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The Creation of Rome

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During the eighth century B.C.E. a small Latin speaking community was established along the Tiber River in Italy called Rome. As time passed the community expanded its power and control until its control covered almost all of Italy around 264 B.C.E. To the Romans, their political abilities were just as important as their army’s strength. Their political system worked so well because, when they conquered smaller societies the Romans allowed the conquered societies to rule themselves. Rome would also grant citizenship to non-Romans so long as the conquered societies followed Roman law and met the requirements. The republic of Rome was ruled by an Aristocratic oligarchy. In the beginning the Romans had no desire to expand any further than the boundaries of their empire. As their relationships with their neighbors began to diminish new wars were the result. The first war the Romans waged was the Punic Wars in the west with the Carthaginian Empire in Spain and Africa. Once the Carthaginian Empire was conquered, Rome moved east and conquered Macedonia gaining control of the Greek peninsula. By 133 B.C.E. Rome had conquered the areas to the east and west and was considered to be the master of the Mediterranean Sea. Rome’s empire was built on religion and law. Both were held in high regard and controlled many of the decisions made in the Roman culture. Rituals taught the people how to appease their gods and were a focal point of the Roman religion. Monuments were built

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