What do you think of the Roman Empire????

I'm glad that so many of their artifacts and so much of their history has survived. I'm astonished that while they did have elites and a ruling class they also had a large population of middle class citizens that provided services and products for the Empire. IMO that was the key to Rome's longevity. There's a lesson in that.

I love reading about Pompeii. That sad tragedy has given us a vivid and unique view into the everyday lives of a thriving Roman community outside the center of government and commerce.