Roman Chess Pieces by Berkeley - Cardinal RedBoard Not Included The founding of Rome goes back to the very early days of civilization. It is so old, it is today known as the eternal city. The Romans believed that their city was founded in the year 753 BC although modern historians though believe it was the year 625 BC. Early Rome was governed by kings, but after only seven of them had ruled, the Romans took power over their own city and ruled themselves. They then instead had a council known as