The Romulans were originally inhabitants of the planet Vulcan many years ago. Back
then, Romulans and Vulcans were one in the same. But as time passed, The Vulcans chose to pursue logic and an unemotional existence, as where the Romulans wanted to continue to act barbaric, warlike, and emotional. They inhabited the planets Romulus and Ramis in Star Sector Z6.
A treaty was established in the 21st century establishing the Neutral Zone. Almost 200
years later, the Romulans broke this treaty by attacking a number of Earth Outposts located along the
Romulan Neutral Zone border. The U.S.S. Enterprise was the first ship to ever make visual contact with the Romulans. All other communication before was done threw subspace radio.
A few years later, the Romulans formed a military alliance with the Klingons. During
this aliance, they shared military secrets and during this time the Romulans took on the appearance of the Klingon vessels. At the same time, the Klingons learned of the Romulan cloaking device.
The Romulans Can Be Seen In The Episodes, "Balance Of Terror," "The Enterprise Incident," and there ship is seen in "The Deadly Years."