The Colosseum in Rome, Italy
In his book, "The Early History of Rome," the ancient Roman historian Livy described the city of Rome as being an obvious choice for the gods and men to settle. Livy said, "The [beneficial] hills, the river to bring us produce from the inland regions and the sea-borne commerce from abroad, the sea itself, near enough for convenience yet not so near as to bring danger from foreign fleets, our situation in the very heart of Italy - all these advantages make it of all places in the world the best for a city destined to grow great."
Just as Livy suggested, ancient Rome was in a strategic location, and it did grow to become great. As early as 1500 B.C. (B.C.E.), people were living on the Italian peninsula in the area that would become Rome and the modern-day country of Italy. Through an evolution of government, and war and conquest, these people formed the ancient Roman Republic, which would eventually transition into the Roman Empire. At its height, the Roman Empire expanded to encompass lands throughout the Mediterranean Sea and into Europe, Africa, and Asia. Unlike other ancient empires, ancient Rome was notable for the long period of time it lasted. Ancient Rome contributed a great deal to the world in the areas of architecture, government, law, science, and culture. In this module, you will learn about the history and culture of ancient Romans. In addition, you will explore the birth and spread of Christianity, the largest world religion. Finally, you will examine the decline of the Roman Empire, and the transition of power from the western authority in Rome to the eastern authority in Constantinople.
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