Ancient Roman Civilization emerged on the banks of Tiber River lying in central Italia. It is said that the city of ancient Rome was founded in BC753. It conquered surrounding areas gradually, until the whole Italian Peninsula and west coast of Mediterranean were under its control. At first, Rome was ruled by kings. In BC509, Republic Rome took the place of Kingdom Rome. When Octavianus set up Principate in BC27, Rome started the Empire Period. Slavery played an important role in Roman economy, especially in the late Republic Period. In 1st and 2nd century, Rome Empire experienced extreme prosperity. However, from 3rd century on, it started to collapse. In the end of 4th century, the empire fell apart into Eastern Rome and Western Rome. A century later, while Eastern Rome became known as Byzantine Empire, the Western Rome dissolved and the Medieval Period started.
The emergence of Roman Civilization was posterior to Egypt, Greece and West Asia. That’s why it was possible for Romans to learn from other civilizations and develop a more advanced and powerful one. Ancient Romans created complicated government and legal system, made great effort to the renovation of military theory, tactics and weaponry, achieved new height in agriculture, mathematics, physics, astronomy and medicine. Also their contribution in literature, history, sculpture, painting and architecture - especially the city planning, water transportation, plazas, temples, triumphal arches, monuments and thermae should never be ignored. Furthermore, thanks to Roman artistes and craftsmen who made a lot replica of the most distinguished Greek sculptures, we are able to see and admire these great masterpieces.
