Rome Began on Seven Hills and became a colossus whose power extended even to the innermost reaches of barbarian lands. How this empire grew, flourished, declined, and then collapsed is recounted in this vivid history of Rome-from its founding in 753 B.c. to its last emperor in 476 a.o. Utilizing the findings of modern archaeology, and the writings of the classical historians, Professor Donald R. Dudley unfolds the whole panorama of Roman existence: campaigns, conquests, art, agriculture, religious cults and Christianity; domestic, social, and political life. With eloquence and insight he charts the evolution of the great Empire that was to rule the Mediterranean and shape the pattern pf Western civilization.