The Evolution of the Roman Empire to 46AD
After the ending of the last ice age about 11,000 years ago humans moved throughout Europe. Various civilisations rose and fell with temples in Gobleki Tepi in Turkey detailing the zodiac 11,000 years ago, the Sumerian civilisation in Iraq with its writings about Noah and his ark 6,000 years ago, and the Egyptians 5,000 years ago. At this time in Scotland they were building Skara Brae, before the pyramids or Stonehenge. Then the Minoan culture evolved ( among others) followed by the Greeks and the tales of Troy. Greek colonies were established across the Mediterranean. In 753 BC, according to the Romans , Rome was founded.
The Romans were originally outcasts. Their great defining character was the wiliness to learn from others and to learn from mistakes. They had writing and books which meant that knowledge and experience could be shared geographically and from generation to generation. The elite of the population was educated in geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, medicine, philosophy and history. The Romans used that knowledge to construct great cities with aqueducts providing water, public baths, forums and roads. They invented many things – see 16 Historical Roman Inventions That Helped Shape the Modern World concrete. Their technological might, their willingness to learn from mistakes and having a professional standing army made them the conquerors of the Mediterranean lands and beyond. Historians argue about the reasons for their expansion but the accumulation of wealth by plundering new lands, the gaining of political credit ( all Caesars were meant to be military conquerors) and the prevention of raiding by hostile tribes are three elements mentioned.
The map above shows the expansion of Roman land in Italy. The Etruscans are said to have given many technologies to the Romans and the Archaeological Museum of Bologna as one of the best Etruscan collections. Greek mythology was prevalent in many areas, their were Greek colonies across the Mediterranean.
As the Romans expanded so did the gods they worshipped. Originally the pantheon of Roman gods appeared to be based on the Greek pantheon, see Gods and goddesses of the Greek and Roman pantheon but as the empire expanded other local Celtic or eastern gods were included.
Need for emperors to prove military prowess.
Options – people in Scotland, or the well armed the empires nearby. Naval power could be deployed , natives charged naked with bravery.
You can find on Wikipedia The complete Timeline of Roman History
