Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was founded in 753 BC by its first king, Romulus. It grew into a rich and powerful city during the next few hundred years. By AD 117 the Roman Empire included the whole of Italy, all the lands around the Mediterranean and much of Europe, including England, Wales and parts of Scotland.  Roman legend says that Romulus had a twin brother called Remus. As babies they were abandoned in the area which later became Rome.  A she-wolf found and raised them, but when they grew up, Romulus fought and killed Remus and became the first ruler of Rome!  During battle, a Roman soldier or ‘legionary’ first hurled his spear at the enemy, then he fought him with his sword. To protect himself, he carried a wooden shield and wore a metal helmet and armor.  

The Romans didn’t spend all their time fighting, they were amazing architects and engineers too! They built roads and walls, things we now take for granted.  To bring water to their cities, the clever Romans built aqueducts.  An aqueduct is a system of channels and bridges designed to transport water for public baths and toilets!  One of the most famous buildings left by the Ancient Romans is the Colosseum a huge amphitheater in the center of Rome. This is where members of the public would come to watch sporting events and games, including battles between Roman gladiators!