Rome started as a small city-state in Italy around 753 BCE. It gradually expanded its territory through conquests and alliances, establishing the Roman Republic around 509 BCE.
Rome's military prowess was a key factor in its rise. Its legions conquered much of the Mediterranean, including Greece, Carthage, and Egypt, by 146 BCE.
The Roman Republic evolved into an Empire under Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. He centralized power, creating a stable government that lasted for centuries.
The Romans excelled in engineering, building roads, aqueducts, and cities.
They also developed a sophisticated system of governance, which allowed them to administer their vast territories efficiently.
Several internal factors contributed to Rome's decline. Corruption, economic instability, and political turmoil weakened the empire.
From the 3rd century CE onwards, Rome faced increasingly frequent invasions by Germanic tribes and others.
Rome's military began to weaken due to overextension, recruitment of non-Roman soldiers, and lack of training and discipline.
In 285 CE, Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into East and West to better manage its vastness. This division weakened the unity of the empire.