Roman artifact on wooden base (replica)

The Roman Empire (Latin: Imperium Romanum) was originally a city state on the Italic peninsula extending from the sixth century BC began to expand and grew into an empire that included all countries around the Mediterranean Sea at its peak. It reached its greatest extent under Emperor Trajan. According to legend, Rome was founded in 753 BC. on April 21. The actual history of Rome, however, began around 1000 BC., When the Latins settled in Lazio, the region around Rome. Around that time the Latins were ruled by the legendary King Latinus. This is consistent with the legend in which the Trojan hero Aeneas support looking at him as he reached the island Palladeum (think of Palatine Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome) achieved. His son Ascanius founded the city of Alba Longa which initially would be the most important Latin city.