Rome: A Brief History
Author: Steven Cronin
Author: Steven Cronin
Rome has been synonymous with mythology since the birth of
civilisation. Few places around the world conjure such
colourful legends. Since the dawn of time itself, Rome has
appeared to have had a say in almost everything that has
occurred.
The Roman Empire had a huge influence on the course of European
art and culture. Lasting impressions of Roman architecture have
survived right up to the present day, from the ruins of the
Colosseum at the epicentre of Rome itself, to far western
corners of Europe including the city of Bath in England, named
after its Roman baths.
The origins of Rome are said to date back to 753 BC and the
notorious twins Romulus and Remus. Sons of Mars and a Vestal
Virgin, the two warring brothers conceived rival communities,
forever at one anothers throats.
Eventually the hostilities came to a head and Romulus killed
his brother Remus. Freed from his brother's shackles, Romulus
endeavoured to dominate civilisation and the city of Rome was
built.
Centuries later another great leader emerged to take the reins
of the Roman Empire. General Julius Caesar had come through the
army ranks and coveted the position of leader of the Empire.
Caesar had spent his time marching his armies across Europe,
defeating his hosts along the way and expanding Rome's
territorial domination of the continent. The defeat of France
was a significant conquest and Caesar felt time was right to
fulfil his destiny.
Having marched his army into Rome, Caesar declared himself
Dictator for Life, commencing his reign over the largest empire
the world has seen to this day. His rule came to an abrupt end
in 44 BC following his assassination.
Several years passed before his adopted son Augustus stood
forward and succeeded his father as leader. He declared himself
emperor of Rome in 27 BC.
By the end of the 4th century the empire was in decline; the
map of Europe was changing. One by one, Roman outpost
settlements were defeated. Barbarians from beyond the Danube
and the Rhine were attacking villages with an increasing amount
of success. When the final emperor relinquished his post in 476
BC the Empire had fallen forever.
The fall of the Roman Empire has spawned many theories as to
how the world's greatest power fell to its knees. One
interesting theory suggests the extensive use of lead in their
plumbing may have poisoned their drinking water to the extent
of causing infertility.
Whatever the reason, the face of Europe changed forever,
heralding the dawn of a new age.
About The Author: Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website
featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to
budget accommodations. For more information please visit
http://www.sargas.co.uk
civilisation. Few places around the world conjure such
colourful legends. Since the dawn of time itself, Rome has
appeared to have had a say in almost everything that has
occurred.
The Roman Empire had a huge influence on the course of European
art and culture. Lasting impressions of Roman architecture have
survived right up to the present day, from the ruins of the
Colosseum at the epicentre of Rome itself, to far western
corners of Europe including the city of Bath in England, named
after its Roman baths.
The origins of Rome are said to date back to 753 BC and the
notorious twins Romulus and Remus. Sons of Mars and a Vestal
Virgin, the two warring brothers conceived rival communities,
forever at one anothers throats.
Eventually the hostilities came to a head and Romulus killed
his brother Remus. Freed from his brother's shackles, Romulus
endeavoured to dominate civilisation and the city of Rome was
built.
Centuries later another great leader emerged to take the reins
of the Roman Empire. General Julius Caesar had come through the
army ranks and coveted the position of leader of the Empire.
Caesar had spent his time marching his armies across Europe,
defeating his hosts along the way and expanding Rome's
territorial domination of the continent. The defeat of France
was a significant conquest and Caesar felt time was right to
fulfil his destiny.
Having marched his army into Rome, Caesar declared himself
Dictator for Life, commencing his reign over the largest empire
the world has seen to this day. His rule came to an abrupt end
in 44 BC following his assassination.
Several years passed before his adopted son Augustus stood
forward and succeeded his father as leader. He declared himself
emperor of Rome in 27 BC.
By the end of the 4th century the empire was in decline; the
map of Europe was changing. One by one, Roman outpost
settlements were defeated. Barbarians from beyond the Danube
and the Rhine were attacking villages with an increasing amount
of success. When the final emperor relinquished his post in 476
BC the Empire had fallen forever.
The fall of the Roman Empire has spawned many theories as to
how the world's greatest power fell to its knees. One
interesting theory suggests the extensive use of lead in their
plumbing may have poisoned their drinking water to the extent
of causing infertility.
Whatever the reason, the face of Europe changed forever,
heralding the dawn of a new age.
About The Author: Steven Cronin owns the City Breaks website
featuring city break special offers from luxury hotels to
budget accommodations. For more information please visit
http://www.sargas.co.uk
