Ancient Rome

Germanic Tribesmen Fighting Roman Soldiers in Central Europe

Ancient Rome was a civilization that flourished in the Mediterranean region approximately 450 years before Christ and continued for several hundreds of years after the Crucifixion of Christ. It was one of the most successful republics and empires in the history of the world. Its impact is found in many cultural and institutional organizations in the Western World today. The Ancient Romans contributed much to the modern world. For example, the use of a clearly written code of laws came from the Ancient Roman's "Twelve Tables." Furthermore, the Ancient Romans used democratic forms of government during the Republican Period. Government powers were separated and a Senate was created to maintain the day-to-day functions of the State. With the efficient use of the Democratic structure the Ancient Romans used their collective reasoning and military prowess to dominate the European world 2000 years ago. By building aqueducts and complex engineered roads the Ancient Romans maintained effective control over its extensive lands for hundreds of years. The spread of Christianity and constant barbaric invasions caused the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

After the conquering and assimilation of the Ancient Greeks, Rome embarked upon several periods characterized by differing political ideologies. Ancient Rome was originally ruled by Kings, thus making it an early monarchy. After the rise and fall of many rulers, Ancient Rome became a Republic. The Roman Republic separated its government powers and created a Senate. These reforms expanded the power of the citizenry making Ancient Rome a model for later governments around the world.

Around the time of Christ, Judea (modern day Israel / Palestine) was ruled by the Romans. Jesus Christ, a Jewish Carpenter, gathered a following of people. As a religious leader Jesus' influence grew over peoples of Judea began to worry the ruling Romans. As a result, Pontius Pilate sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. The crucifixion of Christ by the Ancient Romans solidified the Christian following thus creating the world's largest religion. Some historians even argue that the spread of Christianity was the main force behind the decline of the Roman Empire.

Roman Republic

After the dissolution of the Roman Republic, Rome became an Empire. The Roman Empire was ruled by a an autocracy or government where power is concentrated in an individual's hands. Even though the Roman Empire did not utilize the Senate and other Republican ideologies it did enjoy success for hundreds of years. Eventually however, the Roman empire became unstable and eventually disintegrated leaving fractured pieces of its rule all over Europe and western Asia.

Roman Soldiers