753 BC: The founding of Rome 753 BC is commonly believed to be the founding of Rome by Romulus. It is believed that Romulus and Remus; the descendents of Aenied were raised by a she-wolf. It is believed today that the name of the she-wolf was Sylvia. There is evidence that the forest, which the she-wolf came from, was called Sylva or Sylvannia. This is often depicted in art as two babies being cared for by a wolf. As the two brothers reached manhood, Romulus killed Remus for power. Later, Romulus founded Rome. During the early years of Rome, the Etruscans, who originated from Etruria, a city in the North, ruled the city. 750 BC: The rape of the Sabines The Romans, at this time, had no women (this is very questionable, but it has been found in a respectable source). They attacked a nearby city, and took the women to Rome. This act "jump started" the growth of the legacy of Rome. 509 BC: The expulsion of the Etruscan kings When the Etruscan rule weakened, the Romans rebelled, driving the Etruscan kings out of Rome. Today, many people wonder about why the Romans performed this act, because the Etruscans gave the Romans many contributions to their lives. When the Romans succeeded, they no longer had the strongest position in Latium.
As with most countries, Rome began as a monarchy. The Senate, a group of aristocrats who enjoyed special, advised king's privileges because they were landholders. Land was the ultimate symbol of wealth in Ancient Rome. As the country moved forward, it found that the monarchs were not serving the interests of the people. The masses revolted against Tarquin the Proud in 509 BC Thus the Senate became the ruling body. The Roman Republic that lasted for about 500 years was the first example of a self-governing nation larger than a city-state. The whole country was eventually subject to one set of laws, called the Twelve Tables. The government was a bicameral one, meaning that there were two law making groups.