The Roman Empire's history is vast and complex, but some key events stand out:
- Founding and Republic (753 BCE - 27 BCE): Romulus and Remus founded Rome, which transitioned from a kingdom to a republic, conquering Italy and laying the groundwork for an empire.
- Julius Caesar and the Rise of Augustus (60 BCE - 14 CE): Julius Caesar's conquests and reforms, followed by Augustus' consolidation of power, marked the transition from republic to empire, establishing Pax Romana, a period of peace and prosperity.
- Golden Age and Expansion (1st - 2nd centuries CE): Emperors like Nero and Trajan oversaw territorial expansion, cultural flourishing, and infrastructure development, marking the empire's zenith.
- Crisis and Division (3rd - 5th centuries CE): Economic instability, political divisions, and barbarian invasions weakened the empire. Constantine embraced Christianity and moved the capital to Constantinople, dividing the empire into east and west.
- Fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE): Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain, deposed the last Roman emperor in the west, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued for another thousand years.
These are just a few of the many significant events that shaped the Roman Empire's history. Its legacy continues to influence law, government, architecture, and language across the world.