Ancient Rome: History, Society, and Imperial Expansion

Magna Graecia and the Origins of Rome

Magna Graecia: Areas in Southern Italy and Sicily, occupied by Greeks. In the Plain of Latium, the Latins (pastoralists and farmers) merged into a federation called the Septimonium (seven mountains), which refers to the hills occupied: Palatine, Aventine, Esquiline, Quirinal, Caelian, Viminal, and Capitoline.

The Founding of Rome

Year: Spring 753 BC. The history of Rome is divided into three periods:

• Monarchy: 7th century BC – 6th century BC
• Republic: 5th century BC – 1st century BC
• Empire: 1st century BC – 5th century AD

Kings of Rome

The King assumed absolute powers by imperium (governmental authority). Symbols included the purple robe, golden crown, scepter, curule chair, and the fasces.

• 1st King: Romulus (753–715 BC)
• 7th King: Tarquinius Superbus (534–509 BC)

Roman Provinces and Imperial Expansion

Roman Provinces: Territories belonging to the Roman people outside the Italian Peninsula. The number of provinces grew over time: 17 by 29 BC, 44 by the 3rd century, 104 by the 4th century, and 120 by the 5th century.

Imperial Provinces

These were dependent directly on the Emperor, who appointed the governors. The presence of the army was essential due to the instability of these territories.

Punic Wars

Rome and Carthage clashed in a series of conflicts. Rome emerged victorious, leading to the destruction of the Punic capital and the occupation of Corsica, Sicily, Sardinia, North Africa, and much of the Iberian Peninsula.

Infrastructure and Economy

Roman Roads

Roads were built for strategic and military reasons, eventually becoming vital for trade and the imperial economy. Notable examples include the Appian Way (495 km) and the Via Augusta.

Miliaria

Stone monoliths distributed every 1,000 paces (a Roman mile) marking the distance between the current location and the departure or arrival points of the road.

Mare Nostrum

The Mediterranean was referred to as Mare Nostrum because all its shores were occupied by the Roman Empire.

Roman Society and Governance

Social Structure

• Freemen: Patricians, clients, plebeians, and freedmen.
• Non-free men: Male and female slaves.

The Empire

In 27 BC, Octavian became Imperator Caesar Augustus. While initially maintaining the facade of a republic, the Emperor held all state powers. The government was managed by a network of staff (praefecti) and the Concilium Principis, an advisory council that eventually supplanted the Senate.

Key Sights

Notable landmarks included the Temples of Vesta and Janus, the port of Ostia, the Forum, the Circus Maximus, and the Cloaca Maxima.