2016 ITALY 2 - A Little Roman History (Emperors, Kings, Presidents)

Much of this year's tour included visiting historical sites in Italy. Here is a little prospective on its history.

First off Rome is English and Roma is Italian for the same place. Roma was not considered just the City, but the City and all its 40 conquered territories. That territory included lands surrounding almost the entire rim of the Mediterranean Sea (in red). (Diagram is from Pinterest.) Roma was the first "global" city and its conquered peoples / slaves could eventually become legal citizens.

Roma's nickname is the Eternal City because its rulers felt that no matter how many other empires might develop and fade, Roma would last forever.

In reality the Roman Empire lasted about 1,000 years from 500BC to 500AD. The first 200 years it expanded, for 500 years it was at its prime, and the last 300 years found it in slow decline due in part to over expansion.

The first half was a republic ruled by elected senators. The last half was an empire ruled by unelected leaders. The turning point was during the time of Julius Caesar when he basically declared himself dictator.

Italy had emperors, kings, and now presidents as it rulers and they hailed from many lands. Here are some noted on our tour.
     - In Roman mythology, Romulus was founding king of Rome (after he killed his brother Remus)
     - Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, 7th and last king of Roma, expelled (509 BC).
     - Augustus is considered the actual founder of Rome and the first emperor in 27 BC.
     - Claudius reigned from 41-54AD.
     - Nero reigned from 54-68 AD, burned much of Roma and died in 68 through suicide.
     - Three other emperors before (Flavian dynasty) Vespasian takes over from 69-79 AD  (started constructing the Colosseum).
     - (Flavian cont'd) Titus, Vespasian's son  (79-81 AD).
     - (Flavian cont'd) Domitian, younger brother of Titus (81-96 AD).
     - Trajan (98-117), defeated Dacia in war.
     - Hadrian reigned 117-138 AD, as the 14th Emperor.
     - Septimius severus (193-211 AD), first black African-born emperor.
     - Lucius Septimius Bassianus (Caracalla or Karakala) (211-217 AD), his son
     - Romulus Augustus was the last emperor in 475 AD.
     - Then there were eight kings (Norman, German, French, three Spanish, another Frenchman, and finally Victor Emanuel III). Victor was the first king of Italian descent and the first king of unified Italy (ruled 1900-1946).
    - Enrico De Nicola was the first President of Italy, elected in 1946.

Italy is known especially for its arts, architecture, and food. Art covers a multitude of media--paintings, statues, mosaics (some with such tiny pieces they look like paintings from afar), tapestries, literature, and more.

Architecture ranges from from ancient temples to 20th century marble buildings such as the Altare della Patria (Alter of the Fatherland) or National Monument of Victor Emanuel III completed in 1925. Nicknames for this monument are the "birthday cake" or the "typewriter." It is currently houses the Museum of Italian Unification.

In the center is the huge statue of Victor E III on horseback. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is beneath him in the larger squarish area. See tiny green wreath at top of stairs above grassy area.

We did not know this but one of the best 360 degree views of Roma is atop this building. A modern glassed in elevator sweeps you to the top outdoor patio for the view. John and Stacey discovered this and said it was a must-see for the next trip.

And food. There is no such thing as Italian food. It is really many regional foods, each microcosm having its unique flavor. Even a simple pasta dish has regional differences. In the Roma area you will find pasta carbonara (guanaciale / cured pork cheek, pecorino cheese , ground pepper on egg pasta), thin crust pizza margarita, and arancini / suppli (deep fried, stuffed rice balls). Here is a pix of our very first meal in Italy--the pasta with pecorino and pepper dish.

MORE FACTS

- Ancient Roma was founded in 753 BC https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Rome

- Roma is the capitol of Italy

- The Tiber River was part of its livelihood

- There are 11 aqueducts (or water supply structures) http://www.crystalinks.com/romeaqueducts.html

- At one time there were 144 public latrines

- In 1930, the population was 1 million; today it is 3 million

- In 1871 Italy's "houses" (such as House of Savoy) or districts became unified as the Kingdom of Italy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_unification

- Emperors of Rome: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=famous+roman+emporers&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8#safe=active&q=famous+italian+emporers&*