Roman Empire
Government & Leaders
Daily Life & Culture
100

This city on the River Tiber grew from a small town into the capital of a huge ancient empire.

Rome

100

Before it became an empire, Rome’s form of government, where citizens elected officials, was called this.

Republic

100

Romans spoke this language, which later developed into languages like Italian, French, and Spanish.

Latin

200

According to legend, these twin brothers, sons of the god Mars, founded the city of Rome.

Romulus and Remus

200

These two top officials in the Roman Republic shared power and were elected each year.

Consuls

200

This large oval arena in Rome hosted gladiator fights and other spectacles for the public.

The Colosseum

300

In 146 BCE, Rome destroyed this North African city, its great rival in the Punic Wars.

Carthage

300

This powerful body of wealthy Romans advised leaders and played a major role in politics during the Republic.

The Senate

300

Public buildings and rich homes in Rome often used this building material, which helped structures last for centuries.

Concrete

400

At its greatest extent around 117 CE, the Roman Empire controlled lands around this sea, sometimes called “a Roman lake.”

The Mediterranean Sea

400

This famous Roman general was assassinated in 44 BCE after being named dictator for life.

Julius Caesar

400

These public facilities, with hot and cold rooms, were places where Romans could wash, relax, and socialise.

Roman baths

500

This wall in northern Britain marked the empire’s frontier and is named after the emperor who ordered it built.

Hadrian’s Wall

500

Known first as Octavian, this man became Rome’s first emperor and ushered in the Pax Romana.

Augustus

500

Many Roman gods were adapted from Greek mythology; for example, the Greek god Zeus was called this in Latin.

Jupiter