When we talk about Western Civilization, if such a thing ever really existed, Ancient Rome is at its core. First as the thing itself, then as a memory, then as mimicry, and finally as a model - the idea of the lost Roman world haunts all the history of the West.

This episode begins with the Roman Kingdom founded by the fratricidal hands of Romulus. We watch as the small city of Rome throws off its kings, becomes a Republic, and slowly grows to dominate central Italy. It wasn't all growth, though; Rome was nearly destroyed several times, by the Etruscans, the Gauls, and the Samnites. But Rome's persistent and austere spirit saw them overcome all of their neighbors and expand to be a dominant power on the peninsula. A larger sphere of influence meant Rome bumped up against more powerful enemies, though. The Romans repelled the elite Hellenic army under Pyrrhus of Epirus, only to step into an existential series of wars with Carthage. Prologue Part 4.1 ends with the conclusion of the first Punic war.

Prologue Part 4.2 will pick back up with Rome's second war against Carthage.