Rome traditionally dates from 753BC, when the legendary Romulus and Remus founded it, although it was some 500 years before the Roman Empire began.
From around 200 BC The Empire expanded, and at its peak, the Caesars controlled most of Europe and North Africa and it was in this period that many of the most impressive monuments were built.
The city became the centre of the Christian World in around 400AD, during which era, many of the larger Basilicas were constructed, and the Bishop of Rome became Pope.
In 1870, the various small principalities of Italy were unified into one country, and Rome was named capital, and from then, another building boom that reached its apogee with the ornate and self aggrandising constructions of fascistic dictator Mussolini took place.
When the Catholic jubilee took place in 2000, the whole city was given a big clean up, and centuries of grime were removed from the walls of the buildings to make Rome a more beautiful place than it had been for many years.
Now, Rome is arguably the biggest destination in Europe, and one that should not be overlooked when selecting a place to go for a short break.
