The Art of Atmosphere in Photography

Why Is Rome Called the Eternal City?

 The name “Rome” is rooted in mythology, linked to the legend of Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars saved by a she-wolf. This tale, dating back to the 4th century BC, aligns with Greek traditions of myth-based place names. The epithet Urbs Aeterna—the Eternal City—was first used by poet Tibullus and echoed by Virgil and Ovid. In The Aeneid, Virgil described Rome as imperium sine fine—“an empire without end, ” reflecting its enduring legacy. Even as empires fell, Rome’s spirit remained, making it a city that has stood the test of time.

 A Brief History of Rome

 Founded by Romulus, Rome was first ruled by Etruscan kings before the Roman Republic emerged in 509 BC. Through wars like the Punic Wars (264–146 BC), it became the dominant Mediterranean power. The Republic fell with Julius Caesar’s rise, and in 27 BC, Augustus became its first emperor, ushering in the Roman Empire. The empire thrived but declined, with the Western Roman Empire falling in 476 AD. Rome remained influential under the Byzantine Empire and later as the seat of the Papal States. Despite invasions and decline, it preserved its ancient heritage. The Renaissance revitalized Rome as an artistic hub, though setbacks like the 1527 Sack of Rome followed. In modern times, it was annexed by Napoleon, became part of unified Italy in 1871, and became Italy’s capital in 1946. Today, Rome remains a global cultural center.