The Roman Empire was a post-Republican state of ancient Rome, generally understood to mean the period and territory ruled by the Romans following Octavians assumption of sole rule under the Principate in 31 BC. It was one of the largest empires in history, with contiguous territories throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The Roman Empire can be divided into three distinct periods: The Period of Kings (625-510 BC), Republican Rome (510-31 BC), and Imperial Rome (31 BC – AD 476). Key features of the Roman Empire include:

• Government: Semi-elective absolute monarchy (de facto).
• Territory: The Roman Empire included territory in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.
• Language: Latin was the common language.
• Religion: The Roman Empire was initially polytheistic, but later adopted Christianity as the official religion.
• Periods: The Roman Empire can be divided into the High Empire (31 BC – 305 AD) and the Low Empire (305 AD – 476 AD).

The Roman Empire began with the reign of Emperor Augustus in 27 BCE. Augustus established an autocratic form of government, where he was the sole ruler and made all important decisions. Although we refer to him as Rome’s first emperor, Augustus never took the title of king or emperor, nor did his successors; they preferred to call themselves princeps, first citizen, or primus inter pares, first among peers. The Roman Empire brought stability and prosperity to its subjects at times, but eventually fell into crisis and turmoil before its inevitable demise.