For more than 500 years, the Roman Empire served as an example of what Western civilization could be. The poets, politicians, artists and merchants were the absolute best at their respective occupations, unmatched elsewhere in the world. Soon after the Empire was founded, Rome ushered in an era of piece and prosperity that allowed its citizens to enjoy tremendous wealth and privilege.
None of that would have been possible without Rome’s military prowess, of course. As early as the Punic Wars, which were fought against Hannibal and the Carthaginian Empire around 200 BCE, Rome set itself apart as a well-disciplined and technologically advanced war machine. Roman armor was distinctive for mixing protective capability with lightness and maneuverability.