In this colorfully-illustrated reference for young adult readers, the history of ancient Rome is traced from the mythic founding of the city by the twins Romulus and Remus, through its many emperors and wars, to the disintegration of the empire in the third and fourth centuries CE. Boxed information provides further details on aspects of daily life, traditions, and laws; the Roman military; famous figures including Cleopatra; and the spread of Christianity. The volume includes maps of the expanding Roman Empire, time lines, and glossaries of terms and major historical figures.