Here are some basic facts about the Romans, explaining who they were and where they came from.
- The Romans are the people who originated from the city of Rome in modern day Italy.
- Rome was the centre of the Roman Empire – the lands controlled by the Romans, which included parts of Europe (including Gaul (France), Greece and Spain), parts of North Africa and parts of the Middle East. The Empire was truly multi-cultural, and many Roman citizens had never even seen Rome.
- The Roman Army that invaded Britain in 43 A.D. was made up of legionaries and auxiliary soldiers from all over the Roman Empire.
The map above shows the Roman Empire at its peak. The vertical line to the right of Italy shows the division of the Empire between the Western Empire, centered around Rome, and the Eastern Roman Empire, centered around Constantinople.
Check out our Roman resources page to learn more Roman facts and information.
