Although Rome was not founded in 753 B. C.E., important changes did take place there around that time. The small villages on the hills grew into a unified town, as trade and farming increased. The people of these villages were linked by shared religious beliefs, which included the worship of many gods and goddesses. Around 625 b. c.e. the Latins drained a marshy area to create Rome’s first major forum, where people gathered to carry out politics and buy and sell goods. To some historians, this period marks the true founding of Rome as a distinct city.
As Rome developed it was ruled by kings. These kings, however, did not have absolute power. They worked with political bodies called assemblies, which were made up of the city’s soldiers. The kings also sought advice from the Senate, a group of the wealthiest and most influential citizens. The first members of the Senate were known as patres, which means “fathers.”
Under the kings Rome slowly expanded its borders into neighboring tribal areas. To fight its neighbors, Rome developed an army with both an infantry (foot soldiers) and cavalry (soldiers on horseback). Originally the army was organized around the three major tribes in the city, with each tribe expected to provide 1,000 troops. The tribes were further split into 10 groups, and each group provided 100 men. These 100 troops were called a century, and one soldier was a centurion. (The English words cent and century come from the Latin word centum, which means “100.”) Together the 3,000 soldiers were called a legion.
Every Roman who owned property was expected to serve in the military. The wealthiest citizens, who could afford horses and other supplies, formed the cavalry. The Romans called these soldiers equites. The infantry was split into different classes, depending on how much land or other
Wealth a person owned. The premier infantry was the hoplite. These soldiers carried round shields and spears and marched in a tight formation into battle. Their name came from the Greek word hoplon, which means a tool or weapon. The Greeks had first developed the ho-plite’s battle techniques, and the Romans borrowed them. Throughout their history the Romans quickly adapted weapons and tactics used by their neighbors and enemies, then usually improved their use on the battlefield.
Enduring Legend
The legend of Romulus and Remus founding Rome is still widely popular. This figure of the two young boys being cared for by a wolf is found on many public buildings all over Rome today.
World History
