Expanded the Roman Republic through a series of battles across Europe before declaring himself dictator for life Devoted his energies to the conquest of Gaul (modern France) He died famously on the steps of the Senate at the hands of political rivals. Julius Caesar is often remembered as one of the greatest military minds in history and credited with laying the foundation for the Roman Empire.

As the first Roman emperor (though he never claimed the title for himself), Augustus led Rome’s transformation from republic to empire during the tumultuous years following the assassination of his great-uncle and adoptive father Julius Caesar. He layed the foundations of the 200-year Pax Romana (Roman Peace) and an empire that lasted, in various forms, for nearly 1,500 years. Augustus Caesar died in A.D. 14, his empire secured and at peace. His reported last words were twofold: to his subjects he said, “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble,” but to the friends who had stayed with him in his rise to power he added, “Have I played the part well? Then applaud me as I exit.”

Born in 42 B.C. Father died when he was 9 Was sent on missions to gain experience in government. Became emperor of Rome in 14 A.D. His son was poisoned by a friend trying to reach the throne. When he died, he left the throne to his grand-nephew, Caligula

Born on August 13, 12 A.D His father died when he was 7. Rumored that he was poisoned by Tiberius Became emperor at age 25 Suffered from a mental illness which caused his to behave strangely- he made his horse a priest Because he was voted an emperor for life, his guards killed him to remove him from power

Born on April 26, 121 Growing up, Aurelius was a dedicated student, learning Latin and Greek After his adoptive father died in 161, Aurelius rose to power and was officially then known as Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus. His adopted brother served as his co-ruler Marcus Aurelius, is not best remembered for the wars he waged, but for his contemplative nature and his rule driven by reason

Measuring some 620 by 513 feet (190 by 155 meters), the Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world Inside, the Colosseum had seating for more than 50,000 spectators, who may have been arranged according to social ranking Hosted gladiatorial combats, hunts, wild animal fights and larger combats such as mock naval engagements (for which the arena was flooded with water) Colosseum video

The Romans constructed aqueducts to bring a constant flow of water from distant sources into cities and towns Aqueducts moved water through gravity alone, along a slight downward gradient within conduits of stone, brick or concrete. Aqueducts video