Engraving of the Forum Romanum (Roman Forum).

Sketch of the Lupercalia festival of ancient Rome, undated, by Sir James Thornhill

The Roman Empire, led by rulers such as Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, Caligula and Nero, was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

Ancient Rome

The Roman Empire, founded in 27 B.C., was a vast and powerful domain that gave rise to the culture, laws, technologies and institutions that continue to define Western civilization.

Ancient Rome - Facts, Location & Timeline | HISTORY

Home

HISTORY

Video

Each year on February 14, people exchange cards, candy or flowers with their special “valentine.” St. Valentine’s Day is named for a Christian martyr and dates back to the 5th century, but has origins in the Roman holiday Lupercalia.

Valentine’s Day

Videos

<a href="http://history.com/">HISTORY.com</a> works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including <a href="https://www.history.com/author/amanda-onion">Amanda Onion</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/missy-sullivan">Missy Sullivan</a>, <a href="https://www.history.com/author/matt-mullen">Matt Mullen</a> and Christian Zapata.

Ancient Rome ‑ Topics

Deadly Gladiator Duels in Rome’s Iconic Colosseum

The Battle of Actium and Aftermath

Julius Caesar’s Powerful Alliance Transforms Rome

The 10 Biggest Comebacks in Military History

8 Incredible Roman Technologies

Julius Caesar and Spartacus

Julius Caesar’s Dictatorship

Goths and Visigoths

Roman Forum

Pantheon

Hadrian’s Wall

Lupercalia