Roman Empire

During the period 264 - 133 BC the Roman Republic expanded its territories considerably. This was Rome's golden age of social order and political stability at home and of Roman hegemony in the Mediterranean. Places as far apart as Syria, Carthage and Macedonia were conquered by Rome as the republic continued to expand into a vast empire. In order to acquire and keep new overseas territories, Rome needed to become a strong, dominant naval power and to possess a well-disciplined army. Its dominion was only as strong as its legions and military and civilian administrators.

By AD 111 the Roman Empire had reached its largest extent, covering 5 million square km, but after Odoacer deposed the last Roman emperor in 476, the West Roman Empire was reduced to a tiny foothold in Dalmatia.