Römern

Römern, or the Romans, refers to the ancient inhabitants of Rome and the people of the Roman state and empire from the city’s rise in Latium to its eventual fall in the West and continued influence in the East. The civilization emerged in central Italy in the region of Latium, with the traditional founding of Rome dated to 753 BCE. Rome grew from a monarchy to a republic in 509 BCE, featuring institutions such as the Senate, two annually elected consuls, and popular assemblies. The Republic expanded through conquest and alliance, shaping a Mediterranean hegemony that integrated diverse cultures under Roman law and citizenship.

In 27 BCE, Augustus established the Principate, inaugurating the Roman Empire. Under imperial rule, Rome maintained vast provinces administered by governors, a professional army, and an intricate supply and road network. Latin became the common language of government and culture; Greek remained influential in the eastern provinces. Roman law, engineering, and administration laid groundwork for future legal and governmental systems. Roman religion blended Italian shrines with later Hellenistic uptake, until Christianity gained prominence in late antiquity, culminating in state support under Constantine and subsequent emperors.

The Western Empire faced economic, military, and political pressures, fragmenting after the 3rd and 5th centuries and conventionally ending in 476 CE with the deposition of Romulus Augustulus. The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, persisted for nearly a thousand years. The Romans left a lasting legacy in law, language, architecture, road networks, urban planning, and Christian tradition.