Roman history spans over a thousand years, beginning with the founding of Rome in 753 BC. It evolved from a small city-state into a vast empire that dominated much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The Roman Republic was established in 509 BC, characterized by a system of elected officials and checks on power. This period saw significant developments in law, politics, and culture. In 27 BC, Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Augustus, became the first emperor, marking the start of the Roman Empire. The empire reached its peak in the 2nd century AD, known for its impressive architecture, such as the Colosseum, and advancements in engineering. However, internal strife and external pressures led to its decline, culminating in the fall of the Western Roman Empire in AD 476.