Roman Empire

The Roman Empire refers to the period during which the state of Rome transitioned from a republican system of government to rule by a single person (emperor) holding supreme power. The commonly accepted beginning is marked by Octavian, who was given the title Augustus, consolidating power in his hands in the first century before the common era and its aftermath. Rome was the center of this initial period.

The territory it controlled extended around the Mediterranean Sea: Italy, Spain, Gaul (modern France), parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of what is now the British Isles. The system rested on a standing army, taxation, long-distance roads, and provincial administration.

System of administration

The emperor combined military, religious, and legislative power. The Senate (council of elders) continued to exist, but its power diminished. Each province had a governor appointed by the emperor or the Senate. Roman law written during this period became the foundation for many legal systems in Europe.

Economy and society

The economy was based on agriculture, maritime trade, and widespread slavery. Society was divided into citizens, free non-citizens, and slaves. Roman citizenship was extended to many people living in the provinces in later centuries.

Religion

Initially there were multiple gods worshipped by the state, and it was customary for emperors to be deified. In the fourth century of the common era, Christianity became an accepted religion and subsequently became the religion of the state.

Division and end

In later centuries the administration was divided between a Western and Eastern sphere. The Western part collapsed in the fifth century of the common era, with various external European groups taking control of large territories. The Eastern part, centered in Constantinople, continued until the fifteenth century; modern historians generally call it the Byzantine Empire.