The History of Rome, Book I The Period Anterior to the Abolition of the Monarchy

"The History of Rome, Book I" by Theodor Mommsen is a late 19th-century historical analysis of Rome before it became a republic. It studies how different Italian tribes moved and grew, creating their own cultures and ultimately leading to the formation of Rome. Mommsen provides a complete foundation of Rome's early history, including its environment, first people, and the social and political systems that built its society. The book begins with the lands and civilizations of ancient Italy, explaining their importance in the Mediterranean. It discusses the relationships between groups like the Umbrians, Sabellians, and Latins, and explains the basics of early Italian life, like farming, tribal organization, and how they established their settlements; and, by carefully looking at language and items left behind, it shows how these tribes slowly united under Latin rule, preparing Rome to become a major power.