Rome, ancient
Rome, ancient Capital of the Roman republic. According to tradition, Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 bc. By 509 bc, the Latin-speaking Romans had thrown off the rule of Etruscan kings, and established an independent republic dominated by an aristocratic elite. Its history was one of continual expansion, and by 340 bc Rome controlled Italy s of the River Po. By the 3rd century bc, the plebeian class had largely gained political equality. The Punic Wars gave it dominance of the Mediterranean in the 2nd century bc, when major eastward expansion began with the conquest of the Greek lands around the Aegean. Social division and military dictatorship placed strain on the republic. Spartacus' slave revolt was crushed by Pompey, who emerged as Sulla's successor. Pompey and Julius Caesar formed the First Triumverate (60 bc). Caesar emerged as leader and greatly extended Rome's territory and influence. His assassination led to the formation of the Roman Empire under Augustus (27 bc).
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Rome, ancient