Rome is known as the “Eternal City”. Though Romans believe that the city was found in 753 BC, modern historians believe that the city was found around 625 BC. In the early period, Rome was ruled by seven kings. The history of Rome has been one of continuous protest and freedom loving struggles. This can be said because, after the seven kings, the Romans took control of their kingdom and overthrew the kings. They ruled themselves by establishing a Senate which looked over the rule of the city. The Senate appointed a “Counsel” who ruled over the people. The “Counsel” generally functioned well as he was afraid that if he did not function properly, at the end of his term he would be punished by the Senate.

From this point of time, the “Roman Republic” was established. The word “Republic” comes from Latin. The Latin word “res publica” refers to “public matters” or “matters of the state”. The Roman Republic ruled from 510 BC to 23 BC. It is the oldest republic known in history. So when we say that the US is the oldest democracy, we are making a mistake. While the US democracy has existed for less than 250 years, the history of Roman Republic existed for over 500 years. Hannibal of Carthage threatened the Republic of Rome but failed. But perhaps, Rome is the most famous for its famous general and citizen, Julius Caesar.

Julius Caesar was a Roman politician and general. He conquered the vast area from Gauls to the north of his province in France though he didn’t have any such orders. In the year 49 BC, he conquered Rome and after that he ruled the province as a dictator. His military excellence took him to Egypt where he met Cleopatra. But when he returned, he was assassinated by his own men. Thus the history of Rome has been a continuous witness to treachery, deceit, power and its loss.