The ancient Roman Civilisation started on the Italian Peninsula during the 8th century. Funded in 753 BC by its first king,Romulus,it grew into a rich and powerful city over the next few hundred years.By 117 AD the Roman Empire included the whole of Italy,all the lands around the Mediterranean and much of Europe including England,Wales and some parts of Scotland.
At the beginning of the 5th century the Roman Empire was falling apart.
It was constantly under attack from tribes from northern Europe.The Romans called these people 'barbarians' because they thought they were uncivilised.In 410 AD,a tribe called the Visigoths stormed into the city of Rome and destroyed many of the great buildings and killed people as they went by.
Romulus Augustus,the last Roman Emperor,lost his power in 476 AD.He was replaced by a prince from Germany called Odovacar. From then on,the area that was once the empire was riled by a collection of kings and princes from the outside of Italy.
