This paper will talk about the origins of the Roman civilization. Also, the growth of the Roman economy through its tribal beginning to its historical rise to power will be revealed. Also, light will also be shed on the contributions to earlier technologies made by the Roman Empire. The changes in Roman religion will also be revealed towards the end of this paper.

So where did the Romans come from? The Romans started out as a small group of tribes called the Italics, which included Latins, Sabines, and Samnites. Those three tribes are the three largest tribes of the Italics. (Haywood, p.194) Eventually, the Latins and Sabines developed to the Romans civilization. The story behind their combination has been e

Trade in the Roman Empire was especially important to feed the growing population. Most of the grain supply came from North Africa. Roman farms rarely produced grain because of the incredibly inexpensive grain sold by the Egyptians. Archaeologists have even discovered recently that Egyptian grain was also sent all the way up into Britain. (Haywood, p. 250) One could say that Egypt was the breadbasket of the Roman Empire.

Vesta was also a very popular goddess within the Roman civilization. She was the Roman hearth goddess and related the Greek goddess Hestia. She was worshipped in every household at one time. Also, an eternal flame in her honor would be kept in a special building. This flame was tended by six Vestal Virgins, who were selected at the age of six to ensure their virginity. These Vestal Virgins would have to serve a minimum of five years. During this period of service, if the virgins were to lose their virginity, they would be buried alive. (Evans, p. 255)

It was at that point that Constantine showed his gratitude by starting a very extensive church-building program across the Roman Empire. He helped build the basilica of St. Peter on the Vatican hill and the cathedral of St. John Lateran in Rome. Even Constantine's mother, Helena, supposedly visited Jerusalem and discovered the cross that Jesus Christ was crucified on. Historians speculate that Constantine's conversion was purely for political support. He never favored Christianity throughout his years and it is thought that he may have just seen Christianity as another cult to be assimilated into Roman religion. Then again, Constantine did become baptized on his deathbed, which wasn't an unusual occurrence during that time. Either way, Constantine can be credited with opening the doors to Christianity within Roman culture. (Haywood, p. 272)

Inside the household, a vilica, or housekeeper, would be in charge of the household activities. This woman would usually be a slave and most likely be the wife of the vilicus. She would see to all the cleaning and daily chores within the household. She would also take care of cooking all the meals for the noble family and workers. (Corbishley, p. 86)

Rome eventually was at war with its neighbor, the Sabines. It started when Rome had a low number of marriageable women in its city. Romulus decided to invite the Sabines to a feast. At the feast, the Roman men seized the Sabine women. It was at that time a war erupted between the Rome and Sabines. The war was eventually ended through the intervention of the Sabine women. An agreement was eventually made between Romulus and the Sabine people. The Sabines and Rome would combine to become one tribe. It placed Rome under the joint rule of Romulus and Titus Tatius, the Sabine leader. (Haywood, p. 195) This was how Rome was started mythically.

Romans were also the first to fashion artificial gemstones. These artificial gemstones were mainly made of glass. Whole factories within the Roman Empire were dedicated to making the costume jewelry. Jewelers of the Roman Empire were particularly adept at imitating emeralds. (James, p. 286)

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Approximate Word count = 3291
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)