Rome: Introduction

I'm longing for summer, now. June, July, and August - are my favourite months. - I know! And it's my birthday in June. Oh, that's perfect 'cause June got it's name from a goddess. Yes, a roman goddess.

But what do you mean? Why is that perfect? Oh, did I say perfect? I meant... interesting.

The names of all the months come, in fact, from the Romans and the Latin language. The name "June" comes from the name of the highest goddess of the Romans: Juno. She was married to Jupiter the king of the Gods. "July" and "August" come from two powerful emperors: Julius Caesar and Augustus. About two thousand years ago the Romans were the most powerful people in the world. Of course we have a lot more than the names of months to thank the Romans for.

For example: Several of the biggest cities in Europe - such as Paris and London were established by the Romans. The foundation of our legal systems and many of our laws. A form of government copied by the USA, among others. A road network throughout Europe. Roman numbers.

Our alphabet. Latin, the Romans' language. And much more. The city of Rome still exists. It's the capital of Italy and it's very old.

But how did it all begin? The first Romans arrive at the River Tiber about 2700 years ago. They are fishermen who live by the river where they get their food. Near the river there are seven high hills. The Romans can flee there if enemies come.

The Romans establish a market place between the hills, a place which is to become the main square of Rome: Forum Romanum. More people begin to move here now and not only fishermen. Here they trade in cattle, grains, fish, metals, and salt. They also exchange news and ideas. The village becomes a town.

Rome sits approximately in the middle of the land that is to become Italy, close to the west coast. The city is protected geographically from intruders. In the north, the mountain peaks of The Alps rise high. To the west there is the sea. And if someone would want to invade Rome from the north or the south, they first need to cross a wide open stretch of land.

This makes it easy for the Romans to protect their city, but also for them to conquer the surrounding areas. This is good for the Romans, because they are not alone. Other people live next to them. The Etruscans for example. The Etruscans live in Etruria, north of Rome and become very important for the Romans' progress.

The Etruscans have formed contacts with people beyond the seas, and they are skilled in shaping iron and bronze. Now the Romans learn this as well. There is a legend about how Rome began: The twin brothers Romulus and Remus are sons of the god of war -- Mars -- and a human woman. So they are half gods. The twins are put into the River Tiber and left to drown.

They drift away, but are saved by a she-wolf, who suckles them. The legend says that the city is founded by Romulus and Remus in the year 753 before common era. But the twins argue about where the city borders should be. Romulus kills his brother and becomes sole king over the city. He names the city 'Rome' after himself.

This is just a folk tale, but it does say something about what the Roman empire is about to become... ... because the history of Rome is, just like this legend, filled with bloody struggles for power, the forming of alliances, and rulers with a thirst for wealth and glory.