Rome

Synopsis

The city of Rome is the largest archaeological site in the world, capital and showcase of the Roman Empire and the centre of Christian Europe. This guide provides: DT Coverage of all the important sites in the city from 800 BC to AD 600 and the start of the early middle ages, drawing on the latest discoveries and the best of recent scholarship DT Over 220 high-quality maps, site plans, diagrams and photographs DT Sites divided into fourteen main areas, with star ratings to help you plan and prioritize your visit: Roman Forum; Upper Via Sacra; Palatine; Imperial Forums; Campus Martius; Capitoline Hill; Circus Flaminius to Circus Maximus; Colosseum and Esquiline hill; Caelian hill and the inner via Appia; Lateran to Porta Maggiore; Viminal hill; Pyramid to Testaccio; the outer via Appia; other outlying sites; Museums and Catacombs. DT Introduction offering essential background to the history and culture of ancient Rome, placing the city in the context of the development of the empire, highlighting the nature of Roman achievement, and explaining how Rome came to be the largest city in the ancient world. DT Comprehensive glossaries of Rome's building materials, techniques and building types, a chronological table of kings, emperors, and the early popes, information about opening times, references and suggestions for further reading and a detailed user-friendly index. For this new edition the original text has been extensively revised, adding over 20 more sites and illustrations, the itineraries have been re-organized and expanded to suit the many changes that have taken place in the past decade, and the practical information and references have been fully updated.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Dawn of Rome

* Traces the origins of Rome to the Etruscan and Latin civilizations.
* Discusses the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC.
* Explores the early political and social structure of Rome, including the role of the Senate and the Patricians.

Real Example: The archaeological evidence of Etruscan tombs and artifacts in Rome provide tangible proof of their influence on the early city.

Chapter 2: The Roman Republic

* Describes the transition from monarchy to republic in 509 BC.
* Explains the principles of the Roman Republic, including the separation of powers and the concept of checks and balances.
* Explores the major institutions of the Republic, such as the Senate, the Consuls, and the Plebeian Assembly.

Real Example: The ruins of the Roman Forum still bear witness to the vibrant political life of the Republic, where citizens gathered to debate and make laws.

Chapter 3: Roman Expansion and Empire

* Discusses Rome's military conquests and territorial expansion, from the Punic Wars against Carthage to the conquest of Gaul and Egypt.
* Analyzes the factors that led to Rome's military success, including its disciplined legions and superior tactics.
* Explains the transition from Republic to Empire under Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Real Example: The ruins of Hadrian's Wall in northern England are a testament to Rome's reach and the extent of its empire.

Chapter 4: The Roman Empire at its Peak

* Describes the golden age of the Roman Empire under the Pax Romana.
* Discusses the economic prosperity, cultural achievements, and technological advancements of this period.
* Explores the role of emperors such as Augustus and Marcus Aurelius in shaping the Empire.

Real Example: The Colosseum, a colossal amphitheater used for gladiatorial contests, is an iconic symbol of the entertainment and grandeur of Roman society.

Chapter 5: The Decline and Fall of Rome

* Analyzes the factors that contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire, including political instability, economic crisis, and military pressures.
* Discusses the rise of Christianity and its impact on the Empire.
* Explores the final division of the Empire into Western and Eastern halves and the eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD.

Real Example: The ruins of the city of Pompeii, frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, offer insights into the everyday life and challenges faced by Roman citizens during the late Empire.