Historical Background of Rome

• About 2,750 years ago, some bands of people moved from the North, into the Italian peninsula. They settled in several small villages that grew together to form Rome, the city that eventually built the empire
• The people who founded Rome were farmers and shepherds. Their struggles with neighbouring groups of people shaped a believe in duty, discipline, and patriotism. Roman armies grew into a strong fighting force
• Rome's founders also recognised that they could use new ideas from more advanced civilisations. Early in their history they came into contact with the Greeks, who had built settlements on the Italian peninsula. Roman leaders ordered careful studies of the Greek ideas, architecture and government
• The powerful Roman army defeated one enemy after another
• Soldiers were trained in the use of slings, javelins, spears and swords. These forces were divided into legions, army units that numbered about 6,000 men each
• The legions were divided into smaller units that could be moved around swiftly. This freedom of movement usually gave Roman forces an advantage over the massed troops of its enemies
• Rome began to build its empire in Italy. Roman forces battled rivals for control of the peninsula
• By 264 BC, Rome commanded the Italian peninsula. Rome then turned to conquests in North Africa, Spain, Gaul (modern day France), Greece, and the lands at the eastern ends of the Mediterranean
• Rome organised its foreign lands into provinces. Each was headed by a governor who directed tax collections and organised the defense of the province
• The new rulers did not try to change local customs, religions, or government. This policy made Roman dominion less painful to the conquered people