The ancient Romans created an empire that covered most of Europe and their language, laws, and religion helped to shape the medieval and modern European civilizations that followed Rome's fall. Through thoughtful narrative supported by fully documented quotes this title begins with A Brief History of Ancient Rome and then examines these questions: How Did Dissatisfaction with the Monarchy Give Rise to the Roman Republic? How Did Internal Conflict Destroy the Republic and Give Birth to an Empire? How Did a Persecuted Faith Become the Official Religion of Rome? How Did External Threats and Internal Decline Cause Western Rome's Demise?