The dramatic birth of the Roman Empire

Almost 3,000 years ago the Roman Empire was born here in central Italy, on this site by the River Tiber, nestling among seven hills. A dramatic story is said to have taken place here all those years ago, between twin brothers called Romulus and Remus.

It had been predicted that the two brothers would become mighty leaders. But they were the victims of an evil plot. Their power-crazed great uncle ordered that the babies should be drowned. Yet, miraculously, they were washed up on the banks of the Tiber. A she-wolf took it upon herself to care for the twins, suckling them and thus giving them the strength to survive. The she-wolf remains the symbol of the Roman Empire to this day, an empire which over the next centuries was to exert its influence across the known world - primarily through expansionist wars.

But the empire experienced its first war - a conflict between the brothers Romulus and Remus - at the very founding of its capital. In a fit of pique, Remus leaps across the provisional city wall which his brother has erected. Romulus cannot tolerate this act of provocation and slays his own brother. The founder of Rome thus made one thing clear from the start: anyone attempting to breach the fortifications of Rome would be severely punished. "Those who violate the laws of Rome will meet the same fate as my brother," he proclaimed.

Thus is founded a city that goes on to become the center of the ancient world. Many wars follow - against the Etruscans, Celts, Greeks, Germanic tribes - and Rome triumphs every time for many hundreds of years. Eight hundred years after the founding of Rome, the Roman Empire rules the known world, from Portugal to Arabia. Many different people live within the borders of the empire, probably the world's first multi-ethnic state. And the Eternal City, itself a metropolis of millions, lies at the heart of this mighty empire.