Abi History on Instagram: "The Roman Empire began as a small city-state on the banks of the Tiber River in the 8th century BC. It first grew into the Roman Kingdom, then became the Roman Republic around 509 BC. During the Republic, Rome expanded across Italy and the Mediterranean, defeating powers like Carthage and Greece. The Republic faced civil wars and power struggles between generals and senators. By 27 BC, Augustus became the first emperor, marking the start of the Roman Empire. This perio