![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb62372119.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ec10c752b9.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ec19f215d7.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb7e920aeb.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebe9fa912b.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb67c23298.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_664e183630982.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb75556da1.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb8a25e94b.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebed8b057a.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb95323cae.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eb9977f571.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebf2c6dee6.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eba2b4d11d.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebc8007532.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebd633a86e.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebc47e544a.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eba74e84d5.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668eba9a4fe88.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebae2dfba4.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebcdaee17d.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebdffd3575.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebb71ab1dd.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebbb03d0fd.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebd321c2de.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebe3be0e36.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ebf78de662.jpg)
![What if the Roman Empire never fell?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/gallery/1080/na_668ec0174da87.jpg)
See Also
See Again
© Getty Images
0 / 28 Fotos
The beginning
- The Roman Empire is said to have begun in the 8th century BCE at the hands of Romulus and Remus, orphaned brothers who were raised by wolves. The Empire expanded to become one of the largest in history, encompassing much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
© Getty Images
1 / 28 Fotos
Legacy of an Empire
- At its height, the Roman Empire was ruled by Hadrian (pictured) and influenced much of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Its cultural, political, and technological advancements still have an impact on modern society today, which shows the lasting legacy of Roman civilization.
© Getty Images
2 / 28 Fotos
Emperor Augustus
- The first Roman Emperor, Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE), brought stability to the Empire after the tumultuous periods involving Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. This stability allowed Rome to expand significantly, marking the beginning of its golden age.
© Getty Images
3 / 28 Fotos
Expansion
- The Empire’s incredible military power and wealth enabled it to expand quickly. More and more territories were captured and brought under the Empire’s rule, but this rapid expansion is what ultimately led to its downfall.
© Getty Images
4 / 28 Fotos
Overextension
- By 117 CE, Rome had reached its maximum territorial extent. However, its vast size that spread over 1.9 million sq. miles (5 million sq. km) made it difficult to manage. The Empire was spread far too thin, and internal struggles combined with external pressures led to its eventual decline.
© Shutterstock
5 / 28 Fotos
Fall of Western Rome
- The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE when the city of Ravenna (which was the Empire’s capital at the time) was captured by Germanic armies. This marked the end of ancient Rome's direct rule, but its influence persisted through the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire.
© Getty Images
6 / 28 Fotos
Modern conflicts
- The Roman Empire essentially had a major grip over most of Europe. If Rome had never fallen, Europe might have avoided many conflicts, including both World Wars. A unified Roman Empire could have altered the course of our history by enforcing peace throughout the continent.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Military
- This peace would have been ensured by the Romans' profound military capabilities. Indeed, Rome's professional military is still considered to be one of the best in history, and it might have continued to provide security across the Empire and deter unnecessary conflict.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Monarchies
- If Europe had been kept under the control of Rome, other wars would have also been avoided, particularly those that saw two monarchies in battle. In fact, the Roman Empire’s autocracy would probably have meant that Europe’s monarchies wouldn’t have been able to form in the first place.
© Getty Images
9 / 28 Fotos
Islam
- Religion as we know it would be completely different if the Roman Empire had persisted. Indeed, the Fall of Rome predated the foundation of Islam by two centuries. If the Empire had spread further into the Middle East and Africa, the birth of Islam (which is currently the world’s second-largest religion) would most likely have been hindered.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Lost inventions
- The hindrance of Islam would have meant that many Islamic inventions that were created during the Golden Age (algebra, the windmill, and even the foundation of modern chemistry, for example) wouldn’t have existed for a longer time. The Dark Ages could have been even worse.
© Getty Images
11 / 28 Fotos
Technological and scientific progress
- On the other hand, the Roman Empire's advanced infrastructure and intellectual pursuits could have accelerated technological and scientific progress, leading to earlier industrial advancements and a different timeline for the development of modern technology.
© Getty Images
12 / 28 Fotos
Christianity
- Christianity's rise was closely intertwined with Rome's history, and a persistent Roman Empire might have strengthened its influence further. Religious persecution would have most likely been worse than our current history indicates, especially since a singular Empire would be behind the religion.
© Getty Images
13 / 28 Fotos
Paganism
- Despite how deeply rooted Christianity would be in Europe if the Roman Empire had continued, the religion would still need to adapt to the Roman pagan customs that were prevalent at the time. Christianity would have most likely looked very different to the religion we know today.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Infrastructure
- The emphasis that Romans placed on infrastructure could have possibly led to more advanced and widespread urbanization across Europe. Places that are currently poverty-stricken would instead have well-maintained roads, aqueducts, and public buildings.
© Getty Images
15 / 28 Fotos
Education
- The Roman Empire placed a profound emphasis on education, which means that the Empire’s continuation could have led to the establishment of more advanced educational institutions across the world. If Rome hadn’t fallen, perhaps there would be higher literacy rates across the planet.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Art and architecture
- Roman architecture and artistry might have continued to evolve over time. Buildings across Europe and beyond would have been influenced by this aesthetic, and the style that we now reference as “Roman” would have been the norm across the Western world.
© Getty Images
17 / 28 Fotos
The Black Death
- The bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century and killed an estimated 50 million people might have been less impactful if the Empire still stood. Rome’s history with plagues would have ensured that extra precautions be put in place, thus minimizing the spread of the disease.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Hygiene
- Compared to other medieval kingdoms, Roman hygiene standards were significantly higher. The Romans developed advanced public health systems, including aqueducts to supply clean water, public baths, and sophisticated sewage systems that effectively removed waste. Many of the diseases that spread through Europe in the Middle Ages would have been less catastrophic.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Into Asia
- After conquering much of Europe, the Roman Empire would have spread its conquest across as much land as it could. In this case, Asia would have been ripe for the taking, and the Empire’s advanced military prowess would have laid waste to the Mongol Empire’s influence.
© Getty Images
20 / 28 Fotos
The United States
- The United States as we know it would most likely not exist. The Roman Empire would be powerful enough to cross the Atlantic, and American civilization would look wholly different to the one established by Spanish conquistadors and English Puritans.
© Getty Images
21 / 28 Fotos
Language
- As the lingua franca (the common language) of the Roman Empire, Latin might have remained a dominant way of communicating. Other modern European languages would have been profoundly influenced, and Latin would most likely be spoken by the millions.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Agriculture
- The innovations and techniques used by the Romans to grow agriculture was impressive, to say the least. If Rome hadn’t fallen, these methods could have led to more efficient and productive farming practices across Europe and possibly the world.
© Getty Images
23 / 28 Fotos
Philosophy
- Roman philosophy was greatly influenced by the Greek traditions that came before. These philosophical thoughts could have continued to evolve even further, helping to develop a better understanding of human morality and what it means to live.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Politics
- The political framework of the modern world would look incredibly different if the Roman Empire were still around. As the Empire hypothetically expanded across the world, they would have developed a hierarchical system upon which all areas of the Empire were based. Democracy would most likely not exist.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
Economic prosperity
- The Roman Empire’s expansion was marked by significant economic stability. Had the Empire not seen its end, Europe might have been a more prosperous place that wasn’t hindered by war or division.
© Getty Images
26 / 28 Fotos
An inevitability
- The truth is that the Roman Empire was inevitably going to fall at some point. If it hadn’t fallen when Germanic forces seized Ravenna, it would have at a later time. After all, Rome’s resources were stretched far too thin over far too great an area, and, as they say: all empires eventually fall. Sources: (WatchMojo) (Medium) See also: The empire and exploits of Genghis Khan
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
© Getty Images
0 / 28 Fotos
The beginning
- The Roman Empire is said to have begun in the 8th century BCE at the hands of Romulus and Remus, orphaned brothers who were raised by wolves. The Empire expanded to become one of the largest in history, encompassing much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
© Getty Images
1 / 28 Fotos
Legacy of an Empire
- At its height, the Roman Empire was ruled by Hadrian (pictured) and influenced much of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Its cultural, political, and technological advancements still have an impact on modern society today, which shows the lasting legacy of Roman civilization.
© Getty Images
2 / 28 Fotos
Emperor Augustus
- The first Roman Emperor, Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE), brought stability to the Empire after the tumultuous periods involving Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. This stability allowed Rome to expand significantly, marking the beginning of its golden age.
© Getty Images
3 / 28 Fotos
Expansion
- The Empire’s incredible military power and wealth enabled it to expand quickly. More and more territories were captured and brought under the Empire’s rule, but this rapid expansion is what ultimately led to its downfall.
© Getty Images
4 / 28 Fotos
Overextension
- By 117 CE, Rome had reached its maximum territorial extent. However, its vast size that spread over 1.9 million sq. miles (5 million sq. km) made it difficult to manage. The Empire was spread far too thin, and internal struggles combined with external pressures led to its eventual decline.
© Shutterstock
5 / 28 Fotos
Fall of Western Rome
- The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE when the city of Ravenna (which was the Empire’s capital at the time) was captured by Germanic armies. This marked the end of ancient Rome's direct rule, but its influence persisted through the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire.
© Getty Images
6 / 28 Fotos
Modern conflicts
- The Roman Empire essentially had a major grip over most of Europe. If Rome had never fallen, Europe might have avoided many conflicts, including both World Wars. A unified Roman Empire could have altered the course of our history by enforcing peace throughout the continent.
© Getty Images
7 / 28 Fotos
Military
- This peace would have been ensured by the Romans' profound military capabilities. Indeed, Rome's professional military is still considered to be one of the best in history, and it might have continued to provide security across the Empire and deter unnecessary conflict.
© Getty Images
8 / 28 Fotos
Monarchies
- If Europe had been kept under the control of Rome, other wars would have also been avoided, particularly those that saw two monarchies in battle. In fact, the Roman Empire’s autocracy would probably have meant that Europe’s monarchies wouldn’t have been able to form in the first place.
© Getty Images
9 / 28 Fotos
Islam
- Religion as we know it would be completely different if the Roman Empire had persisted. Indeed, the Fall of Rome predated the foundation of Islam by two centuries. If the Empire had spread further into the Middle East and Africa, the birth of Islam (which is currently the world’s second-largest religion) would most likely have been hindered.
© Getty Images
10 / 28 Fotos
Lost inventions
- The hindrance of Islam would have meant that many Islamic inventions that were created during the Golden Age (algebra, the windmill, and even the foundation of modern chemistry, for example) wouldn’t have existed for a longer time. The Dark Ages could have been even worse.
© Getty Images
11 / 28 Fotos
Technological and scientific progress
- On the other hand, the Roman Empire's advanced infrastructure and intellectual pursuits could have accelerated technological and scientific progress, leading to earlier industrial advancements and a different timeline for the development of modern technology.
© Getty Images
12 / 28 Fotos
Christianity
- Christianity's rise was closely intertwined with Rome's history, and a persistent Roman Empire might have strengthened its influence further. Religious persecution would have most likely been worse than our current history indicates, especially since a singular Empire would be behind the religion.
© Getty Images
13 / 28 Fotos
Paganism
- Despite how deeply rooted Christianity would be in Europe if the Roman Empire had continued, the religion would still need to adapt to the Roman pagan customs that were prevalent at the time. Christianity would have most likely looked very different to the religion we know today.
© Getty Images
14 / 28 Fotos
Infrastructure
- The emphasis that Romans placed on infrastructure could have possibly led to more advanced and widespread urbanization across Europe. Places that are currently poverty-stricken would instead have well-maintained roads, aqueducts, and public buildings.
© Getty Images
15 / 28 Fotos
Education
- The Roman Empire placed a profound emphasis on education, which means that the Empire’s continuation could have led to the establishment of more advanced educational institutions across the world. If Rome hadn’t fallen, perhaps there would be higher literacy rates across the planet.
© Getty Images
16 / 28 Fotos
Art and architecture
- Roman architecture and artistry might have continued to evolve over time. Buildings across Europe and beyond would have been influenced by this aesthetic, and the style that we now reference as “Roman” would have been the norm across the Western world.
© Getty Images
17 / 28 Fotos
The Black Death
- The bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century and killed an estimated 50 million people might have been less impactful if the Empire still stood. Rome’s history with plagues would have ensured that extra precautions be put in place, thus minimizing the spread of the disease.
© Getty Images
18 / 28 Fotos
Hygiene
- Compared to other medieval kingdoms, Roman hygiene standards were significantly higher. The Romans developed advanced public health systems, including aqueducts to supply clean water, public baths, and sophisticated sewage systems that effectively removed waste. Many of the diseases that spread through Europe in the Middle Ages would have been less catastrophic.
© Getty Images
19 / 28 Fotos
Into Asia
- After conquering much of Europe, the Roman Empire would have spread its conquest across as much land as it could. In this case, Asia would have been ripe for the taking, and the Empire’s advanced military prowess would have laid waste to the Mongol Empire’s influence.
© Getty Images
20 / 28 Fotos
The United States
- The United States as we know it would most likely not exist. The Roman Empire would be powerful enough to cross the Atlantic, and American civilization would look wholly different to the one established by Spanish conquistadors and English Puritans.
© Getty Images
21 / 28 Fotos
Language
- As the lingua franca (the common language) of the Roman Empire, Latin might have remained a dominant way of communicating. Other modern European languages would have been profoundly influenced, and Latin would most likely be spoken by the millions.
© Getty Images
22 / 28 Fotos
Agriculture
- The innovations and techniques used by the Romans to grow agriculture was impressive, to say the least. If Rome hadn’t fallen, these methods could have led to more efficient and productive farming practices across Europe and possibly the world.
© Getty Images
23 / 28 Fotos
Philosophy
- Roman philosophy was greatly influenced by the Greek traditions that came before. These philosophical thoughts could have continued to evolve even further, helping to develop a better understanding of human morality and what it means to live.
© Getty Images
24 / 28 Fotos
Politics
- The political framework of the modern world would look incredibly different if the Roman Empire were still around. As the Empire hypothetically expanded across the world, they would have developed a hierarchical system upon which all areas of the Empire were based. Democracy would most likely not exist.
© Getty Images
25 / 28 Fotos
Economic prosperity
- The Roman Empire’s expansion was marked by significant economic stability. Had the Empire not seen its end, Europe might have been a more prosperous place that wasn’t hindered by war or division.
© Getty Images
26 / 28 Fotos
An inevitability
- The truth is that the Roman Empire was inevitably going to fall at some point. If it hadn’t fallen when Germanic forces seized Ravenna, it would have at a later time. After all, Rome’s resources were stretched far too thin over far too great an area, and, as they say: all empires eventually fall. Sources: (WatchMojo) (Medium) See also: The empire and exploits of Genghis Khan
© Getty Images
27 / 28 Fotos
What if the Roman Empire never fell?
What if circuses and bread were enough to sustain a civilization?
© Getty Images
While there are many historical events that stand out from over the years, the end of the Roman Empire can certainly be counted as one of the most significant. But what if the Empire never fell? What sort of advancements would there be amongst civilization as we know it? And would the world be better, or worse? Click through the following gallery for an idea.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
![The amazing life of Jane Goodall, the world's most famous primatologist](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c5a6523fb.jpg)
![What was the Neanderthal diet like?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d9c4ba462b7.jpg)
![The greatest surfers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82a3991191.jpg)
![A look inside the childhood of Jesus Christ](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d85f0cb6c79.jpg)
![How does tennis scoring actually work?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82a540f53f.jpg)
![Treetops reopens: Where Princess Elizabeth learned she'd be Queen](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d836e232102.jpg)
![What would the world look like if mosquitos were eradicated?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5eac49dc86.jpg)
![Countries that have banned X, TikTok, and Facebook](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d72124468bd.jpg)
![Outdated workplace trends to say goodbye to](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8529e0ac2a.jpg)
![American football players who became coaches](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d59a4ede1a9.jpg)
![Experts predict a tsunami in Europe with 100% probability](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d97aef417a7.jpg)
![The greatest female wrestlers of all time](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d5d7aa902d2.jpg)
![How your zodiac sign influences your personality traits](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84e22a505a.jpg)
![Unique ways your zodiac sign sabotages romantic relationships](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84aee582cb.jpg)
![Japan's trick to reverse population collapse](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d719469c392.jpg)
![The terrifying history of the dark web](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84942d0d7a.jpg)
![The F1 drivers with the most pole positions ever](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d71d2095a6e.jpg)
![The most (and least) intelligent zodiac signs, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8447cb1c5d.jpg)
![The fascinating spiritual meaning of your animal dreams, revealed](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83ec1a1923.jpg)
![Are you an introvert? These are the telltale signs](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d840333af90.jpg)
![The sad reasons why some good relationships don't last](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d84195c34c0.jpg)
![Clear signs you've hit a midlife crisis](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83d116bd09.jpg)
![Stunning pictures of the world's strangest and rarest weather phenomena](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d83c14b308e.jpg)
![These zodiac signs are the funniest](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8329f2cd1f.jpg)
![You can live in luxury on a budget in these countries](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82d763b2b6.jpg)
![This is why even the best players miss penalties during a shoot-out](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82c209a643.jpg)
![Which countries have the most bald men?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d838cccf6e9.jpg)
![Decode your pup: strange dog behaviors explained](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d086ddd77a1.jpg)
![Beaches with the most shark attacks in the world](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d836733b2f5.jpg)
![The many extraordinary rules Catholic priests have to follow](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8345714484.jpg)
![Common misconceptions about dogs, debunked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d8309a3a9fc.jpg)
![Which countries have the tallest and shortest populations?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d82f9aa685e.jpg)
![How to spot a riptide, a major cause of death at the beach](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66a3ab3d597ad.jpg)
![Is it harder to be a teenager today?](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d6a21d52483.jpg)
![Countries with the highest disposable income, ranked](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d827b56794a.jpg)
![Secrets millionaires won’t tell you](https://media-manager.starsinsider.com/640/na_66d823c3bd805.jpg)
MOST READ
- Last Hour
- Last Day
- Last Week
-
1
CELEBRITY Relationships
-
2
LIFESTYLE Wealth
-
3
HEALTH Bad habit
-
4
LIFESTYLE History
-
5
FOOD Food storage
-
6
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
7
LIFESTYLE Secondhand
-
8
HEALTH Risks
-
9
-
10
LIFESTYLE Politics
Why is the far-right gaining popularity among young people in Europe?