Ancient Roman Empire History

Roman Empire

• Founding and Expansion: The Roman Empire was founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar, marking the end of the Roman Republic. It expanded rapidly, reaching its peak in the 2nd century AD, covering much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.
• Government and Administration: The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman official. The emperor held absolute power, advised by the Senate and assisted by a complex bureaucracy.
• Economy and Trade: The Roman Empire was a major economic power, with a vast network of trade routes, including the Silk Road. It was a major center of commerce, with a strong currency and a system of taxation.
• Military and Conquests: The Roman Empire was known for its military prowess, with a powerful and disciplined army that expanded the empire through conquest. The empire was also protected by a series of fortifications, including Hadrian's Wall.

Roman Law

• Twelve Tables: The Twelve Tables, created in 450 BC, were the first written laws of the Roman Republic. They established the principles of Roman law, including the concept of equality before the law.
• Justinian's Code: In 529 AD, Emperor Justinian I commissioned a comprehensive codification of Roman law, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis. This code, also known as Justinian's Code, remained the basis of European law for centuries.
• Key Principles: Roman law was based on several key principles, including:
  • Pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept)
  • Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)
  • Stare decisis (precedent must be followed)
• Influence on Modern Law: Roman law has had a profound influence on modern law, with many of its principles and concepts still in use today. It has shaped the development of law in Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Roman Empire

• Founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar, marking the end of the Roman Republic
• Expanded rapidly, reaching its peak in the 2nd century AD, covering much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia
• Divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman official
• Emperor held absolute power, advised by the Senate and assisted by a complex bureaucracy
• Major economic power with a vast network of trade routes, including the Silk Road
• Strong currency and a system of taxation
• Powerful and disciplined army that expanded the empire through conquest
• Protected by a series of fortifications, including Hadrian's Wall

Roman Law

• Twelve Tables (450 BC): first written laws of the Roman Republic, establishing principles of Roman law, including equality before the law
• Justinian's Code (529 AD): comprehensive codification of Roman law, commissioned by Emperor Justinian I
• Key principles of Roman law:
  • Pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept)
  • Caveat emptor (let the buyer beware)
  • Stare decisis (precedent must be followed)
• Roman law has had a profound influence on modern law, shaping the development of law in Europe, the Americas, and beyond