Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome developed on the Italian Peninsula as early as the 8th century BC and expanded to become one of the largest empires in the ancient world.

What was known as the Roman Republic was established around 509 BC. During this period, the Romans defeated the Gauls and then the Carthaginians in the First Punic War.

In the Second Punic War, a young Carthaginian and brilliant military strategist named Hannibal set out to defeat Rome. He embarked on a dangerous journey from Spain to Italy with an army and 37 elephants. Hannibal’s campaign against Rome lasted 15 years, until he was forced to retreat to Carthage. He eventually fled into voluntary exile and later committed suicide.

Rome transitioned from a Republic to an Empire in 31 BC, when the Roman navy defeated the Egyptians at the Battle at Actium, a defeat that also led to Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s demise.

The Roman Empire soon spread to France, Spain, the Netherlands, Northern Africa, Greece, and part of Great Britain. England was under the Roman Empire from AD 43, with the reign of Emperor Claudius, until around AD 410. Letters written by Roman soldiers in the garrisons have offered some insight into the life of a soldier and about the occupation of Britain.

The remains at Pompeii and Herculaneum, Rome’s Lost City, provide additional insight into life during this period. A number of structures were preserved by ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79, and archaeologists continue to study the site to learn about the town, its people, and what it was like to be there on that fateful day.

At its peak, the Roman Empire covered almost two million square miles. In addition to its contributions to art, religion, and government, the Roman Empire left a great legacy of architecture, including the Pantheon and other incredible monuments.

The Western Roman Empire came to an end in AD 476, when Romulus Augustus was forced to abdicate to the Germanic warlord Odoacer, and the Eastern Roman (or Byzantine Empire) ended in 1453 with the death of Constantine XI and the capture of Constantinople.

Learn more about Ancient Rome in the following DVD books, including video with expert commentary, as well as full-length books complete with photos, maps, and timelines.