In 27 BCE, Augustus became the first emperor, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire, which lasted until 476 CE in the West.

The Romans built over 250,000 miles of roads, some of which are still in use today, facilitating trade, military movement, and communication.

Romans engineered aqueducts to bring fresh water into cities, a key feature of Roman engineering that supported urban growth.

The Roman military was highly organized into legions, each containing around 5,000 soldiers, and was a major factor in Rome's expansion.

The Roman legal system laid the foundations for many modern legal systems, including concepts like “innocent until proven guilty.”

Romans were famous for their public baths, which were used for socializing, relaxation, and hygiene, with some baths being massive complexes.

Gladiators fought in arenas like the Colosseum as entertainment, often to the death, symbolizing Roman values of bravery and strength.

Latin, the language of the Romans, became the root of the Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, etc.) and influenced English vocabulary.

The "Pax Romana" (Roman Peace) was a 200-year period of relative peace and stability across the empire, from 27 BCE to 180 CE.

Romans were pioneers in architectural innovation, including the use of concrete, arches, and the creation of structures like the Colosseum and Pantheon.