is divided into various phases like the Republic and the Empire.

While the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, Rome’s influence and legacy endure to this day.