Introduction to Italy
Italy is a beautiful country that can be proud of its long and colorful history. A major part of that history involved the creation of an empire that was centered in Rome. The Roman Empire, a powerful force for hundreds of years, once stretched from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Persian Gulf. Like the Greek Empire before them, the Roman Empire had a knack for taking other people's ideas and improving them. But they can also be credited with the creation of ideas and knowledge of their own making. The Romans took their ideas and technology and spread them across their empire. This allowed for a transfer of knowledge and way of life that survived long after the Romans ceased to exist as an empire.
So what is the legacy of the Roman Empire? They took the Greek concept of democracy and created a new form of government called a republic. They also developed laws that guaranteed citizens certain rights and established a Roman code of law. Like the Greeks, the idea of citizenship was an important concept because it determined their rights.
So what is the legacy of the Roman Empire? They took the Greek concept of democracy and created a new form of government called a republic. They also developed laws that guaranteed citizens certain rights and established a Roman code of law. Like the Greeks, the idea of citizenship was an important concept because it determined their rights.
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Perhaps the most visible legacy of the Roman Empire resulted from the fact that they were great builders! Well-built roads allowed them to move their powerful army over long distances. The most famous road in ancient Italy was the Appian Way. This road linked Rome to the region of Campania near in southern Italy. They also built aquaducts that allowed people to live far from the source of a regular water supply. When they built buildings, they often used arches, an architectural concept that they learned from the Etruscans and improved upon. When they built buildings, they sometimes heated the space under the floor to stay warm. Glass, although not invented by the Romans, began to be used widely.
This brief summary just touches on a few of the Roman achievements. Continue down the page to learn more about the history and achievements of the Roman Empire. |
Appian Way - Looking Down Via Appia Antica In Rome, Italy
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Basic Geography of Italy
Many people are familiar with shape of Italy- a boot. The boot shape forms what is called the Italian Peninsula. There is also a large region above the peninsula that extends up to the Alps. At the tip of the boot and across a small strait lies the Mediterranean island of Sicily. It is home to one of the most active volcanoes in the world – Mt. Etna. Italy’s largest island, Sardinia, lies farther to the west in the Mediterranean Sea. The Tyrrhenian Sea lies between the eastern coast of Sardinia and the Italian Peninsula. The Tyrrhenien Sea is where the island of Elba is located. It is known as the island where France’s leader Napoleon was exiled between 1814 and 1815. On the back side of the boot lies the Adriatic Sea. It extends from the city of Venice and down to eastern coast of Italy. As discussed earlier the Alps lie along the northern border of Italy. To south the Apennine Mountains extends across a large part of the Italian Peninsula.
Italy's longest river is the Po River. It is located in the north and begins close to the French border. It flows east across Italy until it reaches the Adriatic Sea. The other major river in Italy is the Tiber River. It begins in the mountains of the Apennine Mountains, flows through Rome, and then eventually flows to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The picture below shows the mouth of the Tiber River at Fiumicino.
The Ponte Sant'Angelo Over the Tiber River In Rome, Italy
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The Mouth of the Tiber River at the Tyrrhenian Sea
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As mentioned earlier, Italy is home to one of the most active volcanoes in Europe - Mt. Etna. But, it is not the only one. Stromboli Volcano, on Stromboli Island, is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and erupts on a regular basis. This volcano is significant to volcanologists because the characteristics associated with its eruptions are used to describe a specific type of eruption – the Strombolian type eruption. Strombolian eruptions are characterized by lava that bursts out of the volcano and arcs through the air before landing around the volcano. Another famous volcano that most people are familiar with is Mt. Vesuvius. It last erupted in 1944 and is now a famous tourist attraction. Its popularity is due in large part to the excavations at the nearby city of Pompeii. An eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 destroyed the Pompeii, Herculaneum, and others leaving them buried under volcanic debris. The forces that cause volcanic eruptions are the same ones that cause Italy to have numerous earthquakes every year. The combination of older buildings and earthquakes can sometimes cause a great loss of life.
In terms of political geography, the roughly 63,000,000 people of the Italian Republic live mostly in Italy’s major cities. Rome, the capital city is the most populous in the country. The other major cities are Milan, Naples, Turin, Bergamo, and Palermo.
In terms of political geography, the roughly 63,000,000 people of the Italian Republic live mostly in Italy’s major cities. Rome, the capital city is the most populous in the country. The other major cities are Milan, Naples, Turin, Bergamo, and Palermo.
Early Rome
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The legend of Romulus and Remus and how Rome was founded is well-known in Italy. It is said that a king was overthrown by his evil brother. But the new king feared that his nephews (the sons of the former king) might someday return and challenge his rule. So he ordered that the two babies be drowned in the river. But the servants of the king did not follow his wishes. Instead, they placed the babies in a basket and set it adrift in the Tiber River.
Fortunately, the basket drifted downstream until it became stuck along the shore. There, a female wolf discovered the two babies and began caring for them. She nursed them with her milk and prevented them from dying. Eventually, a shepherd found the boys and took them to his home. The shepherd and his wife named the boys Romulus and Remus and they raised them as their own. Over time, Romulus and Remus discovered who their birth parents were and what had happened to them. They grew strong over the years and then set out to avenge the killing of their father. The fulfilled their destiny when they killed their uncle, the king, and then went on to found the city of Rome in 753 B.C. |
This is the symbol of Rome today. SPQR (Senatus Populusque Romanus) means the "Senate and People of Rome." Note how they have incorporated the the legend of Rome's founding with a wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.
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The Etruscans
Another society was also developing during the time that Romans were starting to grow as a society - Etruria. Called the Etruscans, they were Rome’s neighbor to the north. Around the year 600 B.C. they began to expand south and eventually took over city of Rome. At the height of their power they rules most of the Italian Peninsula. With the Etruscans new ideas and skills that were learned by the Romans. Arches and aqueducts were two major Etruscan architectural techniques the Romans learned.
Another society was also developing during the time that Romans were starting to grow as a society - Etruria. Called the Etruscans, they were Rome’s neighbor to the north. Around the year 600 B.C. they began to expand south and eventually took over city of Rome. At the height of their power they rules most of the Italian Peninsula. With the Etruscans new ideas and skills that were learned by the Romans. Arches and aqueducts were two major Etruscan architectural techniques the Romans learned.
A Roman Arch On Display In Stuttgart, Germany - Note the wedge-shaped stones, Including the keystone, in the center.
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A Surviving Arch at the Terme Di Caracalla in Rome, Italy - One advantage of the arch is that it can provide strong support across wide spans.
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The Arch of Drusus Near the Ancient Wall of Rome - The second advantage of using an arch is that it can support heavy loads on top of them.
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Rome Triumphs Over the Etruscans
The Etruscans ruled Rome for nearly one hundred years. But an opportunity arose for the Romans to regain their independence when a power struggle erupted in the Etruscan leadership. This came about when a Etruscan named Tarquin Superbus murdered the king in 509 B.C. and took power for himself. An ambitious Roman names Lucius Junius Brutus saw this as an opportunity to resist Etruscan power. He succeeded in taking power and is thought to have become the first consul in Roman history.
The Etruscans ruled Rome for nearly one hundred years. But an opportunity arose for the Romans to regain their independence when a power struggle erupted in the Etruscan leadership. This came about when a Etruscan named Tarquin Superbus murdered the king in 509 B.C. and took power for himself. An ambitious Roman names Lucius Junius Brutus saw this as an opportunity to resist Etruscan power. He succeeded in taking power and is thought to have become the first consul in Roman history.
The Roman Republic 509–27 BC
Rome’s independence did not bring an end to Etruscan menace. Several attempts were made by Etruscans or people working for them to reclaim Rome. These largely came to an end at the Battle of Lake Regillus. It is said that the Romans narrowly won a battle against their opponents. Legend has it that the Romans were aided in their victory by the help of the two gods- Castor and Pollux.
Government and Citizenship
The Roman Republic began with the departure of the Etruscans. It was a system that evolved over a long period of time by merging old traditions with new ideas. Citizens were generally classified as either patricians or plebeians. Patricians are said to have originated from the three original tribes that settled Rome. The tribal connection played a role in the early governance of Rome. The plebeians were the common people who farmed, worked in trade, or were soldiers. The story of the Roman Republic is in many ways the story of how the plebeians slowly increased their power.
At the heart of the Republic was the centuriate assemble. It was a composed of a group of magistrates who, among other tasks, chose the consuls. The two consuls served one year terms. Power was shared between the two so that neither every gained too much power. An advisory body, called the Senate, was composed of approximately 300 citizens who served for life. While they could not make laws, they had a strong advisory role the magistrates took seriously.
Government and Citizenship
The Roman Republic began with the departure of the Etruscans. It was a system that evolved over a long period of time by merging old traditions with new ideas. Citizens were generally classified as either patricians or plebeians. Patricians are said to have originated from the three original tribes that settled Rome. The tribal connection played a role in the early governance of Rome. The plebeians were the common people who farmed, worked in trade, or were soldiers. The story of the Roman Republic is in many ways the story of how the plebeians slowly increased their power.
At the heart of the Republic was the centuriate assemble. It was a composed of a group of magistrates who, among other tasks, chose the consuls. The two consuls served one year terms. Power was shared between the two so that neither every gained too much power. An advisory body, called the Senate, was composed of approximately 300 citizens who served for life. While they could not make laws, they had a strong advisory role the magistrates took seriously.
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The Roman Forum
Early Roman life was centered around places called forums. The Roman Forum was located between two of the Seven Hills of Rome – the Capitoline and Palatine hills. It was a combination of government center and public gathering place. Government meetings took place at the Curia and courts were run by the magistrates. Stores and merchants also sold their goods to the people of Rome. Wealthy aristocrats also lived in or next to Rome’s Forum. There were also places of worship. Temples were created for Saturn, Castor and Pollux, and others. A large storm-water drainage system was also built, called the Cloaca Maxima, that drained into the Tiber River. |
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Monuments, referred to as triumphal arches, were also constructed. As you may have guessed, these large expensive monuments contained at least one arched walkway. The exterior of the monument was usually inscribed with commemorative inscriptions or pictures of famous events (often battles). Some triumphal arches were dedicated to specific people and their achievement. The Arch of Titus, Arch of Septimus Severus, and the Arch of Constantine are all visible today in and around the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum thrived for hundreds of years but slowly fell into decline.
Ruins of the House of the Vestals at the Roman Forum
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The Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus
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Three Corinthian Order Columns Remain at the Ruins of the Temple of Castor and Pollux
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The Pantheon
Perhaps the most famous Roman religion building from ancient Rome is the Pantheon. The word pantheon refers to all of the gods of a civilization. In this case it was originally designed for the gods of early Rome. Since then, then the structure and purposes of the building has changed several times. It is now a Catholic place of worship and referred to as the Basilica of Santa Maria and Martyres.
Perhaps the most famous Roman religion building from ancient Rome is the Pantheon. The word pantheon refers to all of the gods of a civilization. In this case it was originally designed for the gods of early Rome. Since then, then the structure and purposes of the building has changed several times. It is now a Catholic place of worship and referred to as the Basilica of Santa Maria and Martyres.
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Construction of the original Pantheon was initiated in 27 BC by Marcus Visanius Agrippa. It was much different than what you see today in that it looked like other rectangular shaped buildings. The original Pantheon was replaced by a vastly different structure- one that had an entrance with eight Corinthian columns, an overall round shape, and a large dome covering it. The dome in particular made this building different. At the time, it was the largest dome ever constructed at 43 meters wide. In the center an opening, called an oculus, measuring eight meters across allowed light to enter the Pantheon. The light that streams in from the oculus helps to illuminate the ornate interior. Visitors today can also see the place where the painter Raphael is entombed inside the Pantheon.
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Leisure and Sports In Rome
The people of Rome developed their own culture while adopting ideas from Greece and other civilizations. The Romans enjoyed attending and participating in sporting events. Early in Roman history the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) was created near the Palantine Hill. Thousands of Romans attended horse and chariot racing on a large track. Chariot racing, a dangerous sport, in particular was very popular. Although little remains on the site, it is still worth a visit.
The people of Rome developed their own culture while adopting ideas from Greece and other civilizations. The Romans enjoyed attending and participating in sporting events. Early in Roman history the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) was created near the Palantine Hill. Thousands of Romans attended horse and chariot racing on a large track. Chariot racing, a dangerous sport, in particular was very popular. Although little remains on the site, it is still worth a visit.
Ruins of the Circo Massimo In Rome - Chariot Racing Was Popular In Ancient Rome
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Not much remains of the famouse Circo Massimo In Rome, Italy
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Ruins of the Seating Area of the Circo Massimo
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The Flavian Amphitheater
Another venue that emerged for Roman entertainment was the Flavian Amphitheater (you probably know it as the Colosseum). Flavian referred to the three emperors of the Flavian dynasty who ruled Rome and oversaw the construction of the Colosseum. Emperor Vespasian ruled from AD 69 to AD 79. He was followed by his two sons Titus and Domitian. Emperor Domitian’s rule ended in AD 96. To truly appreciate the Colosseum you have to imagine it as it was after it was newly built. This was an oval-shaped amphitheater that rose 50 meters high and dominated the skyline of Rome. Awnings would have been used to shade the spectators from the sun. Although built mostly of stone, the arena floor was made of wood. Below this were a variety of rooms and access halls were the gladiators prepared and where the wild animals were kept. |
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It was an arena that is thought to have accommodated approximately 50,000 spectators. They sat at five different levels and were seated according to their social status. At the bottom were the Senators and other aristocrats, while at the top sat the plebeians. All of them came to watch a variety of Roman “sporting events.” These included everything from the very popular gladiator fights to fights with exotic wild animals. Interestingly, the arena was even filled with water occasionally for the mock naval battles.
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If you visit the ruins of the Colosseum today you will see the original floor has long since disappeared. A wooden floor has been added at one end to give the visitor an idea of how it would have looked. It is possible to see what most Romans never would have seen, the chambers and access halls below. You will also notice that parts of the Colosseum are missing. This deterioration began about 400 years after it was completed. Earthquakes and the end of the powerful Roman Empire took their toll on the historic building. Over time, it stopped being used for games and fell into a stat of disrepair. Parts of the structure were actually taken to build other buildings and monuments in Rome. None the less, it remains an important structure in the history of man.
Public Baths
Another major part of the Roman culture was the use of public baths. These places were frequently large areas where both hot and cold baths were located. They were more than just places for bathing. You might think of it more as a place where could meet, be entertained, and enjoy the companies of others. Visitors would often take part in athletic events prior to entering the baths.
One example of a major Roman bath can be found at the Termi di Caracalla – the baths of Caracalla. Created by Emperor Caracalla starting in AD 212, the complex could accommodate nearly 7,000 Romans each day. To ensure a regular supply of water, the Aqua Nova Antoniniana was constructed and parts of it can still be seen today. Unfortunately, the Termi di Caracalla was abandoned after the siege of Rome in AD 537.
Another major part of the Roman culture was the use of public baths. These places were frequently large areas where both hot and cold baths were located. They were more than just places for bathing. You might think of it more as a place where could meet, be entertained, and enjoy the companies of others. Visitors would often take part in athletic events prior to entering the baths.
One example of a major Roman bath can be found at the Termi di Caracalla – the baths of Caracalla. Created by Emperor Caracalla starting in AD 212, the complex could accommodate nearly 7,000 Romans each day. To ensure a regular supply of water, the Aqua Nova Antoniniana was constructed and parts of it can still be seen today. Unfortunately, the Termi di Caracalla was abandoned after the siege of Rome in AD 537.
The Ruins of the Tall Structures That Covered the Baths and Meeting Rooms of the Baths of Caracalla
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A Mosaic at the Palestra Orientale Inside the Terme Di Caracalla
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Ruins of A Bath at the Terme Di Caracalla
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Visitors to the Termi di Caracalla ruins today will get a glimpse into the size of the bath complex. Perhaps the most interesting part of the complex though is located below ground. It was here that wagon transported wood, furnaces were located, and a hydraulic system supplied the baths with water. Many of the relics from the bath are also on display such as portions of various columns, engraved stones, and amphora.
The Underground Tunnels of the Terme Di Caracalla
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Amphora - Stored Below the Terme Di Caracalla
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A Decorated Colunm Base From the Library at the Terme Di Caracalla
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As the Roman slowly expanded their borders they took along their culture and traditions. Roman soldiers and citizens alike tried to create a little bit of home in distant lands. For example, the Roman spread their tradition of establishing public baths. Evidence of this can be found in both Bath, England and Trier, Germany.
Gaius Julius Caesar
The Roman Republic’s final ruler was Gaius Julius Caesar (Julius Caesar). He held several positions in the Roman government from consul to dictator. He solidified his fame though by leading the Roman army and conquering Gaul- a land that occupied modern France to Belgium and the edge of Germany. His longest lasting non-military achievement was the creation of the Julian calendar. It is still used today in a few areas of Eastern Europe. The month of July, Caesar’s birth month, is named in honor of him.
After Caesar’s return to Rome the Senators began to work against Julius Caesar. Perhaps due to jealousy or because they feared his power, they plotted his death. They assassinated him in in the Senate on March 15 (the Ides of March) in 44 BC.
Note- Julius Caesar was the subject of a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. In this way, his fame has spread through the world of literature.
Gaius Julius Caesar
The Roman Republic’s final ruler was Gaius Julius Caesar (Julius Caesar). He held several positions in the Roman government from consul to dictator. He solidified his fame though by leading the Roman army and conquering Gaul- a land that occupied modern France to Belgium and the edge of Germany. His longest lasting non-military achievement was the creation of the Julian calendar. It is still used today in a few areas of Eastern Europe. The month of July, Caesar’s birth month, is named in honor of him.
After Caesar’s return to Rome the Senators began to work against Julius Caesar. Perhaps due to jealousy or because they feared his power, they plotted his death. They assassinated him in in the Senate on March 15 (the Ides of March) in 44 BC.
Note- Julius Caesar was the subject of a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. In this way, his fame has spread through the world of literature.