Early Roman religion was based on the family with a strong "head of the family" in Jupiter. Because the early Romans were an agricultural society, much of the religion also centered on nature.

This article explains how early government of the Roman city-state evolved. The foundation of the government under the Roman Republic was established during the Roman monarchy.

The Etruscans influenced not only the government of the Roman monarchy, but also the religious practices, and early architecture.

This article gives a description of the important later Etruscan kings. The history is still based on legend, but the influence of the Etruscan people can be seen in the development of Rome.

This chapter in William Morey's 1901 textbook discusses the roforms made by the Etruscan kings and the introduction of the tension between Roman patricians and plebeians.

A description of organization of the Roman army, set up in the 6th century BC, by the Etruscan king, Servius Tullius. This was the basis of the army through the Republic.

By the end of the Roman monarchy, Rome had incorporated many cities into the Latin League, a military alliance. This was the beginning of Roman expansion into all of Italy.

The Romans cast off their Etruscan kings and create a new Republic, incorporating many of the governmental ideas from the Etruscans into their new government.

William Morey explains the tension between the Roman aristocracy, the patricians, and the plebeians with the establishment of the Republic. The First Secession of the plebeians brings some relief.

The Laws of the Twelve Tables were written down as a result of the continuing conflict between patricians and plebeians. Now laws were not secret and applied to all, regardless of class.

Read about how the patricians finally understand the importance of the plebeians, who are then granted the right to pass laws for all and to intermarry with patricians.

The Roman Republic continues to evolve, incorporating plebeians into the government. New offices are added to the government in an attempt to keep both the patricians and plebeians satisfied.

In this article you read how the Romans begin to reclaim and expand their influence throughout the Italian peninsula. The Gauls destroy Rome, but after their retreat, the Romans rebuild and continue extending their power.

This article shows how, through debt, agrarian, and legislative reform, the patricians and plebeians finally form a united citizenship.

Rome strengthens her position on the Italian peninsula, defeating her neighbors, and establishing a method of incorporating and governing colonies which she will use in her future expansion.

The Romans have to deal with the pesky Samnites in order to establish their control over central Italy. After three wars, the Samnites make peace with Rome. The Romans again show their resolve, persistence, and organizational abilities.

Read about Rome's final consolidation of all the towns on the Italian peninsula, from the Rubicon to to the Strait of Sicily. The war against Pyrrhus gives us the ironic statement of a Pyrrhic victory.

The strength of the organization of the Roman army was the key to its success. Read about the composition of the army, Roman military strategy, and weaponry. The road system allowed the army to reach every part of Italy easily.

One of Rome's strengths was the way it governed the peoples it conquered. Find out the difference between the Romans, the Latins, and the Italians in terms of rights of citizenship.

Rome begins her expansion beyond the Italian peninsula with the First Punic War against Carthage. See why Carthage was such a formidable foe.

With the end of the First Punic War, Rome acquired new territory which she organized into provinces.

This chapter from William Morey's 1901 text lays out the entire course of the Second Punic War. The brilliant military strategies of Hannibal and Scipio Africanus are thoroughly explained.

Rome's power is challenged by kingdoms in the East, especially Philip V of Macedonia. After three wars against Macedonia and one against Antiochus of Syria, Rome shows her strength.

As Rome expands her boundaries, she has to figure out how to treat the conquered lands. This site shows Rome trying different options and finally settling on the idea of provinces.