The Rise of the Roman Empire

This TimeMap gives a "Big Picture" overview of the rise of the Roman empire, while at the same time offering a close-up look at such key episodes as the Sack of Rome in 390 BC, the conqest of Italy, the life-and death struggle against Carthage, the Civil Wars; and examines developments in Roman government, society and economy.

Questions covered include:

• With which other civilizations did Rome have links?
• Where and when did its expansion originate, and over what time period did it take place?
• What were the key reasons for Rome's expansion, and did these change over time?
• What aspects of Roman life were transformed as a result of the conquests, and why? What elements remained the same?
• What made the Romans so succesful in building such a large and enduring empire?

Themes encountered in the Rise of the Roman Empire title include:

- Social & economic trends: tensions between rich and poor; mass slavery; the spread of slums in Rome itself;

- Government: the role of different parts of Roman government; their failure to preserve the Republic; the growth of conflict within government;

- Military organisation and technology: the evolution of the Roman army; the link between military and political leadership; the role of sea power

- Relations with "barbarians" and other non-Roman peoples, and the impact of Roman conquests on many peoples