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Roman Empire
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Map showing the maximum territorial extent of the Roman Empire in AD 117, shaded in yellow, spanning from western Europe and North Africa to the Near East. Major rivers and seas are labeled, and various symbols mark the locations of Roman colonies and municipia established during the Pre-Caesarian, Caesarian, and Augustan periods. The boundary at the death of Emperor Trajan is highlighted.
Glimpse remnants of the Roman Empire in the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Via Appia
The rise and fall of the Roman Empire
Marble statue of Augustus stands between two columns in a stone niche at the Roman theatre in France, with ancient masonry visible behind. Constantine I
How Constantine the Great changed Rome forever
Learn about the magnificent infrastructural work of imperial Rome, especially Roman masonry
Colosseum The Pont du Gard, a three-tiered ancient Roman aqueduct with large stone arches, spans a river near Nimes, France, surrounded by trees and rocky banks.
Hannibal's daring strategy against Rome explained
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Overlooking the Roman Forum with Temple of Saturn in Rome, Italy
The Roman Empire
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Map showing the maximum territorial extent of the Roman Empire in AD 117, shaded in yellow, spanning from western Europe and North Africa to the Near East. Major rivers and seas are labeled, and various symbols mark the locations of Roman colonies and municipia established during the Pre-Caesarian, Caesarian, and Augustan periods. The boundary at the death of Emperor Trajan is highlighted.
Extent of the Roman Empire in 117 ce

Roman Empire

ancient state [27 bce-476 ce]
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•History

Roman Empire, the ancient empire, centered on the city of Rome, that was established in 27 bce following the demise of the Roman Republic and continuing to the final eclipse of the empire of the West in the 5th century ce. A brief treatment of the Roman Empire follows. For full treatment, see ancient Rome. A period of unrest and civil wars in the 1st century bce marked the transition of Rome from a republic...

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