Caesar vs Augustus

I think that Julius Caesar was a more important leader than his grand nephew Augustus because Julius Caesar did much more for Rome. He was a much more disciplined and stronger leader. He was a tactical genius and a good military commander. He tried to prevent poverty, he was loyal to his followers and friends, and punished criminals. He was the one who started the Roman Empire. He could have been crazy, he could have a disease, or he could be power hungry and greedy but what he did in the end is what counts. Without him Rome went into another civil war. Some might say that his grandnephew Augustus was a more important leader because he led Rome into 200 years of peace and expanded its Empire. But without Caesar Augustus would have been another senator; and without Caesar Rome would have never became the powerful Empire as we knew it.

Caesar: Reformer or Dictator

I think that Caesar was a reformer. He had great leadership and he ended the rule of the corrupt nobles. He was fair and upheld justice. He restored cities and aided the poor and unfortunate. He also granted more citizen ship and brought peace to Rome. Many say that he wanted fame and more power, but I think it was a motivation, and a good one. Everyone needs a reason to do something. And even if Caesars motive was selfish, his actions were for the good of the many and he was respected and admired by many. In the end, when he died by the hands of the senators, it started a civil war, and this shows that he has very good leadership.

Rome was located 24 km from the Mediterranean sea, near the Tiber River. This way they had a source of water, but could also prevent invasion by water. Rome was built on 7 hills, which let them have an advantage on attackers. People made their homes their because of the rich soil and good weather for farming. In addition, Rome was on a certain section of the Tiber River that was easiest to cross, so merchants doing trade would pass through Rome, stopping in the town and trading. After the Romans took over Italy, they built good roads so they could travel through their domain.

The Founding of Rome

Rome was once a great empire, they had a great fighting force and took over all of Italy. However, the only thing we know about how they were started are theories and legends.
One of the legends say that 2 twins, Remus and Romulus, were abandoned as babies. After, they were brought up by a shepherd. In 753 BCE, the brothers decided to built a city. But while building, Remus was killed by Romulus in a fight. Romulus then created the city, and named it after himself.
Another legend says that after Troy was destroyed, Aeneas and a group of his followers went in search for a new place to live. Then, after a marriage with the Latin Kings daughter, Aeneas united the Latins and the Trojans, which then became Rome.

But historians do not believe these 2 legends. Historians think that Rome was founded after a group of Latins decided to come together for protection in 700 to 800 BCE. However, after becoming a village, Rome was taken over by the Etruscan's. They taught the people of Rome metalworking, and when Rome rebelled and took over Italy, their army was based on the Etruscan one.