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753 BCE
Foundation of Rome
Two myths about the foundation of Rome exist. The story of Aeneas's escape from Troy, and the story of the infant twins Romulus and Remus who were raised by a wolf.
Rome was started by a tribe called the Latins. The Etruscans were in Italy when the Romans arrived. Romans learned allot of skills from them. -
Period: 519 BCE to 430 BCE
Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus
Farmer who reluctantly accepted the title and power of dictator when Rome was under attack. He was very successful and after completing his duty, he returned back to farming his land. -
509 BCE
Roman Republic Established
Rome was led by seven kings before a rebellion arose overthrowing monarchy as a form of government. Thus making this the beginning of the republic. "res publica = the public thing" -
Period: 494 BCE to 287 BCE
Struggle of the Orders
Fight between Patricians and Plebians. Patricians hold all the power but eventually have to give into the plebians demmands. -
450 BCE
Law of Twelve Tables
Came out of plebians victory over patrichians during a rebellion over having no representation in government. These laws were inscribed on wooden tablets. Plebians were finally allowed to hold elected offices therefore obtaining more rights. -
289 BCE
Coinage Used in Rome
Before 289 BCE Rome had no standard system of coinage. -
287 BCE
Senatus Populusque Romanum
Law that made decisions enacted in plebians own assembly binding on the Roman Government regardless of the senates approval. -
Period: 264 BCE to 241 BCE
1st Punic War
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Period: 264 BCE to 146 BCE
Punic Wars
Total of three wars between Rome and Carthage in which Rome takes possession of Carthage at the end. Many citizens of Carthage become slaves. -
Period: 254 BCE to 184 BCE
Plautus
Romes greatest playwright. His works had major influence on Shakespeare. -
218 BCE
Slaves - 10% of Italy Population
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Period: 218 BCE to 201 BCE
2nd Punic War
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Period: 163 BCE to 133 BCE
Tiberius Gracchus
Spokesman for land reform. Elected to the Tribune in 133. -
Period: 157 BCE to 86 BCE
Marius
Changes military structure. Elected to consul in 107 BCE. -
Period: 153 BCE to 121 BCE
Gaius Gracchus
Elected to the Tribune in 123 BCE. Promised all Italians Citizenship. -
Period: 149 BCE to 146 BCE
3rd Punic War
55,000 Carthanians were enslaved after the destruction of their city. -
146 BCE
Rome no longer concerned about Foreign Invasion
Social and political issues at home become more important. Citizens view on government changes -
Period: 138 BCE to 78 BCE
Sulla
Rival to Marius. Provoked civil war between supporters of Marius and his supporters. -
Period: 104 BCE to 43 BCE
Cicero
Romes finest Orator. Did a great job as a statesman in the Republic. -
Period: 96 BCE to 55 BCE
Lucretius
Epicurean Philosopher. Believed religion promoted evil deeds. -
Period: 86 BCE to 24 BCE
Sallust
Historian who condemned the breakdown of republican values and civic virtue. -
Period: 80 BCE to 8 BCE
Enslaved Aliens to Rome Transported to Italy
2Million People -
Period: 58 BCE to 50 BCE
Gallic Wars
Big triumph for Rome and Caesar. -
50 BCE
Slavery - 33% of Italy's Population
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Period: 48 BCE to 44 BCE
Dictatorship of Caesar
Lasted for 10 years as dictator. He was able to lower taxes, extend citizenship, start public works program, and reform the courts among other things. -
27 BCE
Emperor Augustus
Begin of Emperor Augustus Reign