Rome
Rome has had one of the longest and most influential histories of any city in Europe. It probably has had more impact on Western civilization and the world than any other city. Many European languages are derived from Latin, numerous political and legal systems throughout the world are based on the Roman model, and buildings worldwide have architectural styles that were influenced by Rome.Rome was founded about 2,400 years ago, when it was a small Iron Age village of mean huts. In about 616 B.C., the village was overrun by neighboring Etruscans, who were themselves ousted in 509 B.C. At about that time, Rome became a republic. It was not long before the ambitious and militaristic Romans took over most of Italy, and then neighboring regions. By the first century B.C., Rome ruled an empire that stretched from Spain and North Africa to the Middle East. Power-hungry and corrupt rulers led to...
