|
The
Growth of Rome
Rome
was founded (built) in about 750BC (Before Christ).
At first Rome was a tiny village, surrounded by lots
of other little villages that ran their own affairs.
By 130AD though Rome controlled most of Europe, had
conquered Britain and had an empire that stretched
a long way into Asia and across Northern Africa. This
unit examines the reasons why Rome grew so quickly.
There
are a number of reasons for Rome growing from a village
to an empire so quickly (it was quick when you consider
that there were no cars, trains or aeroplanes... not
even any telephones or post boxes for them to use!).
You will find some of the main reasons below... there
are other possibilites though.
WAR!
Much
of the Empire was gained through fighting. At first
the Romans fought small battles with neighbouring
tribes who they had arguments with. as they won these
battles they gained control of the lands around Rome
and gradually gained land and power. These victories
made the Romans confident and soon the Roman Army
was waging wars to gain land rather than to defend
Rome. This led to Italy falling to Roman control,
then countries such as Greece, Austria and France
fell. As the empire grew larger the army also grew
as captured soldiers would be made to join the army...
allowing the Romans to attack yet more countries.
TRADE
The
Romans became very wealthy as a result of the wars
that they fought. Some areas of Europe were keen to
make money from the Romans and were willing to let
the Romans control them in return for the protection
they offered and the wealth that they generated through
trading.
ALLIANCE
Sometimes
people would feel threatened by other tribes and ask
the Romans to help them. These tribes would form an
alliance (make an agreement) with the Romans saying
that they would help each other out in times of trouble:
this usually meant that the Roman Army would go and
stay in this place.
CURIOSITY!
Some
people think that the Romans only invaded Britain
to find out if the islands are at the end of the world!
|
