History of Europe

Roman Civilization - History of Roman Civilization

The Myth of the Founding of Rome

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 BC. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of the god Mars and the mortal Rea Silvia. At birth, the two brothers were abandoned by the Tiber River and saved by a she-wolf, who suckled and protected them. Finally, a shepherd collected them and named them Romulus and Remus. After killing Remus in an argument, Romulus named the city after him. History, in turn, tells us that some tribes of Sabine and Latin origin established a settlement on the Capitoline Hill, next to the Tiber River.

The Monarchy

In a legendary period, Rome was ruled by seven kings who had absolute power. The Senate, made up of heads of families, advised them. Around 575 BC, the Etruscan kings dominated Rome and decisively influenced the beginning of Roman civilization. They dictated prudent laws in favor of crafts and commerce, with which Rome acquired great importance. Gradually, however, these kings gave way to other monarchs, violent and tyrannical, who despised the opinions of the Senate.

The republic and its magistrates

The patrician families that formed the Senate, fearful of losing their power before the tyranny of the kings, expelled them and proclaimed the Republic. This was based on three bodies:the Senate, the magistrates and the Assemblies, symbolized by the well-known acronym S.P.Q.R. (Senatus Populusque Romanus, meaning "Senate and Roman people").

The work of slaves

As a result of the wars of expansion, slaves in Rome were very numerous. They were not considered human beings, but property and, therefore, were exploited and sold as commodities. Their work, in handicrafts and agriculture, was decisive for the production of goods needed by society. They could buy their freedom or else be released by the owner. From the 2nd century BC onwards, there were several slave rebellions, such as the one led by Spartacus.

The Roman army

The Roman Empire depended on a strong and well-organized army, which carried out the expansion campaigns and defended the borders. Legionnaires were the basis of the Roman army; most of them were volunteers. To enter the army it was essential to be a Roman citizen. The army was structured in legions of six thousand soldiers, each divided into ten courts.

Roman religion

The Roman religion was formed by combining diverse cults and various influences. Etruscan, Greek and Oriental beliefs were incorporated into traditional customs to adapt them to the new needs of the people. The Roman State propagated an official religion that worshiped the great gods of Greek origin, but with Latin names, such as Jupiter, father of the gods; Mars, god of war, or Minerva, goddess of art. In honor of these gods, feasts, games and other ceremonies were held. Citizens, in turn, sought protection in domestic spirits, called homes, to whom they worshiped at home. Constantine's Edict of Milan established freedom of worship for Christians, ending the violent persecutions. In the 4th century AD, Christianity became the official religion, by order of Emperor Theodosius.

Roman art

Inspired by the Greek model, Roman art incorporated the forms and techniques of other Mediterranean cultures.
Rome excelled in architecture with large private and public buildings. Among the private ones, there are houses and collective residences. Publics are divided into religious (temples), administrative and commercial (basilicas) and recreational (theater, amphitheater and circus). Rome's practical spirit is reflected in urbanism and major engineering works such as roads and aqueducts.

The city of Rome in the 1st century BC

In the 1st century BC, Rome underwent a spectacular transformation, becoming a city full of comforts, with commercial houses, gardens and monumental buildings. Numerous residences and entertainment venues – such as the Coliseum – were built and major improvements were made to the city's sewer system and aqueducts.

The Crisis of the Roman Empire

From the 3rd century onwards, the Roman Empire went into decline. With the end of the wars of conquest, the main source of slaves was exhausted. The slavery crisis began, which seriously shook the economy, gave rise to the settlement and provoked the urban exodus. In addition, there were power struggles and the legions dwindled. Weakened, the Roman Empire was divided in two and the western part did not resist the invasions of the Germanic barbarians in the 5th century.

Roman Civilization

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