Size of the Empire

Imperium sine fine, or Empire without end, was a phrase used to describe the Roman empire; and it wasn't far off! The Roman empire at it's height spanned the entirety of the Mediterranean, stretching from northern Britain to the north of Africa. Originally, Augustus had put into his will that the empire would grow no larger than it was at his death, but Claudius expanded anyways in order to cement his position. The empire would finally reach it's height under Trajan in 117 AD encompassing an area of 2.5 million square miles and ruling over 60 million people. After Trajan, the policy of maintaining borders rather than expanding the empire became the norm and the empire began to decline steadily till its split into the eastern and western halves (the western half fell in the middle of the 5th century AD, where the eastern half went on for another 1000 years under the Byzantines)

Origins of Rome

While the area of Rome has been inhabited for over 10,000 years, the city hasits actual origins rooted in myth. Twin Romuls and Remus built the city and after fighting, Romuls killed Remus. Rome was then ruled under a succesion of kings for the next two hundred years, before the last, Tarquinius Superbus, was expelled and the Senate took control. Rome continued to grow and expand it's power under the control of the senate from 509-44 BC When Julius Ceaser took on the title of "Dictator perpetuo" or "Dictator in perpetuity". Julius Ceasar was assasinated shortly thereafter by members of the Senate, sparking a civil war which ended in 27 BC, when Gaius Octavius (or Agustus) finally seized control and became the first Emperor of Rome (Though not in title, that will be discussed later)

A Brief History of Imperial Rome

                                                        A Brief History of Imperial Rome

Rome Was one of the largest empires in history, covering an area that stretched from  Britain to the middle east and encompassed the entirety of the Mediterranean. The roman empire lasted for over 500 years and to this day it continues to influence us. From art to architecture, political strategy and military tactics, Rome has been an inspiration for much of the world for the past millennium and a half and will continue to do so many centuries to come.