Rome, also known by the names Caput Mundi and The Eternal City, is the capital of the Italian Republic, as well as the capital of the Lazio Region and the Province of Rome. With over 2,700,000 inhabitants, it is the most populous and largest municipality in Italy. Its metropolitan area has an estimated population of about 3,700,000. Rome also hosts the enclave of Vatican City, the heart of Catholic Christianity.
Historical Overview
The first archaeological traces in the area where Rome now stands date back to the 14th century BC, while the earliest settlements on the Palatine Hill and surrounding areas date back to the 10th century BC. According to legend, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BC, by Romulus.
Since then, Rome has played a fundamental role in Italy and Europe throughout its nearly three-millennia-long history. From its foundation, the city grew continuously until it surpassed one million inhabitants during the Imperial Age.
After the fall of the Empire, Rome lost prestige and began to depopulate. Large areas within its walls, once densely inhabited, became nearly deserted. From the 2nd century onwards, the city became the seat of the Papacy and, in the 8th century, the capital of the Papal States.
In the 14th century, with the Renaissance, the city began to grow again and became a cultural center of European importance.
Following the Unification of Italy, Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy in 1871, and since 1946, of the Italian Republic.
The City Today
Over the course of its long history, Rome has experienced three main periods of development, each followed by significant urban expansion.
During the Roman era, the city was the capital of the Empire and a convergence point for wealth from across the realm. The most ancient and iconic monuments of Rome date back to this era: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the aqueducts, and more.
The medieval period saw the construction of many buildings that gave rise to the intricate network of small streets forming most of today’s historic center.
After the fall of the Empire and the Middle Ages, the Renaissance began—a period during which the Popes invited the greatest artists of Europe to Rome to build churches, fountains, squares, and bridges. This era gave birth to some of the city’s most admired monuments, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza di Spagna, and the Trevi Fountain.
Finally, with the formation of the Kingdom of Italy, Rome became the capital of a unified country, marking the beginning of its modern urban development, which continues to this day.
Of particular note is the fascist dictatorship period (1922–1945), during which several areas were built in a rationalist architectural style, including the Sapienza University campus, the EUR district, and the sports facilities of the Foro Italico.
The historic center of Rome, a true treasure trove of over 2,800 years of history, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and makes the city one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world. Most of the historic center lies within the ancient walls built by Emperor Aurelian between 270 and 273 AD to protect the city.
Rome is divided into thirty-five districts; the first district coincides with the historic center and is further divided into twenty-two areas known as rioni, including Trastevere, Testaccio, and Monti.
Thanks to the constant flow of tourists, the city center is always lively. Popular meeting spots—especially for young people—include the San Lorenzo district (near La Sapienza University), Campo de’ Fiori, and Trastevere (in the heart of the city, full of pubs and restaurants), as well as Ostiense and Testaccio (near Roma Tre University).