40 maps that explain the Roman Empire | Vox

In its early years, the Romans shared Italy with several other peoples.

The dominant power in the neighborhood of Rome was the Etruscans.

We don’t know very much about these people, in part because we haven’t figured out how to read their distinctive language.

But the evidence suggests that Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings until the Romans revolted and established a republic — an event that is traditionally dated to 509 BC.

via 40 maps that explain the Roman Empire – Vox.