ancient rome essay topics

Search on OralHistory.ws Blog

Navigating the Historical Labyrinth of Ancient Rome: Essay Topics

Welcome, intrepid time travelers and history enthusiasts! As we stand on the brink of another academic exploration, the historical labyrinth of Ancient Rome beckons us. Famous for its grandeur, societal advancements, and dramatic political turmoil, Rome offers a goldmine of captivating topics for your next argumentative essay. To help you on this journey, we present a robust selection of 99 exciting essay topics that span various aspects of Roman civilization.

Table of content

Peeling Back the Layers: Rome Uncovered

What makes Rome so special that it commands our attention more than two millennia after its founding? The city is a fascinating embodiment of countless narratives, where every stone and monument whispers tales of yesteryears.

The story of Rome is one of power and decline, glory and catastrophe. A city that rose from a humble settlement on the banks of the Tiber River to rule a vast empire stretching across three continents. It is an epic tale filled with influential leaders, grand political schemes, momentous battles, and artistic innovations that continue to shape our world.

A plunge into Roman history is akin to unraveling a complex web of interactions, directly and indirectly, affecting societies today. Their architectural innovations, from aqueducts to roads, set a precedent for urban infrastructure. The Roman legal system became a foundation for numerous global legal practices. Concepts of citizenship and governance, notions of entertainment, and even parts of our language owe much to Rome.

Moreover, Rome represents a pivotal point in religious history, being central to the spread of Christianity. The development and dissemination of Christian thought within the Roman Empire and the eventual adoption of Christianity as the state religion had enduring consequences on global religious landscapes.

In a broader sense, understanding Rome means understanding the roots of Western civilization. The rise and fall of this once-majestic Empire provide a window into our collective past, offering insights into humanity’s capacity for creativity, resilience, ambition, and even self-destruction.

Rome offers an abundant, complex, and fascinating field of study, a treasure trove of knowledge waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Unearthing the secrets of Rome is a journey, an intellectual adventure that promises to be as enriching as it is exciting. So, are you ready to join us as we traverse the annals of Roman history, picking up the echoes of the past to comprehend our present better?

Topics Galore: Categories for Your Consideration

To aid your exploration, we’ve organized these essay topics into five broad categories: Society and Culture, Politics and Leaders, Warfare and Conquests, Religion and Mythology, and Architecture and Innovations.

The Mosaic of Society and Culture

Step into the everyday life of a Roman citizen, explore their social norms and examine the pivotal Role of culture in shaping the Roman Empire.

Topic Examples:

• The Class Structure of Roman Society: Patricians and Plebeians
• The Evolution of Roman Law and Its Impact on Modern Legal Systems
• The Role of Women in Roman Society
• Slavery in Rome: A Comparative Analysis with Ancient Greece
• The Significance of Roman Festivals and Public Spectacles
• Gladiatorial Games: a Societal Necessity or Brutal Entertainment?
• The Impact of Roman Colonization on Indigenous Cultures
• The Role of Patronage in the Roman Arts
• Language Diversity in the Roman Empire: a Study of Vernacular Languages
• Roman Festivals: an Exploration of Seasonal Celebrations and Their Societal Implications
• The Roman Culinary Arts: From the Simple to the Extravagant
• The Influence of Greek Culture on Roman Society
• The Impact of Rome on Modern Western Civilization
• The Societal Impact of Roman Clothing and Fashion
• An Analysis of the Roman Education System
• Roman Theater: a Societal Mirror or Mere Entertainment?
• The Role of Sports and Recreation in Roman Society
• Roman Marriage Customs and Their Influence on Societal Structure
• Influence of Latin: from Roman Streets to Modern Linguistics
• Roman Literature and Its Reflection on Society
• Graffiti in Pompeii: a Snapshot of Roman Culture
• The Significance of Patron-Client Relationships in Roman Society
• The Societal Role of the Roman Baths
• Roman Dining Customs: a Look at the Convivium
• Examination of Roman Social Clubs and Associations
• Roman Funeral Rituals and Beliefs About Death
• Childhood in Rome: From birth to Adulthood
• Roman Slavery: a Study of Manumission and Freedmen
• The Impact of Greek Philosophy on Roman Society
• Urban Versus Rural Life in Roman Society
• The Contribution of Rome to Modern Theatre
• The Influence of Rome on Western Literature
• The Effect of Roman Tax Policies on Its Citizens
• Examination of Roman Housing and City Planning
• Trade and Commerce in the Roman Empire
• An Overview of Roman Education: From Wax Tablets to Schools
• Influence of Roman Laws on Today’s Legal Systems
• The Cultural Significance of Roman Mosaics and Frescoes
• An In-Depth Look at Roman Entertainment
• Roman Citizenship: Privileges and Responsibilities
• The Role of Public Speaking and Rhetoric in Roman Society
• Influence of Roman Numerals on Modern Numbering Systems
• Roman Jewelry: More than Mere Decoration
• The Life of a Roman Soldier: Expectations and Reality
• The Societal Implications of Roman Expansion
• The Significance of Roman Trade Routes
• The Role of Women in Different Sectors of Roman Society
• The Societal Influence of the Pax Romana
• The Importance of the Family Unit in Roman Society
• An Analysis of Roman Coinage and Its Symbolism
• The Societal Impact of the Roman Calendar
• Roman Music: Its Characteristics and Influence on Modern Music

The Grand Stage of Politics and Leaders

Dive into the tumultuous political arena of Rome and discover the individuals whose leadership shaped the Empire’s destiny.

• Julius Caesar: Revolutionary Leader or Tyrant?
• The Political Implications of Caesar’s Assassination
• The Influence and Impact of the Twelve Tables
• The Transition From the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire
• A Critique of Emperor Nero’s Reign
• The Political Structure of the Roman Empire: a Detailed Study
• The Role of the Roman Senate in the Governance of the Empire
• Analysis of Augustus’ Policies and Their Impact on Rome
• The Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar: a Critical Analysis
• The Political Genius of Emperor Augustus
• The Significance of the Roman Consuls
• An Analysis of the Political Reforms of the Gracchi Brothers
• A Critique of the Rule of Emperor Marcus Aurelius
• An Examination of the Roman Legal System
• The Legacy of Roman Law on Contemporary Legal Practices
• The Reign of Emperor Hadrian: Rome’s Grand Builder
• The Roman Republic vs. the Roman Empire: a Comparison
• The Political Impact of Rome’s Geographic Location
• The Role of the Praetorian Guard in Roman Politics
• Examination of Political Propaganda in Ancient Rome
• The Political Implications of Roman Citizenship
• Influence and Power: the Political Role of Roman Women
• The Effect of Roman Colonization on the Provinces
• Examination of the Political Climate During the Pax Romana
• The Political Strategy behind Roman Road Construction
• The Rule of Emperor Constantine and the Christian Shift
• An Analysis of the Reign of Emperor Diocletian
• Influence of Roman Political Ideologies on Western Political Thought
• Examination of Roman Provincial Administration
• The Influence of Roman Bureaucracy on Modern Administrative Systems
• The Role and Power of the Roman Assemblies
• Impact of the Roman Legal Code on International Law
• Political Conflicts and Their Impact on Rome’s Fall
• An Overview of the Roman Tax System
• The Rule of Emperor Trajan: Rome at Its Zenith
• Role of Foreign Policy in Rome’s Expansion
• The Societal Impact of the ‘Bread and Circuses’ Policy
• The Transition of Power: from Republic to Imperial Rule
• Examination of Treason Laws in the Roman Empire
• The Influence of Stoicism on Roman Leaders
• The Political Significance of the Roman Forum
• The Use and Misuse of Political Power in Rome
• The Influence of Roman Political Architecture
• An Examination of Roman Diplomacy
• The Influence of Emperor Justinian on Roman Law
• Roman Economy: a Source of Political Power?
• The Political Implications of the Roman Census
• The Impact of Corruption on the Decline of the Roman Empire
• Analysis of the Social Mobility in Roman Political Structures
• Examination of the Power Dynamics within the Roman Imperial Family
• The Impact of the “Princeps” Title on the Image of Roman Leadership
• The Role of Tribunes in the Roman Political Landscape

Epic Battles: Warfare and Conquests

Explore Rome’s military might, strategic brilliance, and the monumental conquests that expanded its boundaries.

• The Significance of the Punic Wars in Rome’s Rise to Power
• Roman Military Tactics: a Study of the Roman Legion
• The Impact of Rome’s Military Conquests on Its Economy and Culture
• The Reasons Behind the Fall of the Roman Empire
• The Role of the Roman Navy in the Expansion of the Empire
• A Comparative Study of Roman and Greek Military Strategies
• Analysis of the Barbarian Invasions and Their Effect on Rome
• The Causes and Effects of the Roman Civil War
• Rome vs. Carthage: a Comparative Study of Military Might
• The Military Strategies of Julius Caesar
• An Analysis of the Roman Siege Warfare
• The Military Significance of the Battle of Actium
• The Influence of Roman Military Tactics on Modern Warfare
• Examination of the Roman Siege of Jerusalem
• The Role of the Roman Navy During the Punic Wars
• The Influence of Roman Military Gear and Equipment
• Analysis of the Roman Military Training and Discipline
• Roman Logistics: a Key to Military Success
• The Societal Implications of Rome’s Military Victories
• The Role of the Military in Roman Politics
• The Impact of Rome’s Military Culture on Its Society
• The Roman Army: an Instrument of Imperialism
• The Effect of the Roman Military on Conquered Societies
• The Influence of Roman Fortifications on Modern Military Architecture
• A Study of the Roman Auxiliary Troops
• Analysis of the Roman Military Hierarchy
• The Significance of Roman Military Law
• The Role of Military Engineering in Roman Conquests
• The Strategic Importance of Roman Camps
• A Detailed Study of the Roman Cavalry
• Examination of the Roman Defenses along the Rhine and Danube
• An Analysis of the Roman Supply Lines and Logistics
• The Societal Impact of the Roman Military-Industrial Complex
• The Psychological Warfare Employed by the Romans
• A Study of Roman Battlefield Medicine
• The Role of Intelligence and Espionage in Roman Military Strategy
• The Influence of Roman Military Formations
• The Significance of Roman Veterans in Society
• A Study of the Roman Military Standard
• An Analysis of the Role of Mercenaries in the Roman Army
• The Military Innovations of the Romans
• The Impact of Rome’s War Economy on Society
• A Detailed Study of the Roman Military Roads
• The Influence of Roman Naval Warfare
• A Study of the Roman War Chariots
• An Analysis of the Military Decorations and Honors in Rome
• The Impact of Military Defeats on Rome’s Societal and Political Landscape
• The Influence of Military Infrastructure on the Expansion of the Roman Empire
• The Role of Strategic Fortifications in the Defense of the Roman Empire
• Roman Imperialism: A Study of the Motivations Behind Rome’s Territorial Expansions
• An Examination of Roman War Elephants
• The Impact of the Roman Military on the Spread of the Latin Language

Religion and Mythology: Unraveling the Intricacies of Divine Rome

Unravel the complexities of Roman religious beliefs and mythology and their influence on Roman society.

• The Role of Religion in Roman society
• The Influence of Greek Mythology on Roman Religious Beliefs
• The Cult of the Emperor: Its Inception and Impact
• The Role of Augurs and Oracles in Roman Society
• The Introduction and Spread of Christianity in Rome
• Analysis of Roman Gods and Their Societal Significance
• Mithraism in the Roman Empire: a Detailed Study
• The Impact of Roman Mythology on Roman Societal Norms
• The Significance of Sacrificial Rituals in Roman Religion
• Comparative Study of Roman and Greek Gods
• The Societal Role of Roman Priesthoods
• An Analysis of the Roman State Religion
• The Influence of Roman Religious Festivals on the Societal Structure
• The Role of Religion in Roman Military Campaigns
• An Examination of the Roman Funeral Rites
• The Impact of the Roman Belief in Omens and Divination
• The Societal and Political Implications of the Vestal Virgins
• The Role of Astrology in Roman Religion
• An Analysis of the Eastern Religions in Rome
• The Significance of Roman Temples in Society
• The Evolution of the Roman Pantheon
• The Transition from Roman Polytheism to Christian Monotheism
• The Impact of Roman Religious Tolerance
• Examination of the Religious Symbolism in Roman Art
• The Influence of Roman Religion on Roman Law
• A Detailed Study of Roman Religious Festivals
• The Effect of Christianity on Roman Society and Culture
• A Study of the Persecution of Christians in Rome
• An Examination of the Religious Implications of the Roman Imperial Cult
• The Relationship between Roman Religion and Philosophy
• The Cultural Implications of Roman Burial Practices
• The Role of Mythology in Roman Literature
• The Impact of Roman Religious Architecture
• The Role of Roman Religion in Public Life
• The Influence of Roman Mythology on Western Culture
• Examination of the Roman Religious Calendar
• The Role of Religious Syncretism in Rome
• The Societal Implications of Roman Oracles and Prophecies
• The Significance of Roman Mystery Cults
• An Analysis of the Religious Landscape of Rome
• The Impact of the Roman Catacombs on the Christian Religion
• A Study of the Religious Rites and Rituals in Roman Society
• The Role of Roman Religion in the Preservation of Rome’s Heritage
• An Examination of the Roman Beliefs about the Afterlife
• The Influence of Roman Religion on Roman Music and Theater
• A Detailed Study of the Capitoline Triad
• The Societal Implications of Roman Religious Sculptures and Carvings
• The Impact of Roman Religious Beliefs on Medical Practices
• Examination of Syncretism in Roman Religious Practices
• Influence of Roman Religious and Mythological Narratives on European Literature
• Roman Death Rituals: a Study of Belief in the Afterlife
• The Societal and Political Impact of the Cult of Isis in Rome

Architecture and Innovations: Standing on the Shoulders of Roman Giants

Delve into the architectural marvels of Rome and discover the innovations that advanced Roman society.

• The Architectural Grandeur of the Colosseum: an In-Depth Analysis
• The Significance of Roman Roads and Their Influence on Modern Infrastructure
• The Invention of Concrete and Its Impact on Roman Architecture
• The Design and Purpose of Roman Aqueducts
• A Comparative Study of Roman and Greek Architecture
• The Engineering Marvel of the Roman Sewage System: the Cloaca Maxima
• The Cultural Significance of Roman Baths
• The Architectural Significance of the Roman Arch
• The Role of the Roman Pantheon in Architectural History
• An Analysis of the Roman Domus: From Layout to Lifestyle
• The Influence of Roman Architecture on the Renaissance Period
• An Examination of Roman City Planning
• The Architectural and Cultural Significance of the Roman Basilicas
• The Societal Implications of the Roman Insulae
• A Study of the Construction Techniques of Roman Bridges
• The Innovation and Importance of the Roman Hypocaust System
• An Analysis of the Use of the Arch in Roman Architecture
• The Architectural Marvel of the Roman Thermae
• The Influence of Roman Architecture on Modern Stadium Design
• The Evolution of Roman Wall Painting Styles
• The Architectural Significance of the Roman Villa
• An Examination of the Engineering of the Roman Aqueducts
• The Societal Implications of Roman Road Construction
• A Study of the Roman Forum and Its Buildings
• An Analysis of the Principles of Roman Urban Planning
• The Influence of Roman Architecture on Western Civilization
• The Impact of Roman construction materials and Techniques
• The Use and Symbolism of Roman Sculpture in Public Spaces
• The Aesthetic and Functional Aspects of Roman Gardens
• The Architectural and Societal Importance of Roman Theatres
• The Influence of Roman Military Architecture on Modern Fortifications
• The Significance of the Appian Way
• An Analysis of the Roman Use of the Dome
• The Roman Use of Concrete and Its Influence on Modern Architecture
• The Societal Role of the Roman Circus
• An Examination of the Architectural Innovations in the Colosseum
• A Study of the Architectural Layout of a Roman Military Camp
• An Examination of the Impact of Roman Architecture on Religious Structures
• The Design and Functionality of the Roman Sewer System
• An Analysis of the Roman Use of Column Orders
• The Societal Implications of Roman Public Squares
• The Architectural Legacy of Emperor Hadrian
• A Study of the Architecture and Design of Roman Ports
• An Examination of Roman Lighthouses and Their Architectural Importance
• The Architectural and Societal Impact of Roman Catacombs
• The Influence of Roman Architecture on European Cathedrals
• An Analysis of the Architectural and Artistic Features of Roman Triumphal Arches
• Roman Engineering: a Study of the Design and Construction of Roman Harbors
• The Societal Implications of Roman Apartment Buildings (Insulae)
• Roman City Defenses: a Study of Walls and Fortifications
• The Architectural Significance of the Roman Triumphal Columns
• Roman Villas: a Study of Country Houses and Their Impact on Roman Society

As you embark on this journey through time, remember that the goal of an argumentative essay is to present a balanced view substantiated by solid research and evidence. Choose a topic that excites you, gather your evidence, and embark on an intellectual adventure into the heart of Ancient Rome.

Let the spirit of Rome guide your pen! Happy writing, history explorers!

📎 Related Articles

1. Exploring Riveting World History Before 1500 Paper Topics 2. Navigating Through the Labyrinth of Ancient History Topics 3. Intriguing Modern History Topics for Engaging Research 4. Stirring the Pot: Controversial Topics in History for Research Paper 5. Navigating Historical Debates: History Argumentative Essay Topics

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

123 Roman Empire Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Roman Empire is one of the most fascinating and influential civilizations in history. With a vast and complex history spanning over a thousand years, there are countless topics to explore and discuss when it comes to the Roman Empire. Whether you're a student looking for essay ideas or a history enthusiast wanting to delve deeper into this ancient civilization, here are 123 Roman Empire essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

• The Rise of Rome: How did a small city-state in Italy grow into one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world?
• The Roman Republic: Explore the political structure and evolution of the Roman Republic before the rise of the Empire.
• Julius Caesar: Discuss the life, achievements, and legacy of one of Rome's most famous leaders.
• The Roman Empire and Christianity: Analyze the relationship between the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity.
• Roman Architecture: Explore the architectural achievements of the Romans, including the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts.
• Roman Military: Discuss the organization, tactics, and technology of the Roman army.
• Roman Economy: Examine the economic system of the Roman Empire and its impact on society.
• Roman Slavery: Discuss the role of slavery in Roman society and the economy.
• Roman Women: Explore the rights, roles, and status of women in ancient Rome.
• Roman Law: Analyze the development and influence of Roman law on modern legal systems.
• The Fall of Rome: Examine the factors that led to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.
• Augustus Caesar: Discuss the reign of Augustus and his transformation of the Roman Republic into an Empire.
• Roman Imperialism: Explore the expansion and conquests of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Culture: Discuss the art, literature, and philosophy of ancient Rome.
• Roman Engineering: Analyze the technological innovations of the Romans, such as roads, bridges, and aqueducts.
• Roman Religion: Explore the religious beliefs and practices of the Romans, including the worship of gods and goddesses.
• Roman Emperors: Discuss the lives and reigns of famous Roman emperors, such as Nero, Trajan, and Hadrian.
• Roman Provinces: Examine the administration and governance of the Roman provinces.
• Roman Entertainment: Explore the gladiatorial games, chariot races, and theatre in ancient Rome.
• Roman Trade: Analyze the trade networks and commerce of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Agriculture: Discuss the farming techniques and practices of ancient Rome.
• Roman Cities: Explore the urban development and layout of Roman cities, such as Rome, Pompeii, and Ostia.
• Roman Art: Analyze the sculpture, painting, and mosaics of ancient Rome.
• Roman Literature: Discuss the works of famous Roman writers, such as Virgil, Ovid, and Cicero.
• Roman Mythology: Explore the stories and legends of Roman mythology, including the gods and heroes.
• Roman Engineering: Analyze the construction techniques and innovations of Roman engineers.
• Roman Technology: Discuss the technological advancements of the Romans, such as concrete and aqueducts.
• Roman Trade Routes: Explore the trade networks and routes of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Military Campaigns: Discuss famous battles and conquests of the Roman army.
• Roman Architecture: Analyze the architectural styles and influences of Roman buildings.
• Roman Religion: Explore the religious beliefs and practices of the Romans, including the cult of the emperor.
• Roman Education: Discuss the schools, teachers, and curriculum of ancient Rome.
• Roman Law: Analyze the legal system of the Roman Empire and its impact on society.
• Roman Citizenship: Discuss the rights and privileges of Roman citizens.
• Roman Slavery: Explore the institution of slavery in ancient Rome and its impact on society.
• Roman Women: Discuss the roles and status of women in Roman society.
• Roman Emperors: Analyze the reigns and policies of famous Roman emperors, such as Caligula, Nero, and Commodus.
• Roman Military Reforms: Discuss the reforms and innovations of the Roman army under various emperors.
• Roman Political Corruption: Explore the political scandals and corruption in ancient Rome.
• Roman Entertainment: Analyze the spectacles and games held in Roman amphitheaters, such as the Colosseum.
• Roman Provinces: Discuss the administration and governance of the Roman provinces, including Gaul, Britannia, and Egypt.
• Roman Barbarians: Explore the interactions and conflicts between the Romans and barbarian tribes.
• Roman Decline: Examine the internal and external factors that led to the decline of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Legacy: Discuss the lasting impact of the Roman Empire on Western civilization.
• Roman Achievements: Analyze the cultural, political, and technological achievements of ancient Rome.
• Roman Artifacts: Explore the archaeological finds and artifacts of the Roman Empire.
• Roman Military Strategy: Discuss the tactics and strategies employed by the Roman army in battle.
• Roman Engineering Projects: Analyze the construction and engineering projects of the Romans, such as roads, bridges, and aqueducts.
• Roman Architectural Innovations: Discuss the architectural innovations and styles of ancient Rome.
• Roman Religion: Explore the religious practices and beliefs of the Romans, including the worship of gods and goddesses.
• Roman Education: Analyze the educational system of ancient Rome, including schools, teachers, and curriculum.
• Roman Trade: Discuss the trade networks and commerce of the Roman Empire, including imports and exports.
• Roman Slavery: Examine the institution of slavery in ancient Rome and its impact on society.
• Roman Women: Explore the roles and rights of women in Roman society.
• Roman Emperors: Discuss the reigns and policies of famous Roman emperors, such as Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine.
• Roman Military Campaigns: Analyze the conquests and battles of the Roman army, including the Punic Wars and the conquest of Gaul.
• Roman Architecture: Discuss the architectural styles and influences of Roman buildings, including temples, villas, and public buildings.
• Roman Law: Explore the legal system of the Roman Empire, including civil law, criminal law, and constitutional law.
• Roman Citizenship: Discuss the rights and privileges of Roman citizens, including voting rights and legal protections.
• Roman Slavery: Examine the institution of slavery in ancient Rome, including the roles and treatment of slaves.
• Roman Women: Explore the roles and status of women in Roman society, including marriage, motherhood, and education.
• Roman Emperors: Discuss the reigns and policies of famous Roman emperors, such as Nero, Trajan, and Diocletian.
• Roman Military Reforms: Analyze the reforms and innovations of the Roman army under various emperors, including Marius, Augustus, and Constantine.
• Roman Political Corruption: Explore the political scandals and corruption in ancient Rome, including bribery, nepotism, and assassination.
• Roman Entertainment: Discuss the spectacles and games held in Roman amphitheaters, including gladiatorial combat, chariot races, and theatrical performances.
• Roman Provinces: Examine the administration and governance of the Roman provinces, including provincial governors, taxes, and military presence.
• Roman Barbarians: Explore the interactions and conflicts between the Romans and barbarian tribes, including the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns.
• Roman Decline: Analyze the internal and external factors that led to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, including political instability, economic decline, and barbarian invasions.
• Roman Legacy: Discuss the lasting impact of the Roman Empire on Western civilization, including language, law, government, and culture.
• Roman Achievements: Analyze the cultural, political, and technological achievements of ancient Rome, including literature, art, engineering, and military conquests.
• Roman Artifacts: Explore the archaeological finds and artifacts of the Roman Empire, including coins, pottery, jewelry, and weapons.
• Roman Military Strategy: Discuss the tactics and strategies employed by the Roman army in battle, including formations, weapons, and siege warfare.
• Roman Engineering Projects: Analyze the construction and engineering projects of the Romans, including roads, bridges, aqueducts, and public buildings.
• Roman Architectural Innovations: Discuss the architectural innovations and styles of ancient Rome, including arches, domes, vaults, and columns.
• Roman Religion: Explore the religious practices and beliefs of the Romans, including mythology, cults, and rituals.
• Roman Education: Examine the educational system of ancient Rome, including schools, teachers, curriculum, and literacy rates.
• Roman Trade: Discuss the trade networks and commerce of the Roman Empire, including imports, exports, and trade routes.
• Roman Slavery: Analyze the institution of slavery in ancient Rome, including the roles, rights, and treatment of slaves.
• Roman Women: Explore the roles and status of women in Roman society, including marriage, family life, and legal rights.
• Roman Emperors: Discuss the reigns and policies of famous Roman emperors, including Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Constantine.
• Roman Military Campaigns: Analyze the conquests and battles of the Roman army, including the Gallic Wars, the Civil Wars, and the Dacian Wars.
• Roman Architecture: Discuss the architectural styles and influences of Roman buildings, including temples, basilicas

Want to create a presentation now?

Instantly Create A Deck

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Hassle Free

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2023 Pitchgrade

119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay

This is a collection of essay topics about the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire, an epitome of power, culture, and innovation. Investigate these Roman Empire topics to explore the rise and fall of this remarkable civilization. Explore ancient wonders like the Colosseum and the works of Roman philosophers to uncover the enduring legacy of one of the most influential empires in human history. Don’t miss the Fall of Rome Essay example!

📜 TOP 10 Ancient Rome Topics

🏆 best roman empire essay topics, ✍️ roman empire essay topics for college, 📝 the fall of rome essay, 🎓 interesting roman empire topics to research, 💡 more ancient rome essay ideas, ❓ ancient rome essay questions.

• Comparison of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome
• Cultural Analysis of the Ancient Rome
• Ancient Rome Civilization Accomplishments
• The Causes of the Crises of the Roman Empire
• Homicide Perception in Ancient Greece and Rome
• The Roman and Mongol Empires: Comparative Analysis
• Ancient Art History: From Paleolithic to Ancient Rome
• The Decline and the Fall of the Roman Empire
• The History of Roman Empire Expansion
• The Fall of the Roman Empire
• Glassblowing Technique in the Roman Empire This paper discusses the technique of glassblowing during the times of the Roman Empire. It reviews the history of glassblowing before Italians could learn and hone the skill.
• Climate Change and Fall of the Western Roman Empire The authors researched the relevant literature about why the Empire failed and how climate change was connected to the decline.
• Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Spanish Empires: Comparative Analysis This paper aims to compare and contrast the development and fall of the Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Spanish Empires and discuss their influence on today’s society.
• The Art of Ancient Rome: Eclectic Tendencies The paper examines various art types of Ancient Rome from the historical perspective of the emergence, development, and decline of the state.
• The Five Good Emperors of Roman Empire The five good emperors were very prosperous emperors who ruled for the period between 96 and 180 AD. These emperors were ‘Trajan, Nerva, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius’.
• The Fall of the Roman Empire and Its Causes A critical assessment of the “fall of the Roman Empire” and an explanation of the causes of the phenomenon are essential aspects of this paper.
• Roman, Mongolian, and Ottoman Empires’ History The Roman Empire, Mongolian, and Ottoman Empires share some common characteristics, and yet they contrast each other in various ways.
• The Fall of the Roman Empire and its Connection to the Transition into the Middle Ages The fall of the Roman Empire served as a driving force for the enhancement of the social, and cultural aspects, and especially the Christian prosperity in the Middle Ages.
• The Rise and Fall of Rome: History of the Roman Empire Rome is a historic city and capital of Roma Province. This paper will discuss the factors that lead to the rise and fall of the Rome empire.
• Ancient Roman Roads and Their Influence on Modern Road Designs The author of the article Ancient Roman roads and their influence on modern road designs is Rowyn Lea. There is no reliable information about this writer.
• Comparison of the Slavery Systems in Ancient Rome and Ottoman This research defines how slavery was carried out in the two empires and compares and contrasts some of the activities that were involved in the practice of slavery in the two empires.
• Greek Legacy in Ancient Roman Culture Romans used the Greek philosophies and concepts to their advantage and developed one of the most powerful empires in the world.
• The Roman Empire: Documentary About Ancient Rome History is an exciting topic for research. People at the present stage of development can isolate a lot of valuable things.
• Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Spanish Empires Compared The Roman, Anglo-Saxon, and Spanish Empires existed in different times and were selected to analyze the similarities, differences, and experiences.
• Christianity in the Roman Empire The reason for the triumph of Christianity in the Roman Empire is that the church has successfully taken advantage of the negative condition of the country.
• Ancient Greek and Roman Governments The author states that Ancient Greek and Roman governments differed organizationally but were similar in many other aspects.
• The Fall of the Roman Empire The paper discusses factors that forced the dying emperor Theodosius to permanently divide the empire into Western Roman and Eastern Roman.
• The Roman Empire: Reasons of the Fall There is no single factor responsible for the fall of Rome, but similar to empires before and after, falling was an inevitable reality.
• The Fall of the Roman Empire: Attacks Which Led to Fall Several years after the estimated date when Rome fell, the empire remains famous for its civilization in the military, political, and social institutions.
• Roman Empire: A Brief History Points After Rome’s final Etruscan king was deposed in 509 BCE, the Roman Republic was established. The system of administration in Rome was a republican representative democracy.
• Aspects of Roman Empire Collapse The paper states that Roman Empire was powerful. Barbarian invasions and the rise of the Eastern Empire are factors that contributed to the fall of the empire.
• Julius Caesar, the Dictator of the Roman Empire Julius Caesar was one of the most famous rulers of Rome who became a dictator of the Roman Empire. However, his rule was shortened by the assassination of Caesar by his rivals.
• The Ancient Contiones in the Roman Republic Contiones referred to the assemblies in which influential legislators debated and presented their views to the people of Rome on policies proposed by the People’s Assembly.
• Julius Caesar: Ancient Ruler of Rome Julius Caesar is among the most influential leaders in world history. Through his military and political prowess, Rome extended its borders to other regions.
• The Evolution of the Roman Empire The paper states that the transformation of the political system within which the Roman Empire operated could be seen as a twofold concept.
• Rise, Decline and Collapse of the Han and Roman Empires The Roman empire is credited with laying the groundwork for western civilizations. The Han dynasty is credited with establishing the foundations of Chinese governance and culture.
• “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” by Edward Gibbon “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire,” Edward Gibbon names the main reasons for Rome’s fall: external enemies, the strengthening of Christianity, and illiterate governance.
• Ancient Greek & Roman and Medieval Philosophies The concept of happiness is central to Ancient Greek and Roman beliefs, yet at the Dawn of the Medieval period, people’s positions in society were predetermined.
• Analysis of the Fall of the Roman Empire Scholars argue that each civilization is changing and dynamic, meaning that the evidence of Rome’s decline can also be seen as evidence of its adaptability.
• Persian, Roman, Mongol, and Inca Empires In ancient times various political and socio-economic systems of the empires either contributed to their power and success or eventually led to the downfall of the nation.
• Navy Development in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome demonstrated a separate range of factors contributing to the process of acknowledging the necessity of a strong navy.
• A Historical Event That Happened in Ancient Rome The paper discusses a historical event that happened in ancient Rome many centuries ago. The city was captured by the Gauls and destroyed utterly.
• The Usefulness of Glass in the Roman Empire The paper explains how Roman glass functioned to serve Augustus’ transformation of the city. It was used practically in all spheres of day-to-day life.
• Mythology and Ancient Greco-Roman Beliefs Connected This paper aims to identify the connections between mythology and ancient Greco-Roman beliefs through the abilities, features, and lessons learned from hybrid creatures.
• From the Roman Empire to Late Antiquity The transition from the period of the Roman Empire to late antiquity was characterized by drastic changes in all spheres of human life.
• Christianity and the Issues of the Later Roman Empire The necessity of establishing new approach to the problem of Christianity emerged as the reaction on rather unfortunate events in military spheres which could affect the empire’s development.
• The Fall of The Roman Empire: The Main Reasons The Empire started declining because of various reasons which include; strain economically, Civil wars, Religious divisions and failures in its military outfits.
• Guide to the Collapse of the Roman Empire The fall of the Roman Empire took place in May 29 1453 A.D. It referred to the steady breakdown of the economy of Rome and the strike of Barbarian invasions.
• Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon In his work “The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire”, Edward Gibbon refers to introduction of Christianity as one of the major factors that had brought about the fall of Roman Empire.
• Relationship Between Ancient Greek and Roman Architecture It is difficult to define the relationships between ancient Greek and Roman cultures. Analysis help to define that in architecture both of them have similarities and differences.
• Women Roles During Wartime in Ancient Greece and Rome The very unusual rights that women from Sparta possesses occurred following the reason that women were expected to complete tasks that were especially valuable to men.
• Ancient Greece at the Met: Marble Column From the Temple of Artemis at Sardis Greek culture is considered to be one of the most influential cultures in the history of humanity. Its impact is particularly evident in architecture.
• Magic in Ancient Greece and Rome This paper presents an examination of magic in antiquity specifically in the Greco-Roman era. The paper focuses on this specific era because it represents strong magical elements.
• Ancient Greek Marble Column from Artemesium The marble column from the Temple of Artemis at Sardis showcases the most recognizable elements of ancient Greece’s architectural forms.

Take a break from scrolling through the Ancient Rome topics and have a look at this short 150-word sample we’ve prepared for you. The Fall of Rome essay will uncover some of the most crucial factors that led to the fall of the Empire. Get inspired for your own paper!

• The Roman Empire and Han China Compare and Contrast
• Parallels Between the Roman Empire’s Fall and the US From 1946 to 1970
• The Roman Empire and Western Civilization
• Athenian Democracy and the Roman Empire
• The Mediterranean and the Dilemma of the Roman Empire in Late Antiquity
• Health Hazards During the Roman Empire
• The Roman Empire During the Reign of Tiberius
• The Moral, Military, and Religious Decline of Rome According to Machiavelli
• The Reasons for the Rise of Christianity in the Early Roman Empire
• Aqueducts: How Ancient Rome Brought Water to Its People
• The Pantheon, the Largest Un-reinforced Concrete Dome in the World From the Roman Empire Era
• Jewish Revolts Under the Roman Empire
• Early Christian Persecution During the Roman Empire
• The Major Contributing Factors to the Fall of the Roman Empire
• Attitudes Towards Technology: Han China and Roman Empire
• The Relationship Between Christians and the Roman Empire
• How the Roman Empire Different From the Roman Republic
• The Roman Empire and the Rise and Fall of the Papacy
• The Punic Wars and the Rise of Roman Imperial Ambition
• How the Roman Empire Changed With Constantine
• Life, Culture, and Social Classes During the Roman Empire
• The Changes That Occurred From the Fall of the Roman Empire
• Plumbing During the Roman Empire
• The Relationship Between Roman Empire and Western Europe
• Feudalism, the Germanic Invasion, and the Western Roman Empire’s Fall
• The Roman Empire and Its Influence on Western Civilization
• Factors That Make the Roman Empire Invincible
• Art and Its Impact During the Era of the Roman Empire
• The Difference Between Han Dynasty War and Roman Empire War
• Free Women and Slave Women in the Household in the Roman Empire
• The Roman Empire vs. The Mongol Empire at Their Peaks
• Greek and Roman Structures Built During the Roman Empire
• How the Olympic Games Was in the Roman Empire Between 776 B.C and 393 A.D
• Roman Empire and Modern Islamic Indian
• The History and Construction of Roman Aqueducts in the Roman Empire
• Holy Roman Empire: The Lutheran Revolt
• The Roman Empire and the Ottoman of Constantinople
• Roman Empire Between 100 CE and 600 CE
• Jesus Teachings Contradict Roman Empire
• The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire Between 756 B.C. and 476 A.D
• What Type of Architecture Did Ancient Rome Have?
• Did the Roman Empire Fall or Was It Pushed?
• How Did Christianity Influence the Roman Empire?
• What Was Life Like in the Roman Empire?
• Did Ancient Rome Lay the Foundation of Modern Society?
• What Were the Most Important Reasons for the Decline of the Roman Empire?
• How Did the Roman Empire Maintain Its Power?
• Why Did Christianity Succeed in the Roman Empire?
• How Did the Circus Maximus Reflect the Values of Ancient Rome?
• Why Were Water Shortages Caused by Ancient Rome and Ancient China?
• How Did the Roman Empire Propagate the Spread of the Gospel?
• Will Modern Civilizations Suffer the Same Fate as the Roman Empire?
• Was Christianity a Threat to the Roman Empire?
• Did Women Have Equal Rights in Ancient Rome?
• How Does Byzantine Art Differ From That of Ancient Rome?
• Why Did Homosexuality Not Lead to the Fall of the Roman Empire?
• How Did the Technology of the Roman Empire Impact It?
• What Were Women Not Allowed to Do in Ancient Rome?
• How Did Geography Impact Ancient Rome?
• What Was Ancient Rome’s Primary Water Problem?
• How Much Did Ancient Rome Owe the Etruscans?
• Did Ancient Rome Have a Strong Military?
• How Much Damage Did Attila the Hun Inflict on the Roman Empire?
• What Were the Gladiator Games in Ancient Rome?
• How Were Female Slaves Treated in Ancient Rome?

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, June 5). 119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/roman-empire-essay-topics/

"119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay." StudyCorgi , 5 June 2022, studycorgi.com/ideas/roman-empire-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) '119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay'. 5 June.

1. StudyCorgi . "119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/roman-empire-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/roman-empire-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "119 Roman Empire Essay Topics + The Fall of Rome Essay." June 5, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/roman-empire-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Roman Empire were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 9, 2024 .

• History Classics
• Your Profile
• Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)
• Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)
• This Day In History
• History Podcasts
• History Vault

Ancient Rome

By: History.com Editors

Updated: September 22, 2023 | Original: October 14, 2009

Beginning in the eighth century B.C., Ancient Rome grew from a small town on central Italy’s Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe, Britain, much of western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean islands. Among the many legacies of Roman dominance are the widespread use of the Romance languages (Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian) derived from Latin, the modern Western alphabet and calendar and the emergence of Christianity as a major world religion.

After 450 years as a republic, Rome became an empire in the wake of Julius Caesar’s rise and fall in the first century B.C. The long and triumphant reign of its first emperor, Augustus, began a golden age of peace and prosperity; by contrast, the Roman Empire’s decline and fall by the fifth century A.D. was one of the most dramatic implosions in the history of human civilization.

Origins of Rome

As legend has it, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Left to drown in a basket on the Tiber by a king of nearby Alba Longa and rescued by a she-wolf, the twins lived to defeat that king and found their own city on the river’s banks in 753 B.C. After killing his brother, Romulus became the first king of Rome, which is named for him.

A line of Sabine, Latin and Etruscan (earlier Italian civilizations) kings followed in a non-hereditary succession. There are seven legendary kings of Rome: Romulus, Numa Pompilius, Tullus Hostilius, Ancus Martius, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus (Tarquin the Elder), Servius Tullius and Tarquinius Superbus, or Tarquin the Proud (534-510 B.C.). While they were referred to as “Rex,” or “King” in Latin, all the kings after Romulus were elected by the senate.

Did you know? Four decades after Constantine made Christianity Rome's official religion, Emperor Julian—known as the Apostate—tried to revive the pagan cults and temples of the past, but the process was reversed after his death, and Julian was the last pagan emperor of Rome.

Rome’s era as a monarchy ended in 509 B.C. with the overthrow of its seventh king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, whom ancient historians portrayed as cruel and tyrannical, compared to his benevolent predecessors. A popular uprising was said to have arisen over the rape of a virtuous noblewoman, Lucretia, by the king’s son. Whatever the cause, Rome turned from a monarchy into a republic, a world derived from res publica , or “property of the people.”

Rome was built on seven hills, known as “the seven hills of Rome”—Esquiline Hill, Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill and Caelian Hill. 

The Early Republic

The power of the monarch passed to two annually elected magistrates called consuls. They also served as commanders in chief of the army. The magistrates, though elected by the people, were drawn largely from the Senate, which was dominated by the patricians, or the descendants of the original senators from the time of Romulus. Politics in the early republic was marked by the long struggle between patricians and plebeians (the common people), who eventually attained some political power through years of concessions from patricians, including their own political bodies, the tribunes, which could initiate or veto legislation.

In 450 B.C., the first Roman law code was inscribed on 12 bronze tablets–known as the Twelve Tables–and publicly displayed in the Roman Forum . These laws included issues of legal procedure, civil rights and property rights and provided the basis for all future Roman civil law. By around 300 B.C., real political power in Rome was centered in the Senate, which at the time included only members of patrician and wealthy plebeian families.

Military Expansion

During the early republic, the Roman state grew exponentially in both size and power. Though the Gauls sacked and burned Rome in 390 B.C., the Romans rebounded under the leadership of the military hero Camillus, eventually gaining control of the entire Italian peninsula by 264 B.C. Rome then fought a series of wars known as the Punic Wars with Carthage, a powerful city-state in northern Africa.

The first two Punic Wars ended with Rome in full control of Sicily, the western Mediterranean and much of Spain. In the Third Punic War (149–146 B.C.), the Romans captured and destroyed the city of Carthage and sold its surviving inhabitants into slavery, making a section of northern Africa a Roman province. At the same time, Rome also spread its influence east, defeating King Philip V of Macedonia in the Macedonian Wars and turning his kingdom into another Roman province.

Rome’s military conquests led directly to its cultural growth as a society, as the Romans benefited greatly from contact with such advanced cultures as the Greeks. The first Roman literature appeared around 240 B.C., with translations of Greek classics into Latin; Romans would eventually adopt much of Greek art, philosophy and religion.

Internal Struggles in the Late Republic

Rome’s complex political institutions began to crumble under the weight of the growing empire, ushering in an era of internal turmoil and violence. The gap between rich and poor widened as wealthy landowners drove small farmers from public land, while access to government was increasingly limited to the more privileged classes. Attempts to address these social problems, such as the reform movements of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus (in 133 B.C. and 123-22 B.C., respectively) ended in the reformers’ deaths at the hands of their opponents.

Gaius Marius, a commoner whose military prowess elevated him to the position of consul (for the first of six terms) in 107 B.C., was the first of a series of warlords who would dominate Rome during the late republic. By 91 B.C., Marius was struggling against attacks by his opponents, including his fellow general Sulla, who emerged as military dictator around 82 B.C. After Sulla retired, one of his former supporters, Pompey, briefly served as consul before waging successful military campaigns against pirates in the Mediterranean and the forces of Mithridates in Asia. During this same period, Marcus Tullius Cicero , elected consul in 63 B.C., famously defeated the conspiracy of the patrician Cataline and won a reputation as one of Rome’s greatest orators.

Julius Caesar’s Rise

When the victorious Pompey returned to Rome, he formed an uneasy alliance known as the First Triumvirate with the wealthy Marcus Licinius Crassus (who suppressed a slave rebellion led by Spartacus in 71 B.C.) and another rising star in Roman politics: Gaius Julius Caesar . After earning military glory in Spain, Caesar returned to Rome to vie for the consulship in 59 B.C. From his alliance with Pompey and Crassus, Caesar received the governorship of three wealthy provinces in Gaul beginning in 58 B.C.; he then set about conquering the rest of the region for Rome.

After Pompey’s wife Julia (Caesar’s daughter) died in 54 B.C. and Crassus was killed in battle against Parthia (present-day Iran) the following year, the triumvirate was broken. With old-style Roman politics in disorder, Pompey stepped in as sole consul in 53 B.C. Caesar’s military glory in Gaul and his increasing wealth had eclipsed Pompey’s, and the latter teamed with his Senate allies to steadily undermine Caesar. In 49 B.C., Caesar and one of his legions crossed the Rubicon, a river on the border between Italy from Cisalpine Gaul. Caesar’s invasion of Italy ignited a civil war from which he emerged as dictator of Rome for life in 45 B.C.

From Caesar to Augustus

Less than a year later, Julius Caesar was murdered on the ides of March (March 15, 44 B.C.) by a group of his enemies (led by the republican nobles Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius). Consul Mark Antony and Caesar’s great-nephew and adopted heir, Octavian, joined forces to crush Brutus and Cassius and divided power in Rome with ex-consul Lepidus in what was known as the Second Triumvirate. With Octavian leading the western provinces, Antony the east, and Lepidus Africa, tensions developed by 36 B.C. and the triumvirate soon dissolved. In 31 B.C., Octavian triumped over the forces of Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt (also rumored to be the onetime lover of Julius Caesar) in the Battle of Actium. In the wake of this devastating defeat, Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide.

By 29 B.C., Octavian was the sole leader of Rome and all its provinces. To avoid meeting Caesar’s fate, he made sure to make his position as absolute ruler acceptable to the public by apparently restoring the political institutions of the Roman republic while in reality retaining all real power for himself. In 27 B.C., Octavian assumed the title of Augustus , becoming the first emperor of Rome.

Age of the Roman Emperors

Augustus’ rule restored morale in Rome after a century of discord and corruption and ushered in the famous pax Romana –two full centuries of peace and prosperity. He instituted various social reforms, won numerous military victories and allowed Roman literature, art, architecture and religion to flourish. Augustus ruled for 56 years, supported by his great army and by a growing cult of devotion to the emperor. When he died, the Senate elevated Augustus to the status of a god, beginning a long-running tradition of deification for popular emperors.

Augustus’ dynasty included the unpopular Tiberius (A.D. 14-37), the bloodthirsty and unstable Caligula (37-41) and Claudius (41-54), who was best remembered for his army’s conquest of Britain. The line ended with Nero (54-68), whose excesses drained the Roman treasury and led to his downfall and eventual suicide.

Four emperors took the throne in the tumultuous year after Nero’s death; the fourth, Vespasian (69-79), and his successors, Titus and Domitian, were known as the Flavians; they attempted to temper the excesses of the Roman court, restore Senate authority and promote public welfare. Titus (79-81) earned his people’s devotion with his handling of recovery efforts after the infamous eruption of Vesuvius, which destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii .

The reign of Nerva (96-98), who was selected by the Senate to succeed Domitian, began another golden age in Roman history, during which four emperors–Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius–took the throne peacefully, succeeding one another by adoption, as opposed to hereditary succession. Trajan (98-117) expanded Rome’s borders to the greatest extent in history with victories over the kingdoms of Dacia (now northwestern Romania) and Parthia. His successor Hadrian (117-138) solidified the empire’s frontiers (famously building Hadrian's Wall in present-day England) and continued his predecessor’s work of establishing internal stability and instituting administrative reforms.

Under Antoninus Pius (138-161), Rome continued in peace and prosperity, but the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161–180) was dominated by conflict, including war against Parthia and Armenia and the invasion of Germanic tribes from the north. When Marcus fell ill and died near the battlefield at Vindobona (Vienna), he broke with the tradition of non-hereditary succession and named his 19-year-old son Commodus as his successor.

Decline and Disintegration

The decadence and incompetence of Commodus (180-192) brought the golden age of the Roman emperors to a disappointing end. His death at the hands of his own ministers sparked another period of civil war , from which Lucius Septimius Severus (193-211) emerged victorious. During the third century Rome suffered from a cycle of near-constant conflict. A total of 22 emperors took the throne, many of them meeting violent ends at the hands of the same soldiers who had propelled them to power. Meanwhile, threats from outside plagued the empire and depleted its riches, including continuing aggression from Germans and Parthians and raids by the Goths over the Aegean Sea.

The reign of Diocletian (284-305) temporarily restored peace and prosperity in Rome, but at a high cost to the unity of the empire. Diocletian divided power into the so-called tetrarchy (rule of four), sharing his title of Augustus (emperor) with Maximian. A pair of generals, Galerius and Constantius, were appointed as the assistants and chosen successors of Diocletian and Maximian; Diocletian and Galerius ruled the eastern Roman Empire, while Maximian and Constantius took power in the west.

The stability of this system suffered greatly after Diocletian and Maximian retired from office. Constantine (the son of Constantius) emerged from the ensuing power struggles as sole emperor of a reunified Rome in 324. He moved the Roman capital to the Greek city of Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople . At the Council of Nicaea in 325, Constantine made Christianity (once an obscure Jewish sect) Rome’s official religion.

Roman unity under Constantine proved illusory, and 30 years after his death the eastern and western empires were again divided. Despite its continuing battle against Persian forces, the eastern Roman Empire–later known as the Byzantine Empire –would remain largely intact for centuries to come. An entirely different story played out in the west, where the empire was wracked by internal conflict as well as threats from abroad–particularly from the Germanic tribes now established within the empire’s frontiers like the Vandals (their sack of Rome originated the phrase “vandalism”)–and was steadily losing money due to constant warfare.

Rome eventually collapsed under the weight of its own bloated empire, losing its provinces one by one: Britain around 410; Spain and northern Africa by 430. Attila and his brutal Huns invaded Gaul and Italy around 450, further shaking the foundations of the empire. In September 476, a Germanic prince named Odovacar won control of the Roman army in Italy. After deposing the last western emperor, Romulus Augustus, Odovacar’s troops proclaimed him king of Italy, bringing an ignoble end to the long, tumultuous history of ancient Rome. The fall of the Roman Empire was complete.

Roman Architecture

Roman architecture and engineering innovations have had a lasting impact on the modern world. Roman aqueducts, first developed in 312 B.C., enabled the rise of cities by transporting water to urban areas, improving public health and sanitation. Some Roman aqueducts transported water up to 60 miles from its source and the Fountain of Trevi in Rome still relies on an updated version of an original Roman aqueduct.

Roman cement and concrete are part of the reason ancient buildings like the Colosseum and Roman Forum are still standing strong today. Roman arches, or segmented arches, improved upon earlier arches to build strong bridges and buildings, evenly distributing weight throughout the structure.

Roman roads, the most advanced roads in the ancient world, enabled the Roman Empire—which was over 1.7 million square miles at the pinnacle of its power—to stay connected. They included such modern-seeming innovations as mile markers and drainage. Over 50,000 miles of road were built by 200 B.C. and several are still in use today.

HISTORY Vault: Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire

History of the ancient Roman Empire.

Sign up for Inside History

Get HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.

More details : Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact Us

Introduction to ancient Rome

Cameo with double portrait of the emperor Trajan and his wife Plotina, c. 117–138 C.E., sardonyx, 5 x 4.3 cm (© Trustees of the British Museum )

From a republic to an empire

Legend has it that Rome was founded in 753 B.C.E. by Romulus, its first king. In 509 B.C.E. Rome became a republic ruled by the Senate (wealthy landowners and elders) and the Roman people. During the 450 years of the Republic, Rome conquered the rest of Italy and then expanded into France, Spain, Turkey, North Africa, and Greece.

Rome became very Greek -influenced or “Hellenized,” and the city was filled with Greek architecture, literature, statues, wall-paintings, mosaics, pottery, and glass. But with Greek culture came Greek gold, and generals and senators fought over this new wealth. The Republic collapsed in civil war and the Roman empire began.

Portland Vase , c. 1–25 C.E., glass, 24 x 17 cm (© Trustees of the British Museum )

In 31 B.C.E. Octavian, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, defeated Cleopatra and Mark Antony at Actium. This brought the last civil war of the Republic to an end. Although it was hoped by many that the Republic could be restored, it soon became clear that a new political system was forming: the emperor became the focus of the empire and its people. Although, in theory, Augustus (as Octavian became known) was only the first citizen and ruled by consent of the Senate, he was in fact the empire’s supreme authority. As emperor he could pass his powers to the heir he decreed and was a king in all but name.

The empire, as it could now be called, enjoyed unparalleled prosperity as the network of cities boomed, and goods, people, and ideas moved freely by land and sea. Many of the masterpieces associated with Roman art, such as the mosaics and wall paintings of Pompeii , gold and silver tableware, and glass, including the Portland Vase , were created in this period. The empire ushered in an economic and social revolution that changed the face of the Roman world: service to the empire and the emperor, not just birth and social status, became the key to advancement.

Successive emperors, such as Tiberius and Claudius, expanded Rome’s territory. By the time of the emperor Trajan , in the late first century C.E., the Roman empire, with about fifty million inhabitants, encompassed the whole of the Mediterranean, Britain, much of northern and central Europe, and the Near East.

Schematic map showing the territorial expansion of Rome from the Middle Republic to the death of the Emperor Trajan (map: Varana , CC BY-SA 3.0)

A vast empire

Starting with Augustus in 27 B.C.E., the emperors ruled for five hundred years. They expanded Rome’s territory and by about 200 C.E., their vast empire stretched from Syria to Spain and from Britain to Egypt. Networks of roads connected rich and vibrant cities, filled with beautiful public buildings. A shared Greco-Roman culture linked people, goods and ideas.

The imperial system of the Roman Empire depended heavily on the personality and standing of the emperor himself. The reigns of weak or unpopular emperors often ended in bloodshed at Rome and chaos throughout the empire as a whole. In the third century C.E. the very existence of the empire was threatened by a combination of economic crisis, weak and short-lived emperors and usurpers (and the violent civil wars between their rival supporting armies), and massive barbarian penetration into Roman territory.

Relative stability was re-established in the fourth century C.E., through the emperor Diocletian’s division of the empire. The empire was divided into eastern and western halves and then into more easily administered units . Although some later emperors such as Constantine ruled the whole empire, the division between east and west became more marked as time passed. Financial pressures, urban decline, underpaid troops, and consequently overstretched frontiers—all of these finally caused the collapse of the western empire under waves of barbarian  incursions in the early fifth century C.E. The last western emperor, Romulus Augustus, was deposed in 476 C.E., though the empire in the east, centered on Byzantium (Constantinople), continued until the fifteenth century.

© Trustees of the British Museum

Cite this page

Your donations help make art history free and accessible to everyone!

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Ancient Mediterranean + Europe

Course: ancient mediterranean + europe   >   unit 9, introduction to ancient rome.

• Introduction to ancient Roman art
• City of Rome overview—origins to the archaic period
• Visualizing Imperial Rome
• Ostia, an introduction
• Rome's history in four faces at The Met
• Damnatio memoriae—Roman sanctions against memory
• Roman funeral rituals and social status: the Amiternum tomb and the tomb of the Haterii
• The Modern Invention of Ancient White Marble

From a republic to an empire

A vast empire, want to join the conversation.

• Upvote Button navigates to signup page
• Downvote Button navigates to signup page
• Flag Button navigates to signup page

• Essay Editor

Ancient Rome Essay Examples & Topics

• Ancient Egypt
• Ancient Greece
• Colonialism
• French Revolution
• Industrial Revolution
• Progressive Era
• Soviet Union
• The Holocaust
• World War 1
• World War 2

The Difference between Agricultural Societies and Hunter ...

1. Introduction Agricultural societies and hunter-gatherer societies were the distinguishing factors in sociocultural formations of human beings. Farming is an occupation adopted by mankind in the early stages of the Neolithic period. The major change in life was brought with the most advanced agriculture, while hunting and gathering were the source of the diet for humans. The transition to a settled life in the environment made it necessary for humans to make tools and find new ways of obtaini ...

The Colosseum: History and Design Research Paper

1. Introduction The Colosseum, situated in the centre of Rome, is a grand and outstanding monument. This three-storied amphitheatre, built out of limestone and concrete, with a height of 48 meters (159 feet), is the largest amphitheater ever built. Financing for the construction of the Colosseum was secured through the treasures and spoils seized from the Jews during the First Roman-Jewish War in 70 CE. It is said that as many as 10,000 workers were in charge of constructing the Flavian Amphith ...

History of the Barbarians Research Paper

1. Introduction Barbarian is a term that has been borrowed from the Romans and refers to what the Romans always called everything that was not Roman. The problems with the term "barbarian" are those of qualification and can be encapsulated in an article by Thompson in 1973. A problem with communication about the barbarians is that the number of works consists of a national literature. Especially Tertullian was astonished that the magnates who are also Romans called themselves Greeks, all the ti ...

Architectural Wonders

1. Introduction Architecture has many meanings; this is one of the reasons why the different structures are designed. In Greece in the fifth century BC, theoretical ideas about the "proper" architectural forms became concrete in stone. The art of the design of religious structures was developed with a purely ideological approach. Originally, structures of enclosures and structural elements had, or took, religious significance. The outlines of essential elements were derived from various intelle ...

Who Deserves 'Tyrant' Label: Caligula or Domitian?

1. Introduction Since the 3rd/1st century BC, the term "tyrannos" has mainly been a political, not a political term. As a humorous embellishment for court orators, it takes a number of time-exposures targeting the party in power. Among the votes expressed include hostility towards the use of power, the ineffectiveness of the gods, the innate madness of human rulers, the futility and danger of tyranny, etc. However, these concerns were diluted by the intentional funny, sometimes exaggerating and ...

Hellenization and Its Affects

1. Introduction Greek and Roman gained a strong foothold in the history of Western culture for several reasons. Firstly, the writing and power of Ancient Greece were the first to encounter a large area outside of the Mediterranean. However, the most important thing is the success of Alexander the Great. It spread the Hellenistic culture through an enormous area, and as a result, all of the acquired culture affected the cultures of the indigenous people. Hellenization is a term used to describe ...

189 Ancient Civilizations Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

1. Introduction There are many reasons to study ancient civilizations, and yet the most important reason is to assist both students and societies in understanding societies other than their own. Some of the reasons are: to understand the present state, to comprehend modern culture, to learn the evolutionary process of man, to know the social institutions, to understand the present cultural climate, and to understand what man is. The backbone of present-day Western culture is traceable to the an ...

The Evolution of Human Settlement Patterns Through History

1. Introduction For thousands of years, human populations have made places in which to live that reflect their idea of home and that vary with their degree of socio-economic advantage. Subject only to the limitations of their environment and technology, the diversity of human innovation in settling the earth is staggering and a major theme in the human story. Studies of settlement, the processes by which people put into effect their ideas of home at the level of the built environment, have been ...

Brief Summary of the History of Christianity Essay

1. Introduction Christianity begins with the death of Jesus Christ around 30 A.D. With only a few devout followers, Jesus's message proved too strong to die with him. His most important tenet was love: love God and love thy neighbor. Christianity begins as a subsect of Judaism. Jesus and all of his original followers were Jews. The first commandment for his followers was to continue Jewish lifestyle and laws and preach his message to other Jews. It was only a few years before Saint Paul would b ...

Julius Caesar an Iconic Roman

[object Object] Julius Caesar was one of the most influential people in Roman history. He had a significant impact on the actions and behaviors of the residents of Rome. His rise to power was astonishing, and his reign as dictator was extraordinary. His life is intriguing and interesting, and it is worth investigating the many facets of his character. This evidence can be seen when Casca describes Caesar's fainting in the marketplace in lines 98-136 (Act 1, scene 2). He's not seeking empathy, b ...

Brutus: Primary Source Analysis - Essay Example

1. Introduction Brutus has been constantly seen by a lot of people throughout history as one of the tragic heroes of the play Julius Caesar, by William Shakespeare. In the play, Brutus is a man who is easily manipulated, socially awkward, pessimistic, and honorable. He has an obsession with conspiracy and believes that Romans are not capable of handling the death of Caesar. Thoughtful and logical, when the conspiracy begins to form, he decides against his sensibilities to benefit Cassius. To Br ...

Who Killed Jesus ?

1. Historical Background It was one of the most brutal and self-contradictory kinds of execution performed upon mankind. Nearly 2000 years ago, Jesus was crucified in and around the Old City of Jerusalem. Some say that the crucifixion of Jesus was the act to kill Christianity, while others feel it was a necessary step to save the Jews from a fast-approaching Christian conversion. But was it right on the part of Jews to have Jesus on the cross, or was it one of the prices that Jews had to pay fo ...

Modern Societies and Ancient Civilizations Comparison

1. Introduction The term "societies" as utilized here will mean an optional relationship in which people live to an extensive degree in communities with a few different types of cooperative relationships among its individuals. Also, a culture is a community that imparts a typical set of qualities, beliefs, and behaviors that recognize it from different societies. Civilizations can be characterized on a small and extensive scale. Human history in the long run is the historical backdrop of human ...

Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare Analytical Essay

1. Introduction Born in 2008, Julius Caesar is known as one of William Shakespeare's very great plays. The play began at Rome, with a very sick Caesar. The play consists of a lot of conflicts. For example, the famous death of Caesar and the civil war between Anthony and Brutus. While the conflicts weren't shown blatantly, but analyzing it, it's easy to see it from the start until the end of the play. Future conflicts in a group or a community can also be predicted by a simple argument and get m ...

Roman Empire Essay Topic Ideas

1. Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire In the year 509 BC, Rome became a republic. Rome, during the period of the republic, had a small territory. It was a small city-state and did not control many other city-states. But it was during the republic that Rome expanded and gained an immense amount of power. Rome's willingness and ability to employ her military strength, and also the faith that Rome had in the abilities of her soldiers, were two very important factors in the rise of the Roman Empire. ...

Home / Essay Samples / History / Roman Empire / Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome Essay Examples

Roman empire and han dynasty: comparison and contrasts.

What can be similar between absolute different empires? “Roman empire and Han dynasty” essay makes a comparison of these two ancient empires, even they have different origins there are some similarities between them. The Han sprung more directly from earlier dynastic activity in classical China,...

The Fall of Rome: Causes and Impact on History

The fall of the Roman Empire, a vast and powerful civilization, is a pivotal event in history that continues to captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. This essay explores the causes behind the fall of Rome and its profound impact on subsequent historical developments. The decline...

The Historical Context of the Library

In this library essay the historical context of libraries is discussed. The ideas underpinning the concept of the free public library as discussed in this research are relatively new ones, yet libraries are said to be as old as the written word and to have...

Roman Art as an Image of Values

Roman art is very expansive and wide-reaching spanning almost 1,000 years and three continents, from Europe into Africa and Asia. The first Roman art can be dated back to 509 B.C.E., with the legendary founding of the Roman Republic, and lasted until 330 C.E. Ancient...

Augustus: More Freedom for Women in Rome

In this essay, I will be talking about the legal status of women, which changed in significant respects under Augustus' rule. I will start of listing the numerous roles of women and then dwell further into their roles to understand how that shaped roman women...

Overview of the History of Valentine's Day

'Love is in the air” when Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Is it true? Valentine’s day is when you shared a love to your loved ones with affection by doing something special for them. In this context it is usually flowers, chocolates and cards....

Punic Wars as Reason of Rome Empire

 The Roman Empire is now known as one of the greatest empires and still has an impact on us to this day. Ancient Rome began as a small town in italy and grew into an empire that encompassed europe, britain, western Asia, northern Africa, and...

The Eternal City: Facts About Rome

“Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the world’s great historic cities”(Joes).Traveling is an experience very many get to do, but very few enjoy it. Most visit destinations for personal reasons more than just visiting to see. Yet, those that visit for pleasure...

Unraveling Ancient Rome's Urban Development Through Research

Something as complex as Ancient Rome’s urban form cannot easily be defined in such a short word count. The purpose of this assignment is to find the hidden answer to a conundrum which states that architecture arises from time as the result of an individual’s...

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Development of Roman Law

Roman law provides the foundation for numerous legal systems throughout the world and thus, an understanding of Roman law's basic philosophical influences and legal orientation is essential. You are still allowed to cite what the Roman jurists said in a particular case of law in...

Trying to find an excellent essay sample but no results?

Don’t waste your time and get a professional writer to help!

You may also like

• Civil Rights Movement
• Eleanor Roosevelt
• Westward Expansion
• Boston Massacre
• Roaring Twenties
• Richard Iii
• 20Th Century
• Julius Caesar Essays
• Cesar Chavez Essays
• Roman Army Essays
• Augustus Essays
• Byzantine Empire Essays
• Charlemagne Essays
• Roman Republic Essays
• Salem Witch Trials Essays
• French Revolution Essays
• Mother Teresa Essays

About Ancient Rome

753 BCE - c. 500

Julius Caesar, Augustus, Marcus Tullius Cicero, Pompey the Great, Diocletian

As legend has it, Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars, the god of war. Left to drown in a basket on the Tiber by a king of nearby Alba Longa and rescued by a she-wolf, the twins lived to defeat that king and found their own city on the river’s banks in 753 B.C.

samplius.com uses cookies to offer you the best service possible.By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .--> -->