Rome
By Ian Greenough
About this collection
This collection traces Rome's extraordinary historical trajectory from its legendary founding in 753 BC through to its role as the capital of modern Italy in 1870. The documents reveal Rome's evolution through distinct phases: the Roman Kingdom (753-509 BC) with its seven legendary kings who established foundational governance structures; the expansive periods of the Roman Republic and Empire that dominated European civilization for over a millennium; and finally the 1870 Capture of Rome that completed Italian unification and ended papal temporal power. Together, these sources illustrate Rome's unique position as both an ancient civilization that profoundly shaped Western law, politics, architecture, and culture, and a modern capital that continues to serve as a major cultural and economic hub. The collection demonstrates how Rome's political innovations—from monarchical structures to republican institutions—created lasting legacies that influenced governance systems across Europe and beyond.
Curated Sources
Metropolitan cities of Italy - Wikipedia
The 15 metropolitan cities of Italy are administrative divisions that replaced certain provinces, operative since 2015. They consist of a large core city and surrounding suburbs and countryside closely related to it economically and culturally. The metropolitan cities are governed by a metropolitan mayor, a metropolitan council, and a metropolitan conference. The metropolitan mayor is the chief executive and administrative officer, while the metropolitan council is the chief legislative body. The metropolitan conference is the ultimate approving body for the city's budget. The metropolitan cities carry out basic functions such as local planning and zoning, provision of local police services, and transport and city services coordination. The 15 metropolitan cities are Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Bari, Palermo, Catania, Bologna, Florence, Venice, Genoa, Messina, Cagliari, Reggio Calabria, and Sassari.
Key Takeaways
- The establishment of metropolitan cities in Italy represents a significant reform in local government, aiming to improve administrative efficiency and regional autonomy.
- The governance structure of metropolitan cities is complex, with a division of powers between the metropolitan mayor, council, and conference, ensuring representation of various municipalities within the metropolitan area.
- The metropolitan cities have taken over key functions from the provinces, including local planning, policing, and transport coordination, indicating a shift towards more localized decision-making.
Capture of Rome - Wikipedia
Ancient Rome - Wikipedia
Ancient Rome was a civilization that thrived from the 8th century BC to the 5th century AD, encompassing the Roman Kingdom, Republic, and Empire. It began as an Italic settlement and grew into a vast empire controlling much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Roman state evolved from a monarchy to a republic and eventually to an autocratic empire. Roman civilization contributed significantly to modern language, law, politics, architecture, and engineering. The Roman Empire reached its peak during the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, known as the 'Five Good Emperors.' The empire eventually declined and fell, with the Western Roman Empire collapsing in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, survived for another thousand years.
Key Takeaways
- The Roman Empire's expansion and legacy were shaped by its military prowess, administrative reforms, and cultural achievements.
- The period of the 'Five Good Emperors' (Nerva-Antonine dynasty) is considered the golden era of the Roman Empire, marked by relative peace and prosperity.
- The decline of the Roman Empire was a gradual process influenced by internal strife, external pressures, and economic strain.
- The Roman law, as codified by Justinian, formed the basis of modern Western legal systems.
- The cultural and architectural achievements of Ancient Rome continue to influence modern society, with many of its structures and institutions remaining relevant today.
Roman Kingdom - Wikipedia
The Roman Kingdom, also known as the Roman monarchy and the regal period of ancient Rome, was the earliest period of Roman history when the city and its territory were ruled by kings. According to tradition, it began with the city's founding c. 753 BC and ended with the overthrow of the kings and the establishment of the Republic c. 509 BC. The kingdom was ruled by seven kings: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Marcius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, Servius Tullius, and Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. Each king had distinct roles as chief executive, priest, legislator, and judge, with varying degrees of power and influence. The Roman Kingdom's governance structure, including the Senate and legislative assemblies, laid the foundation for the Roman Republic's constitution. The period was marked by significant events, such as the Rape of the Sabine Women and the construction of important infrastructure like the Cloaca Maxima and the Circus Maximus. The kingdom's history is largely based on oral tradition and accounts written during the Republic and Empire, as few contemporary records have survived.
Key Takeaways
- The Roman Kingdom's governance structure, including the roles of the king, Senate, and legislative assemblies, significantly influenced the development of the Roman Republic's constitution.
- The period saw the establishment of key Roman institutions, such as the Senate, Vestal Virgins, and various religious offices.
- The reigns of the seven kings were marked by significant events and reforms that shaped Rome's early history and laid the groundwork for its future growth and expansion.
- The overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic in 509 BC marked a pivotal moment in Roman history, transitioning from monarchical rule to a republican system of governance.
Rome - Wikipedia
Rome is the capital city of Italy and a major cultural and historical hub. With a history spanning 28 centuries, Rome has been a significant human settlement since ancient times. The city is known for its architectural landmarks, art, and cultural institutions. Rome is home to numerous museums, including the Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums. The city's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rome hosts various international organizations and is a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city's economy is driven by services, tourism, and high-tech industries.
Key Takeaways
- Rome's historical significance and cultural heritage make it a unique city.
- The city's architecture and art are influenced by various periods, including Ancient Rome, Renaissance, and Baroque.
- Rome is a major tourist destination and hosts various international organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did the governance structures established during the Roman Kingdom (Senate, legislative assemblies) influence the constitutional framework that emerged after the 1870 Capture of Rome and Italian unification?
- What specific institutional or cultural continuities can be traced from the seven kings of the Roman Kingdom through to Rome's role as a modern UNESCO World Heritage Site and international organizational hub?
- How does the transition from the Roman Kingdom to Republic (509 BC) compare to the transition from Papal States to Italian capital (1870) in terms of institutional preservation versus revolutionary change?
- What role did Rome's ancient infrastructure projects like the Cloaca Maxima and Circus Maximus play in maintaining the city's viability during the thousand-year gap between imperial fall and modern unification?
- How did the end of papal temporal power in 1870 relate to the broader patterns of political evolution that Rome experienced from monarchy through republic to empire?