Rome now dominates the Mediterranean lands, but not before an orgy of civil wars between ambitious generals have convulsed the entire Mediterranean world.
This turmoil has now been ended (31 BC) by the first of the Roman emperors, Augustus, the adopted son of Rome's most famous general Julius Caesar. In all but name, he has replaced the old republic with a monarchy, concentrating effective (i.e. military) power in his own hands. Augustus' statesmanship has brought about peace and stability, which will hold for two centuries or more with only one brief intermission. With peace has come an increase in trade, and the Graeco-Roman cities of Europe and the Mediterranean have entered a phase of prosperity and expansion.
Related Articles:
The Roman Empire Home Page
The Origins of Rome
The Early Republic
Expansion in Italy
The Great Punic Wars
Related Maps & Timelines:
Timeline of European History
Timeline of Middle East History
Timeline of World History
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