The Beginnings of Rome

by Tim Cornell

Published 14 September 1995

Using the results of archaeological techniques, and examining methodological debates, Tim Cornell provides a lucid and authoritative account of the rise of Rome.

The Beginnings of Rome offers insight on major issues such as:

  • Rome’s relations with the Etruscans
  • the conflict between patricians and plebeians
  • the causes of Roman imperialism
  • the growth of slave-based economy.

Answering the need for raising acute questions and providing an analysis of the many different kinds of archaeological evidence with literary sources, this is the most comprehensive study of the subject available, and is essential reading for students of Roman history.


The beginnings of Rome are now being revealed by an ever-increasing body of archaeological evidence, much of it unearthed since the 1970s. This new material has made it possible to trace the development of Rome from its beginnings as an Iron Age village to the major state which became a Mediterranean power. This work uses the results of up-to-date archaeological techniques as well as taking current methodological debates into account. Covering the years 753 BC to 264 BC, it offers new perspectives on major questions such as Rome's relations with the Etruscans, the conflict between patricians and plebeians, the causes of Roman imperialism and the growth of a slave-based economy.