- Romulus and Remus founded Rome after being abandoned as infants and raised by a wolf. Romulus killed Remus and became the sole ruler. - Rome began as a city-state in central Italy along the Tiber River and grew powerful by conquering neighboring regions and establishing alliances. - Roman society was divided between patricians, who held political power, and plebeians. Through protests, plebeians gained increased rights and access to political offices over time.