Rome. The state that turned from tiny settlements around the Palatine Hill in central Italy into a vast empire that ruled most of western europe and mediteranean for centuries and formed the framework for todays states.
Let us get into a journey through time, from Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, to the final ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Along the way, we'll encounter both great and terrible emperors, and witness golden and tumultuous ages.

The map shows the territory controlled by the emperor at the end of his reign.

The jointly rule of two or more emperors is indicated by a white line between their names.

Portraits are from Wikimedia.