The Republic of Rome 101

Following my Outline of Greek History Topics, which is based on William Francis Allen's 1886 book, History Topics for the Use of High Schools and College, here's one on the Republican period of Rome. Allen was less interested in cultural developments and personalities than modern readers tend to be, so there is more of a focus on wars and nations. Allen's outline was a study guide from which students were expected to do their own research. The dashed line separates the topics Allen notes as most important from those of secondary importance. In my adaptation of his list, there are hyperlinked readings. Their sources are Theodor Mommsen, Livy, articles on this Ancient/Classical History site, and a useful public domain history of ancient Rome by Robert E. Pennell.

Roman History of the Republican Period 300- c. 50 B.C.

Although there is a general chronology within each of the four sections, you should consult this Roman Timeline for the sequence of events.

III. Roman Period. B.C. 300 to Christian Era

For the preceding two centuries, see Topics in Greek History.

A. Italy

• 1. The geography and races of Italy.
• 2. The Etruscans.
• 3. Magna Graecia.
• 4. Rome under the kings.
• 5. The hegemony of Rome in Latium.
• 6. The capture of Rome by the Gauls. 390 B.C.
• 7. The Latin war. 340 B.C.
• 8. The Samnite war.
• 9. The war with Pyrrhus.

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• 10. The Aequians and Volscians
• 11. The conquest of Veii.
• 12. The Caudine Forks. 321 B.C.

B. The Conquest of the World.

• 1. Carthage and the First Punic war.
• 2. The Second Punic war. Hannibal.
• 3. The Macedonian wars.
• 4. The war with Antiochus.
• 5. The conquest of Spain.
• 6. The wars of Pompey in the East.
• 7. The conquest of Gaul.
• 8. The Social war. 90 B.C.

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• 9. The battle of Cynoscephalae.
• 10. The Ligurians [Aemilius Paullus].
• 11. The Illyrians.
• 12. The Numidians.
• 13. The Maccabees.