Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview: #1 The Romans were a latecomer to the power politics of the Mediterranean. They borrowed many institutions from the Greeks and Phoenicians, but put their own accents on them. #2 The Romans were able to conquer most of the Mediterranean because of the political and military stability that republican institutions and militaristic values provided. The empire's northern fingers reached across the 56th parallel, while the southern edges dipped below 24° N. #3 The Romans ruled over a vast empire, and they could not impose their will on so vast a territory by force alone. They co-opted elites from three continents into their governing class, and by leaving tax collection in the hands of the local gentry, they were able to command a vast empire with only a few hundred high-ranking Roman officials. #4 The Roman Empire was able to defy the grim logic of Malthusian pressure because of its grand bargain. The empire was able to grow, and its people were able to multiply, without pushing the earth's resources to their limit.