Rome's Republican period began in 510 BC. During this period, a new form of government was established, in which Rome was ruled by its upper classes known as senators and equestrians (or knights). An absolute ruler (or dictator) could be selected in emergency situations. In 451 BC, a standardized code of laws was established to regulate political, public, and private matters. This was known as the Twelve Tables.

Expansion continued, and by 338 BC, Rome had gained complete control over the Italian peninsula. 



Republican Era

Ancient Rome's last major period was the Imperial era, which lasted from the rise of the first emperor in 31 BC until the fall of Rome in AD 476. This period saw several decades of expansion, prosperity, and peace. The Empire reached its maximum extent by AD 117, covering parts of three continents, including most of Europe, Asia Minor (Turkey), and northern Africa. 

 

Imperial Era

The era of the Founding and the Period of Kings lasted from circa 625 BC-510 BC. 

Rome was first founded in circa 625 BC. The Period of Kings lasted until 510 BC. During this period, Rome was ruled by at least 6 kings. The Period of Kings saw military, economic, and political advances, including expanded borders and increased military might, increased production and trade of goods, and the early development of the Roman constitution. The decline of Etruria brought the end of the Period of Kings, and the emergence of the Roman Republic.

Founding and Period of Kings

The history of Ancient Rome consists of three basic eras:
- The Founding and the Period of Kings, which lasted from circa 625 BC-510 BC.
- The Republican Era, which lasted from 510 BC-31 BC.
- And finally the Imperial Era, which lasted from 31 BC-AD 476.

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- Philology
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Ancient History in Greece
- Philosophy
- Reception Studies
- Ancient History in Rome 
- Ancient Roman Religion

Areas of Study within Classics

The Roman Empire: A brief history. Milwaukee Public Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2022, from https://www.mpm.edu/research-collections/anthropology/anthropology-collections-research/mediterranean-oil-lamps/roman-empire-brief-history#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20the%20Roman,31%20BC%20%E2%80%93%20AD%20476). 

History of Ancient Rome

Philology is the study of language preserved in written sources. Within Classics, classical languages are studied from both formal written works as well as informal sources like clay pot shards and graffiti on buildings. These informal writings help scholars to understand the slang and nuance of the language.


Philology

Art and architecture of the ancient world were incredibly influential and much of what can be learned from the study of ancient art can still be found in modern art. In classical studies, the focus is on the development of art in the classical world.

Art History

Beginning in 6th Century BCE, ancient Greek philosophers attempted to make sense of their world using reason. These early philosophers discussed everything from astronomy to politics to ontology and aesthetics. 

Ancient Greek Philosophy

Study of how classical antiquity, particularly Ancient Greek and Roman literature, have been recieved from the ancient past to modern times. 

Classical Reception Studies

Studies the history of humanity through observing, and analyzing material culture (i.e. artifacts)

Archaeology

Ancient Roman philosophy was heavily influenced by ancient Greek philosophy. There were two main schools of thought in ancient Roman philosophy:

- Epicureanism (named for its founder, Epicurus) taught that pleasure was the highest level of good and was the way to attain freedom from physical pain and fear.

- Stoicism (founded by Zeon) taught was best lived through harmony with reason, and was based on knowledge, with total indifference to pleasure and pain. 

Ancient Roman Philosophy

Ancient Roman History

Ancient Roman religious practices mostly mimicked those of Ancient Greece. The Romans copied the Greek pantheon of gods but renamed them. For example, Zeus became Jupiter, Hera became Juno, Poseidon became Neptune, Aphrodite became Venus, and Athena became Diana. Later on, the Romans also began to incorporate the worship of various "eastern" deities, such as the Egyptian goddess Isis, as well as the Persian god Mithras. 

Ultimately, Christianity was adopted as the official religion of Rome, supplanting all other religious practices. 

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