How the Roman Empire was founded
Learn more about the Roman Empire.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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Great Museums Television (A Britannica Publishing Partner)A discussion of the United States' immigrant past, from the documentary Face of America: Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
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Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.Learn about Operation Barbarossa, the German-led invasion of the Soviet Union that began in June 1941. From The Second World War: Triumph of the Axis (1963), a documentary by Encyclopædia Britannica Educational Corporation.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of the rise and fall of Carthage, with a detailed discussion of Hannibal's victories against Rome, including the Battle of Cannae, and his later defeat at the Battle of Zama.
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Contunico © ZDF Studios GmbH, MainzOverview of the Gallic Wars, with a focus on Julius Caesar's victory over Vercingetorix.
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Transcript
Did You Know?
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the state centered on the city of Rome that became one of the most successful imperial powers in history.
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, twins born to the princess Rhea Silvia and the god Mars (known as the city’s protector).
Romulus is traditionally said to have been the first king of Rome. After the regal period, Rome functioned for centuries as a successful republic, developing innovative methods of governance and a formidable army.
In 31 CE Rome began to be transformed into an empire under the rule of Augustus Caesar, who led his army to conquer new territories, force foreign kings into submission, and build roads connecting his newly acquired lands.
Roman art, literature, and culture spread past the Mediterranean and into the world beyond as the empire flourished.
But it began to slowly decline in the 200s CE.
It split in two, reunified, and split again.
There were invasions and civil wars.
In 410 the city of Rome was attacked and looted by invading Visigoths.
The empire collapsed for good in 476 CE, when Germanic invaders ousted the emperor and took control of Rome.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the state centered on the city of Rome that became one of the most successful imperial powers in history.
According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, twins born to the princess Rhea Silvia and the god Mars (known as the city’s protector).
Romulus is traditionally said to have been the first king of Rome. After the regal period, Rome functioned for centuries as a successful republic, developing innovative methods of governance and a formidable army.
In 31 CE Rome began to be transformed into an empire under the rule of Augustus Caesar, who led his army to conquer new territories, force foreign kings into submission, and build roads connecting his newly acquired lands.
Roman art, literature, and culture spread past the Mediterranean and into the world beyond as the empire flourished.
But it began to slowly decline in the 200s CE.
It split in two, reunified, and split again.
There were invasions and civil wars.
In 410 the city of Rome was attacked and looted by invading Visigoths.
The empire collapsed for good in 476 CE, when Germanic invaders ousted the emperor and took control of Rome.