The Roman Empire was born almost three thousand years ago in central Italy and left a deep and lasting imprint on the history of Western civilization. "All roads lead to Rome," and Romans exported their goods to and integrated cultures from every corner of the known world. However, after the rise of the empire in 31 BCE, environmental problems, disease and political corruption took their toll. Despite these major issues, students will learn that ultimately, the end of the Roman Empire lay in the dark, cold, unconquerable lands beyond the Alps.