Roman History Overview

Study Notes

753 BC marks the legendary founding of Rome.
In 509 BC, Rome transitions from a monarchy to a republic, establishing a new political system.

Rome was sacked by the Gauls in 390 BC, a significant early defeat.
The Servian Wall, the first fortification around Rome, was constructed in 378 BC.
The first aqueduct was built in 312 BC, improving water supply for the city.
Rome minted its first coins in 289 BC, initiating its economy's expansion.
264 BC features the first gladiator contest, reflecting the emergence of entertainment in Roman culture.
Hannibal, the North African general, invaded Italy from Spain between 218-202 BC, marking a major conflict in the Punic Wars, resulting in significant Roman casualties.

In 161 BC, Greek philosophers were expelled from Rome, indicating a push against foreign influence.

A civil war erupted from 44-30 BC following Julius Caesar's assassination, leading to power struggles among Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus.
In 27 BC, Octavian becomes the first ruler of a new monarchy in Rome, marking the end of the republic.

AD 64 saw a devastating fire in Rome, with rumors suggesting Emperor Nero's involvement due to his erratic behavior.
The Colosseum was dedicated in AD 80, symbolizing the grandeur of Roman architecture and public entertainment.
A devastating plague hit Rome in AD 166, introduced by returning troops.

In AD 293, Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman Empire into western and eastern sections, with separate administrations.
Emperor Constantine became the first Christian Emperor in AD 324 and relocated the capital to Constantinople, now modern-day Turkey.

In AD 408, the Visigoths, led by Alaric, laid siege to Rome, resulting in a three-day sack of the city.
The fall of the Western Roman Empire culminated in AD 476 when Emperor Augustus was ousted from power, leading to the fragmentation into separate kingdoms and the rise of the Byzantine Empire in Eastern Europe.