| As the legend goes, Romulus and Remus, Roman | | | | In historic times Rome was ruled by kings. These kings |
| twins, were separated from their mother and left by | | | | had the reputation of being extremely cruel. Owing to |
| the river Tiber to starve. However, a mother wolf | | | | this, the last king, Tarquin the Proud, was overthrown |
| found them and took care of them. Years later the | | | | and Rome gained a republic status for the next four |
| boys were instructed by Mars, the Roman God of | | | | centuries. Rome was then ruled by a Senate. Romans |
| war, to build a city in the place where they had been | | | | elected senators who carried out administrative tasks. |
| found. They built the city but declared war against | | | | A distinct feature about the Roman empire was that |
| each other. Romulus won and thus the city came to | | | | only Roman citizens were permitted to vote during |
| be known as Rome. | | | | elections. However, women, poor people and slaves |
| Life in ancient Rome is said to have started in the 8th | | | | were not considered to be citizens. |
| or 9th century BC. This happened when northern | | | | Rome also went through a phase where it was ruled |
| warriors shifted to the Italian peninsula and rehabilated | | | | by military generals. However, since these generals |
| around the river Tiber. For centuries, Rome was | | | | were many, decision making became a problem. The |
| considered to be the most significant city in the ever | | | | Romans needed an emperor to centralize power. This |
| expanding Roman Empire. Rome was the capital city | | | | came in the form of Augustus Caesar who came to |
| and held all seats of power. | | | | power in 27 B.C. |