The Roman Empire is a fascinating historical entity that evolved from its foundation to become one of history's most powerful and influential civilizations.  Rome began as a group of villages along Italy’s Tiber River. About 750 B.C., the villages joined to form a city called Rome. Kings ruled it for more than 200 years.

Eventually, Rome became a republic, and the people elected representatives. Rome's history spans two and a half thousand years. It was the capital city of the Roman Empire, the dominant power in Western Europe, and the lands bordering the Mediterranean for over seven hundred years from the 1st century BC until the 7th century AD.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, John enlisted in the Army, served as a construction engineer, and graduated from CUNY with an Economics degree.