For 200 Years, Rome was a Kingdom Illustration

First, Rome was
a Kingdom

Rome was a kingdom for about 200 years.

Rome did not spring into being as a power on the Italian peninsula.  It began as a tiny village along the Tiber River.  It was an excellent location.  The soil was good so crops could be grown easily.  It was surrounded by 7 hills, offering a natural defensive barrier.  And of course, it was on a river giving it water for drinking and bathing as well as an easy way to trade.  With all these advantages, it grew quickly.

Early Rome was ruled by a king.  As Rome grew, the people started to tell myths about how Rome came to be.  Included among these myths was the myth of Romulus and Remus, the sons of the war god Mars, and how Romulus became the first king of Rome.  The Roman people had certain cultural values that led to the strength of Rome.  These included loyalty to family and obedience to authority.  This made for a strong kingdom.

Each early Roman family was subject to the ultimate authority of the oldest male in the household.  The oldest male provided safety and security for the family.  The king provided safety and security for the whole kingdom. 

The Etruscans

Romulus & Remus

Gods & Goddesses

Pater Familias/Family

Patricians & Plebeians

The Campus

Pantomime/Theatre

Circus Maximus

Horatius at the Bridge

Maps & Timelines

next up: The Roman Republic