The name of the Roman state after Augustus assumed imperial powers (27
BC) and thus formally ended the republic. The empire was later divided
into the Western Roman Empire (Western Empire) and Eastern Roman Empire
(Eastern Empire) in AD 286 by Diocletian. Through much of the subsequent
period it was governed by co-emperors of the East and West.
The death of Theodosius I marked the beginning of the permanent
division (AD 395) of the empire. The Western half consisted of Italy,
Gaul, western Illyricum, Africa, Spain, and Britain. The Eastern half
primarily consisted of the Balkan Peninsula (including the eastern part of
Illyricum) and Asia Minor. The Western Roman Empire, unable to withstand
the barbarian invasions (q. v.), ceased to exist (AD 476) with the death
of Emperor Romulus Augustus.
The Eastern Roman Empire survived as the Byzantine Empire, and thus
the Carolingian Empire (8th century) is sometimes regarded as the
successor state to the Western Roman Empire.
Rome
Great empire of ancient times which for several centuries dominated the Mediterranean world. The history of ancient Rome can be broadly divided into two epochs, the Roman Republic (c509-527 BC) and the Roman Empire (27 BC-AD 476).
The rise of Rome began with the subjugation of the Italian peninsula;
largely completed in the 3d century BC. Acquisition of overseas
territories
began with the Punic Wars (3d-2d century BC) in which the great
Carthaginian
empire was destroyed and its territories were absorbed by Rome. Thereafter the
Romans expanded their domains through various conquests, uniting under
their rule an empire that encircled the Mediterranean and extended northward into the British Isles.
Roman culture, laws, and customs were spread throughout the empire and
greatly influenced the subsequent development of civilization in the West.
The decline of the empire began at about the end of the 2d century AD
and following centuries were marked by the breakdown of authority and
political chaos, worsening economic problems, oppressive taxation, and
finally the destructive invasions by various barbarian peoples (probably
joined by disaffected Roman subjects). The Western Roman Empire collapsed
before the barbarian hordes in AD 476, which is traditionally considered
the end of the Roman Empire. However, the Eastern Roman Empire continued
for many centuries thereafter as the Byzantine Empire (q.v.).
For history of the Italian peninsula after AD 476, see Italy Key
Points.
