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Rome was founded in ancient Italy by the first Roman king, Romulus. According to legend, two twin brothers were born and left in exposure to death. A wolf found them and nursed them for a while, before being found by a hunter and raised. Romulus founded the city and killed his brother -
The Last King of Rome, Tarquinius Superbus, was overthrown by some noblemen. This initiated the Roman Republic, which would last until 27 BCE. -
Rome's first written laws; set of laws displayed on bronze tablets. Allowed citizens to defend themselves from the ruling class, and balance the Roman Economy. -
Rebellion led by neighboring Latin allies. Rome emerged victorious, and launched subsequent Roman conquests of Italy and overseas territories.
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Rome conquers the Etruscans and many neighboring tribes. They also battled the Samnites to the south, along with some Greek city-states. Their conquest was complete by 275 BCE. -
Three wars fought by Rome against the Carthaginians. Rome gains control of Sicily, parts of Spain and North Africa.
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War over the control of Sicily, mostly naval battle.
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Invasion of Italy by Cathaginian general Hannibal. Rome ultimately emerged victorious after a long, hard fought battle. Carthage was no longer a regional power.
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The Achaean League is a federation of Greek city-states in the Northern parts of the Peloponnese. They ally with Rome during the Second Macedonian War, switching sides instead of fighting with Macedon. This allowed the Achaean League to expand its territory across the Peloponnese -
Landslide victory for Rome against Carthaginians.
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Spartacus, a gladiator, leads a slave uprising. It was known as the Third Servile War, and regarded as one of the most daring rebellions in history. -
Pompey becomes the first Roman to lead an army to the Euphrates River, and expands the Roman Empire eastward, nearly doubling the Empire's income. -
After his father's assasination, Julius Caesar assumes control of Rome and becomes the first dictator. This also signals the end of the Roman Republic. -
Julius Ceaser's death marked the end of the Roman Republic, and began the Roman Empire -
Ceasar's adopted son, Octavian (who would change his name to Augustus) triumphs over Mark Antony and Cleopatra, ending the struggle for power in Rome -
Rome nearly burns to the ground. It is said the Emperor Nero watched the city burn while playing a lyre. The fire raged on for six days before it was brought under control, but reignited and burned for another three days. -
The Roman Colosseum is built, one of the greatest feats of Roman engineering. It can house 50,000 spectators. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built. -
A large wall to keep barbarians out. Build across northern England. Soldiers were positioned along the wall in large forts and turrets. -
The Pantheon is a temple to all of the Gods, later converted to a Catholic church. It was built on the grounds of an earlier temple that burnt down. -
Constantine becomes the new Emperor of Rome. He would convert to Christianity and Rome would become a Christian empire. Prior to this, Rome persecuted the Christians.