Creator: Nir Smilga
Insights
The Roman Empire was established in 27 BCE when Gaius Octavius, also known as Octavian, became the first Emperor, taking the name Augustus. This marked the end of the Roman Republic.
The Roman Empire expanded through military conquests and diplomacy. It reached its territorial height under Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century CE, covering most of the Mediterranean and parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Augustus, the first emperor, initiated the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), a period of relative stability and prosperity that lasted for approximately two centuries. He also reformed the government and laid the foundation for the imperial system.
The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE when the Germanic chieftain Odoacer deposed the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus. The Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued for another thousand years until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
Some notable emperors include Julius Caesar, Nero, Trajan, Hadrian, and Constantine. Julius Caesar played a crucial role in the transition from the Republic to the Empire, while Constantine is known for adopting Christianity and founding Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).
Great graphic. I'm wondering about Spain though. I'm pretty sure the Republic seized this after defeating Carthage.
Another great graphic would be the Eastern Empire's massive border changes over the time, as they circled the drain into history.