Rome, Italy is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. It was founded in 753 BC by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, and was initially a small city-state. Over the centuries, it grew to become the capital of the Roman Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in the world at its peak. During this period, Rome was a major center of culture, art, and architecture, and many of its monuments and buildings still stand today. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome became the capital of the Papal States, and remained so until the unification of Italy in 1861. Since then, Rome has been the capital of Italy and is now one of the most visited cities in the world, with its ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and vibrant culture drawing in millions of visitors each year.