The Roman Empire was one of the greatest civilizations in history. It began in Rome in 753 BC. Rome controlled over two million square miles stretching from the Rhine River to Egypt and from Britain to Asia Minor.

The sources of Roman Empire are divided into two categories:
1) Primary Sources
2) Secondary Sources

Primary Sources
•Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
•Zosimus' Historia Nova
•Notitia Dignitatum- Describes Roman Civil and Military administration at the time of Arcadius an Honorius.
•Laterculus Veronensis- Lists all the Roman Provinces and Dioceses from the time of Diocletian/Constantine.
•Tacitus's Germania (p.336)- Describes Germania beyond Roman borders circa 98CE.c

Secondary Sources-Articles
•Arnheim M.T.W. (1972), Senatorial Aristocracy in the Later Roman Empire.
•Baynes, NH (1943), The Decline of the Roman Power in Western Europe. Some Modern Explanation, The Journal of Roman Studies, Vol. 33, parts 1 and 2 , pp 29-35.
•Bourne RJ(2000), Aspects of the relationship between the Central and Gallic Empires in the mid to late third century AD with special reference to coinage studies.
•Hopkins, K(1980), Taxes and Trades in the Roman Empire (200 B.C.-A.D. 400), Journal of Roman Studies/ Volume 70/ November 1980, pp 101-125

Sources of the Roman Empire

The Roman Empire, which spanned from 27 BCE to 476 CE, was one of the greatest and most influential civilizations in history. It was characterized by its vast territorial holdings, intricate political system, and rich cultural heritage. The sources that provide insights into the Roman Empire come from various avenues, including historical accounts, archaeological discoveries, inscriptions, and artwork. These sources allow us to reconstruct and understand different aspects of Roman society, politics, economy, and daily life.

Written Accounts
- Historical texts: Ancient historians such as Livy, Tacitus, and Suetonius wrote detailed accounts of Roman history, including the rise and fall of the empire, major events, and the actions of emperors and other prominent figures.
- Letters and speeches: Private letters and public speeches by Roman statesmen, such as Cicero, offer valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural climate of the time.
- Legal documents: Roman legal codes, such as the Twelve Tables, provide information about the legal system and societal norms.
- Epigraphy: Inscriptions on public buildings, monuments, and tombstones provide information about individuals, events, and religious practices.

Archaeological Discoveries
- Ruins and structures: The remains of cities, buildings, roads, and aqueducts provide a physical record of Roman engineering, architecture, and urban planning.
- Artifacts: Excavations have unearthed a wide range of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, coins, weapons, and tools, shedding light on daily life, trade, and technological advancements.
- Tombs and burial sites: Funerary practices and tomb inscriptions offer insights into Roman beliefs, social status, and family structures.
- Infrastructure: Roman engineering marvels, such as aqueducts, bridges, and baths, provide evidence of the empire's advanced engineering skills and infrastructure development.

Visual Representations
- Sculptures and statues: Roman sculptures depict emperors, gods, and important historical figures, conveying information about their appearance, clothing, and symbolism.
- Mosaics and frescoes: Intricate mosaics and wall paintings found in villas and public buildings reveal details about Roman mythology, daily life, and artistic techniques.
- Coins: Roman coins bear the images and titles of emperors, providing a chronological and visual record of the rulers and their propaganda.

Conclusion
Sources of the Roman Empire are diverse and include written accounts, archaeological discoveries, and visual representations. These sources collectively allow historians and researchers to piece together the story of the Roman Empire, enabling us to understand its politics, society, economy, and cultural achievements. By examining these sources, we can gain valuable insights into one of the most influential civilizations in human history.