The Empire split into smaller Eastern and Western empires in AD 286. The Western Roman Empire was conquered by the Vandals after having been subjected to several previous Gothic invasions. It then entered into a period of irreversible decline that finally ended with its official fall in AD 476. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, on the other hand, survived in some form until AD 1453, when it finally fell after the Ottoman Turks captured its capital Constantinople (Istanbul).

Division and Fall of the Empire

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. 

 

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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.

Ancient Roman History

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

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

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.

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