Explore the major trading hubs of Ancient Rome, including Ostia, Alexandria, and Antioch. Discover how these cities thrived as centers of commerce, facilitating the exchange of goods like olive oil, wine, and spices across the Mediterranean, and learn about the strategic infrastructure that supported the Roman Empire's economic prosperity.
A concise overview of the Roman Republic's political structure and its decline: Initially designed to prevent tyranny through a balance of power, the Republic faced internal conflicts due to economic and social tensions. These conflicts led to civil wars, as figures like Sulla, Pompey, and Octavian struggled for control, ultimately dismantling the Republic and paving the way for autocratic rule.
In the ancient world, control of the Mediterranean Sea was synonymous with power and prosperity. The Punic Wars, pivotal conflicts between Rome and Carthage, underscored this reality. Initially, Carthage held supremacy as the dominant naval force, ruling the waves with unmatched prowess.
The Roman military, a formidable force that once dominated vast regions of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, is widely regarded as one of the most effective military organizations in history. But what made this ancient army so successful? Was it their tactical innovations, their logistical expertise, or their ability to learn and adapt from their adversaries?
