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Romans Quote by Adrian Goldsworthy

“Tradition maintained that Rome had been founded in 753 BC. For the Romans this was Year One and subsequent events were formally dated as so many years from the 'foundation of the city' (ab urbe condita).” quote by Adrian Goldsworthy
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““Tradition maintained that Rome had been founded in 753 BC. For the Romans this was Year One and subsequent events were formally dated as so many years from the 'foundation of the city' (ab urbe condita).””

Adrian Goldsworthy

About This Quote

Source Book: Roman History, Adrian Goldsworthy, 2010

Romans dated events from the city’s founding, using “ab urbe condita” as a calendar system.

In simple terms: Romans counted years from Rome’s founding.

Key Takeaway

Understand historical dating methods.

Themes

history chronology Roman culture calendar

Mood

educational analytical

Type

historical academic

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • museum exhibits
  • historical fiction

Key Concepts

ab urbe condita founding myth dating system

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does a founding date shape identity?
  • What are the limits of such dating?
A Different Perspective

Other cultures used different reference points.

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