The Fascinating History of Rome: A Journey Through Time, from Remus & Romulus to the Present Day

Romulus and Remus were the sons of the Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia and the god Mars. Their uncle, King Amulius, fearing they would one day dethrone him, ordered their abandonment in the Tiber. But, luckily, a flood of the river saved them. A she-wolf found them and fed them. Later, shepherds adopted and raised them. As adults, the brothers wanted to build a city where they had been saved. They disagreed on the best location: Romulus preferred Palatine Hill, Remus the Aventine. This dispute escalated, and Romulus ended up killing Remus. Romulus then built the city of Rome on Palatine Hill.

Want to learn more about this story? Discover the secrets of the Palatine Hill during a guided tour.

Seven kings ruled Rome during this period. The last king, Tarquin the Proud, was overthrown, marking the end of the monarchy.

1. Romulus (753-716 BC): With his brother Remus, he founded Rome after a dispute over the ideal location. It was Romulus who won the dispute and became the first king.
2. Numa Pompilius (715-672 BC): Known for his wisdom, he preferred peace to war and introduced many religious rites for the Romans.
3. Tullus Hostilius (672-640 BC): This king loved war. During his reign, Rome expanded by defeating neighboring cities.
4. Ancus Marcius (640-616 BC): He strengthened the ties between Rome and other cities by building a large bridge over the Tiber River.
5. Tarquinius Priscus (616-578 BC): Under his leadership, Rome grew with new roads and beautiful buildings.
6. Servius Tullius (578-535 BC): He is famous for organizing Roman citizens into groups according to their wealth.
7. Tarquinius Superbus (534-509 BC): Tarquin was the last king of Rome. He had a harsh way of ruling, which made him unpopular with many. During his reign, a tragic event occurred: a member of his family harmed Lucretia, a respected Roman lady. This angered the people, leading to a revolt against Tarquin. Following this, the monarchy ended in Rome, and the Republic began.

• Rome became a republic where citizens had a say. During this period, Rome expanded its territory and became a great power.
• Julius Caesar (100 – 44 BC): Caesar was a great general who expanded the borders of Rome. He became powerful and declared himself dictator for life, which worried some in Rome. Fearing he would become too powerful, they conspired against him and assassinated him.
• Augustus becomes the First Emperor (27 BC): After years of turmoil, Octavian, Caesar's nephew, became the first emperor of Rome and took the name Augustus.

The Golden Age of Emperors (1st and 2nd centuries AD)

Emperors such as Trajan and Hadrian ruled Rome when it was at its height, controlling vast territories. Book your tour of the imperial monuments to learn more.

The Conversion of Constantine (4th century AD)

Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, changing the empire's main religion.

The Division of the Empire (285 AD)

Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman Empire in two: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire.

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire (August 22, 476)

After centuries of glory, the Western Roman Empire collapsed due to barbarian invasions, economic problems, and internal weaknesses. The Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire, persisted.

Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance (late 8th century)

In the year 800, on Christmas night, Charlemagne, King of the Franks, was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III in the ancient Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. This act gave birth to the Carolingian Empire, a precursor to the Holy Roman Empire. Although the capital of this empire was Aachen, Rome remained the religious heart of this new state, confirming its central role in the medieval world.

9th century – Civitas Leonina

Following a Saracen incursion in 846, Pope Leo IV undertook the fortification of the district around the Vatican, creating the Civitas Leonina, a precursor to the Papal States.

You can enjoy very interesting guided tours of the Vatican, which will immerse you in this era.

1100 – 1200 – The emergence of noble families

The Crescenzi and Frangipane are among the families who built fortified residences, strengthening their power in Rome.

Mid-12th century

Roman citizens founded the consular municipality on Capitoline Hill, in opposition to papal authority and the autonomy of the nobles. During this period, Rome strengthened its defenses.

1798 – Roman Republic

Influenced by the French Revolution, a short-lived republic is proclaimed, leading to the deposition and exile of Pope Pius VI by French forces.

1808 – The Napoleonic Era

Napoleon incorporates Rome into his empire and launches archaeological excavations, rediscovering treasures of ancient Rome.

1848 – 1849: Second Roman Republic

A new attempt to establish a democratic republic in Rome is supported by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi.

1870 – The End of Temporal Power

The Bersaglieri, elite corps of the Italian army recognizable by their feather-adorned hats, enter Rome, bringing an end to almost 1,000 years of temporal power of the Popes over the city.

• 1946: Rome is proclaimed the capital of the new Italian Republic.
• 1950s-1960s: The city experiences urban and demographic expansion. It becomes a world capital of cinema and entertainment, symbolized by the "Dolce Vita" of the Via Veneto. Rome also transforms into a center of haute couture. Cinecittà, the heart of Italian cinema, opens its doors to visitors with "Cinecittà si Mostra", an exhibition that reveals the behind-the-scenes magic of cinema. Book your tickets for Cinecittà si Mostra and discover the behind-the-scenes!
• 1960: Rome hosts the Olympic Games and sees the development of important infrastructures, including the beginning of the metro.

1957

Rome is the site of the signing of the Treaties of Rome, which establish the European Economic Community (EEC). The EEC, a precursor to the current European Union, aimed to create a common market and a customs union among its members, thus promoting European economic integration.

1962-1965

The Second Vatican Council, held in Rome, is a major assembly of the Catholic Church seeking to bring the Church closer to other Christian denominations and to modernize it in the context of the 20th century.

Contemporary Era

Rome, being the largest city in Italy, is the center of national political life and the Catholic religion. The metropolitan city is created, with the mayor of the city also governing this entity.