ROMAN ERA Meaning and
Definition
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Roman Era refers to a specific period in ancient history that encompasses the time when the Roman civilization flourished, from approximately 753 BC to 476 AD. It comprises several distinct historical phases, beginning with the legendary foundation of Rome in 753 BC, attributed to Romulus. The Roman Era is renowned for the establishment and expansion of the Roman Republic, followed by its transformation into the Roman Empire.
During the Roman Era, Rome emerged as a powerful city-state and gradually built an extensive empire spanning across Europe, Northern Africa, and parts of Asia. This period witnessed significant social, political, and cultural developments. Roman society was characterized by a hierarchical system, where the ruling class comprised aristocrats and senators, followed by the plebeians, freedmen, and slaves.
The Roman Era witnessed several key events, such as the Punic Wars, which saw Rome's conflict with Carthage and the establishment of Roman dominance in the Mediterranean region. It also encompassed the reigns of notable emperors like Julius Caesar, Augustus, Trajan, and Constantine. Notable achievements during this period include the construction of iconic architectural structures such as the Roman Colosseum, the Pantheon, road networks like the Appian Way, and the aqueduct system.
Furthermore, the Roman Era was marked by the spread of Latin as the dominant language, the development of Roman law, and the emergence of Christianity. The fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD to various factors, including invasions from Germanic tribes, is considered the endpoint of this historical period. The Roman Era continues to serve as a significant reference point in understanding ancient civilizations and their lasting impact on modern societies.
Etymology of ROMAN ERA
The term "Roman era" refers to the time period when the Roman Empire, one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in ancient history, existed. The word "Roman" derives from the Latin word "Romanus", which means "of Rome" or "pertaining to Rome". It is derived from the name of the city of Rome itself. The word "era" comes from the Latin word "aera", meaning "counters" or "registers", which in turn originates from the Greek word "aḗr", meaning "air" or "day". Over time, "era" began to be associated with a distinct period or age, and when combined with "Roman", it signifies the time period associated with the Roman Empire's dominance and influence.
