The Roman state, known as the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, was a powerful political entity in ancient Italy and beyond. It began as a small city-state in the 8th century BCE and expanded through military conquests, alliances, and colonization. The state was characterized by a complex system of governance, including elected officials, a Senate, and various assemblies. At its height, the Roman state controlled vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It was known for its advanced infrastructure, including roads and aqueducts, as well as its legal system, which laid the foundation for many modern laws. The state eventually transitioned from a republic to an empire under Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE.