The Roman Empire was founded around 625 BC, and it started its formation around the areas of Etruria and Latium in ancient Italy in reponse to the Etruscan Invasion. From its founding to 510 BC, Rome was in the Period of Kings, where Rome was lead by no fewer than six kings. The period ended when the power of the Etruscan's started to decline, which lead to the beginning of Rome's Republican Period.
The Romans established a new form of government where the upper classes ruled instead of kings. But during a time of crisis, a dictator can be nominated. They also established the 'Twelve Tables', which is a standardized code of laws meant for public, private, and political matters. By 338 BC, Rome had gained control over the whole Italian Peninsula. And even after that, Rome managed to gain control over Carthage and Corinth, becoming the dominant maritime power in the Mediterranean.
