See on Scoop.it - Good Things From Italy - Le Cose Buone d’Italia
Founded in 27 BC, the Roman Empire went on to become one of the greatest empires in history. At its height, c. 117 AD, the Roman Empire was the largest social and political structure in western civilisation: it comprised almost 57 million people and covered more than 1 million square miles throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. The rulers of the State were known as emperors rather than kings, given that they were leaders of a republic. However, as the years passed by, in practice, imperial succession was often hereditary. Some emperors such as Nero and Caligula are remembered as insane despots. Yet the empire survived thanks to actions of its many wise leaders, who won the loyalty and respect of their subjects, the military and the Senate.
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