THE ROMAN EMPIRE

The Roman Empire was the largest empire of the ancient world. Its capital was Rome, and its empire was based on the Mediterranean. The empire dates from 27 BC, when Octavian became The Emperor.

The empire was the third stage of Ancient Rome. Rome was first ruled by Roman kings, then by the Roman Republic, then by an emperor.

Many modern lands were once part of the Roman Empire, including Britain, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Germany, Egypt and the north coast of Africa.

The main language of the Roman Empire was Latin; Greek was an important secondary language.

ROME

POMPEII RUINS

Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and provides outstanding information on the art, customs, trades and everyday life of the past.

Read more...

POMPEII, THE BEST PRESERVED ANCIENT ROMAN CITY

MONET: French Impressionist Artist

On 14 November 1840 a second son was born to Adolphe and Louise-Justine Monet of 45 Rue Laffitte, in the 9th arrondissement (district) of Paris. Both parents were second-generation Parisians; they had the baby christened Oscar-Claude at the church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, and called him Oscar for short. Oscar's early years were permeated (filled) with music, on account of his mother's talent as a singer. No one has managed to ascertain (make sure of) what his father did, though he may have been in business.

(From the book: Monet the ultimate impressionist by Thames & Hudson)