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Roman History

Roman history is the study of the ancient civilization that originated in the Italian Peninsula and eventually expanded to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean region. Roman history spans from the founding of Rome in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, and it is divided into several major periods, including the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire.

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Roman history is the study of the ancient civilization that originated in the Italian Peninsula and eventually expanded to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean region. Roman history spans from the founding of Rome in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, and it is divided into several major periods, including the Roman Kingdom, the Roman Republic, and the Roman Empire.

The Roman Kingdom

The Roman Kingdom was the earliest period of Roman history, lasting from the founding of Rome in 753 BC to the overthrow of the monarchy in 509 BC. During this period, Rome was ruled by a series of kings, who were elected by the Roman people. The kings held absolute power and were responsible for all aspects of government, including lawmaking, warfare, and religion.

The Roman Republic

The Roman Republic was the period of Roman history that lasted from the overthrow of the monarchy in 509 BC to the establishment of the Roman Empire in 27 BC. During this period, Rome was ruled by a series of elected officials, including consuls, senators, and tribunes. The Roman Republic was a complex and sophisticated political system that allowed for a great deal of citizen participation in government.

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire was the period of Roman history that lasted from the establishment of the Roman Empire in 27 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. During this period, Rome was ruled by a series of emperors, who held absolute power. The Roman Empire was a vast and powerful empire that controlled a large part of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

The Legacy of Roman History

Roman history has had a profound impact on Western civilization. The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful and influential empires in history, and its legacy can still be seen today in the laws, languages, and institutions of many countries around the world. Roman history is also a rich source of literature, art, and architecture, and it continues to be studied and admired by people all over the world.

Why Study Roman History?

There are many reasons why you might want to study Roman history. Some people study Roman history to satisfy their curiosity about the past. Others study Roman history to meet academic requirements. Still others study Roman history to use it to develop their career and professional ambitions.

There are many ways to learn about Roman history. You can study Roman history by reading books, articles, and websites. You can also study Roman history by taking courses at a local college or university. There are also many online courses available that can help you learn about Roman history.

Careers in Roman History

There are many different careers that you can pursue if you have a degree in Roman history. Some of the most common careers include:

  • Museum curator
  • Librarian
  • Archivist
  • Historian
  • Teacher
  • Journalist
  • Lawyer
  • Politician
  • Businessperson

A degree in Roman history can also give you a strong foundation for a career in other fields, such as law, business, and government.

Online Courses in Roman History

There are many different online courses available that can help you learn about Roman history. Some of the most popular courses include:

  • Roman History: The Republic (Coursera)
  • The Roman Empire: A Cultural History (edX)
  • Roman History: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire (FutureLearn)
  • Ancient Rome: From Republic to Empire (Udemy)
  • The History of Rome (Codecademy)

These courses can help you learn about all aspects of Roman history, from the founding of Rome to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. They can also help you develop the skills you need to read, write, and think critically about Roman history.

Are Online Courses Enough?

Online courses can be a great way to learn about Roman history, but they are not enough on their own. To fully understand Roman history, you need to supplement your online learning with other resources, such as books, articles, and websites. You should also consider taking courses at a local college or university. By combining online learning with other resources, you can get the most out of your study of Roman history.

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Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Roman History.
This lively and accessible history of Rome by Mary Beard, a leading classicist, covers the entire span of Roman history from its origins to the fall of the Empire. Beard's focus on the social and cultural history of Rome makes this book a valuable resource for understanding the everyday lives of Romans.
This detailed study of the Roman Republic by Michael Crawford, one of the world's leading authorities on Roman history, provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and economic history of the period. Crawford's work is essential reading for anyone interested in the development of Roman government and society.
This concise introduction to the Roman Empire by Christopher Kelly provides a clear and accessible overview of the Empire's history, politics, and culture. Kelly's book great starting point for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period of history.
This comprehensive survey of the Roman world by Peter Garnsey covers a wide range of topics, including Roman politics, society, economy, and culture. Garnsey's work valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Roman Empire.
This monumental work, edited by I.E.S. Edwards, provides a comprehensive overview of the ancient world, including the history of Rome. The Cambridge Ancient History is an essential reference work for anyone interested in the study of ancient history.
This handbook, edited by Alison Cooley, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of scholarship in Roman studies. The handbook covers a wide range of topics, including Roman politics, society, economy, and culture.
This comprehensive history of Rome by Arnaldo Momigliano provides a detailed overview of Roman history from its origins to the fall of the Western Empire. Momigliano's work valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Roman world.
This detailed study of the Roman Republic by Erich S. Gruen provides a comprehensive overview of the political, social, and economic history of the period. Gruen's work is essential reading for anyone interested in the development of Roman government and society.
This biographical companion to the Roman Empire by Michael Grant provides short biographies of over 500 Romans, from emperors and senators to soldiers and slaves. Grant's work valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the people who shaped Roman history.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the archaeology of Roman Britain, covering topics such as the Roman invasion, the development of towns and cities, and the everyday lives of the people who lived in Roman Britain.
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