Roman Empire

Roman Empire, the ancient empire, centred on the city of Rome, that was established in 27 bc following the demise of the Roman Republic and continuing to the final eclipse of the Empire of the West in the 5th century ad. A brief treatment of the Roman Empire follows. For full treatment, see ancient Rome.

Aspects of the topic Roman Empire are discussed in the following places at Britannica.

Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

ancient Rome - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)

The ancient city of Rome was the center of one of the largest and most powerful empires the world has ever seen. The Roman Empire was based in what is now Italy. As the Roman Empire took over more land and peoples, its influence spread throughout western Europe and into all the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. The achievements of the Romans influenced the languages, literature, laws, methods of government, roads, and buildings of all of western Europe.

ancient Rome - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

When the ancient Greeks were reaching the height of their glory, the power of Rome, to the west, was slowly rising. The genius of the Greeks lay in art, literature, science, and philosophy. The Romans were best in warfare, engineering, and government.