Roman Empire (XI: Serica & Romanum)

The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterized by an autocratic  form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean. The term is used to describe the Roman state during and after the time of the first emperor, Augustus.

The Roman Republic, which preceded it, had been weakened and subverted through several civil wars. Several events are commonly proposed to mark the transition from Republic to Empire, including Julius Caesar's appointment as perpetual dictator (44 BC), the Battle of Actium (2  September 31 BC), and the Roman Senate's granting to Octavian the honorific Augustus  (4 January 27 BC).

The Latin term was Imperium Romanum (Roman Empire), probably the best-known Latin expression where the word imperium denotes  the sphere of human life (for example some countries - lands with people)  subdued to military commander - imperator, under Roman rule. Roman expansion began in the days of the Republic, but reached its zenith under Emperor Trajan. At this territorial peak, the Roman Empire controlled approximately 6,5 million km² of  land surface. Because of the Empire's vast extent and long endurance, Roman influence upon the language, religion, architecture, philosophy, law, and  government of nations around the world lasts to this day.