Roman Empire
pn//ˈɹoʊmən ˈɛmpaɪɚ//Romerska riket, Romarriket
(historical) An ancient empire based out of Rome, which succeeded the Roman Republic and existed between 27 B.C.E. and 476 C.E. in the west (and until 1453 C.E. in the east; see Byzantine Empire), encompassing vast territories in Europe, Asia and Africa, stretching from Britain and Germany to Spain, North Africa and the Persian Gulf. [from 15th c.]