An Empire across Three Continents — Chapter Summary

Two powerful empires ruled most

Two powerful empires ruled most of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East from the birth of Christ to the 630s. They were separated by a narrow str

The early empire lasted down

The early empire lasted down to the main part of the third century. The late empire began with Constantine I in the early fourth century.

Augustus established the Principate in 27

Augustus established the Principate in 27 BCE. He was the first Roman emperor and presented himself as the leading citizen rather than an open monarch

The Senate was an aristocratic body

The Senate was an aristocratic body made up of wealthy landowning families. Its members held office for life and judged emperors by how they treated i

The Roman army was a paid

The Roman army was a paid professional force, unlike the Persian army, which was conscripted. By the fourth century it numbered 600,000 and was the la