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The Roman Empire

Decent Essays

Paper B
To many people, the mention of the Roman Empire invokes thoughts of gladiators, debauchery, and the abuse of power. To others, it brings visualizations of classic statues, beautiful temples, and mythological gods. The Roman Empire was all of that and more. The saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day” is true and its fall and decline happened gradually as well. Ancient Rome has inspired volumes of historical works, theatrical plays, and even movies in more recent times. More specifically, its fall and decline have fascinated people for centuries and there are harbingers who warn of current political trends that mimic Rome’s mistakes. Only a study of history could analyze the many theories for its ultimate failure. An understanding of the heights the Roman Empire reached is necessary to realize how great its fall was. Rome was a small village on Italy’s peninsula that had a location easy to defend with great potential for trade access. It was founded in 753 B.C.E. and began to develop as a city in 575 B.C.E. with construction of streets and temples. As shrewd politicians, diplomats, and wise businessmen, Romans expanded the city and added other communities with alliances or conquest. The historian Livy, detailed the moral values that helped Rome expand, such as determination, duty, courage, and military discipline (Spielvogel 120). Rome crushed revolts and continued to reach outward until Italy was under control, and eventually, the western Mediterranean. One

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