Rome explained to kids

Rome is the capital of Italy and a special comune that is also the country's largest and most populous city. With 2.8 million residents in 1,285 square kilometers (496.1 square miles), it is also the country's most densely populated comune. Rome's history spans more than two and a half thousand years, as one of the largest and most powerful cities in the world. Rome's early history is particularly interesting. It is thought that the city was founded in 753 BCE by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. According to legend, the two were suckled by a she-wolf at the site until they were grown. Romulus killed Remus and is said to have then founded Rome, naming it after himself. The early years of Rome were marked by a series of Etruscan wars that saw the city grow in power. By the end of the 6th century BCE, Rome had become the largest city in Italy and was an important center of trade. It continued to grow in power, becoming a republic in 509 BCE. Rome's golden age came during the period of the Roman Empire, when it was the largest and most powerful city in the world. The empire reached its height under Emperor Constantine in the 4th century CE. Christianity also spread during this time, and Rome became an important center for the religion. The empire fell in the 5th century CE, but Rome remained an important city. It was the center of the papal state and continued to be a major center of culture and politics. In 1870, it became the capital of the newly unified Italy. Rome is a beautiful and historic city with a lot to see and do. Its ancient ruins, including the Colosseum and the Forum, are some of the most famous in the world. The Vatican City, located within Rome, is the smallest independent state in the world and home to some of the most important religious sites, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is also home to many other great museums, churches, and palaces.