The history of the Roman Empire shows us how even the strongest pinnacles of power and innovation can collapse. From 753 to 509 BC, Rome changed from an ancient Kingdom to a Republic. This republic lasted until 27 BC and by that time, the Roman Empire stretched across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, shaping global culture, law, and politics. By 117 AD, under the emperor Trajan, its influence was so absolute across the known world that anything outside of Rome was called “barbarian lands”. Architecture, law, and military innovation made Rome an empire, and at its height, its citizens would never believe that such an empire could be defeated or set to ruin.

Join us as we contrast six Roman emperors, highlighting how they either helped the empire grow through innovation and scalability, or through corruption and greed, contributed to its downfall.