Italy’s capital city, Rome, is full of stories and history. For thousands of years it has stood as a symbol of culture, excess, art, and creativity. From the heady days of the Roman Empire, to the refined European city it is today, there’s much to tell about the story of Rome. To help you get to know the city, here’s Avventure Bellissime’s brief history of Rome…
History of Rome City: A Journey Through Time
Rome stands as a living testament to over two millennia of human civilization, where every stone tells a story and every street breathes history. From its mythological beginnings to its current status as Italy's vibrant capital, Rome's journey is an epic tale of power, culture, and resilience. As you wander through its ancient streets, you'll discover how this city evolved from a small settlement on the Palatine Hill to become the heart of one of history's greatest empires, and how it continues to captivate visitors from around the world. Let's explore the fascinating story of the Eternal City, from its legendary founding to its modern-day renaissance.
When was Rome (Italy) Founded: The Legend of Romulus and Remus
Back when Rome was still a long way in the future, when the Palatine Hill stood empty, and long before the Colosseum was even dreamed of, legend goes that Romulus and Remus founded the city. In Roman mythology, Romulus and Remus are twin brothers, born near the location of contemporary Rome.
Their story is synonymous with the story of Rome. Born to a vestal virgin, the brothers had royal lineage. The king of the day, Amulius, ordered their deaths and the twins were abandoned on the banks of the River Tiber. But they were saved by the god Tiberinus and famously raised by a she-wolf.
Eventually, the twins discovered their royal lineage and after many years living with a shepherd, Romulus and Remus went on to found the city of Rome.
Want to walk in the footsteps of Rome's legendary founders? Our Ancient Rome Tour of Colosseum takes you through the very hills where this fascinating story unfolded.
Lupa the she-wolf nursed and sheltered Romulus and Remus after they were abandoned by King Amulius
Quick History of Rome: From Kingdom to Empire
Many historians track the founding of Rome back to 625 BC. Rome is seen to be so old it’s referred to as the ‘eternal city’. Initially ruled by kings, the city eventually belonged to the people with a senate governing them. This republic lasted for five centuries and during this time Roman influence spread across the surrounding Mediterranean. Rome became the beating heart of an empire that reached far into Europe and Africa.
With this influence, Rome became a bustling and extremely wealthy city. It developed a rich and diverse culture, it built grand buildings like the Colosseum and the Pantheon - now a church - with the population swelling to around one million people. But, over time, the city’s influence declined until in 410 AD Rome was overrun by an army of Goths. That marked the end of Rome’s influence and its empire.
Explore these architectural marvels and more on our Private Rome in a Day Tour, where you'll discover how the city evolved from a small settlement to the capital of an empire.
The stunning Pantheon in Rome is visited by millions of tourists each year!
Short History of Rome: The Modern Renaissance
Rome, however, has shown itself to be a resilient place, a city that deserves its eternal label. After hundreds of years of turmoil, in 1871 the city regained its status as the capital of Italy. Since then, Rome has grown and prospered with the population now at 2.8 million.
Rome is once more the heart of Italy, and it’s a city recognised for its contribution to the modern world. Roman ruins still grace the city’s skyline, and there are plenty of reminders of the heyday of the Roman Empire. Now, the city is known for its art and culture, its beautiful architecture, and its vibrant and bustling streets and piazzas.
When visiting Rome on an Italy trip, take a moment to look around. Rome truly is an eternal city, it’s a place where an empire was born, a place where an empire ended, and it’s a city that’s reborn, renewed, and thriving once again. Venture beneath the eternal city on our Private Catacombs Tour in Rome to uncover layers of history that most visitors never see.
Join us on one of our tours and experience first hand the magnificent history Rome has to offer
What is the History of Rome: Experience it Yourself
While books and pictures can tell the story of Rome, nothing compares to experiencing its magnificence in person. Every corner of this remarkable city offers a chance to touch history with your own hands - from the weathered stones of the Colosseum to the sublime artistry of the Vatican Museums. Step into the spiritual heart of Rome with our Private Vatican Tour, where you'll witness how the city maintained its global significance even after the fall of the empire. The true magic of Rome lies not just in its monuments, but in how seamlessly it weaves together its ancient past with a vibrant present. Whether you're standing before the Pantheon at sunset, discovering hidden treasures in the catacombs, or wandering through the Forum's ancient pathways, each moment in Rome adds another chapter to its eternal story. Let Avventure Bellissime guide you through this extraordinary journey with our expertly crafted tours, where historical insights meet authentic local experiences. Our passionate guides will help you unlock the secrets of Rome, ensuring your visit becomes part of the city's continuing story.
When booking a trip to Rome, make sure you get in touch with Avventure Bellissime. We have plenty of tours of Rome available to help you properly experience the history of Italy’s capital city.
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