<human>:  I want to learn more about the history of the Roman Empire.
<bot>: The Roman Empire began in 27 BC when the political and military reforms of Gaius Julius Caesar's adviser, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, were solidified by Caesar's grandnephew and heir, Augustus. The rise of a unified Roman Empire under the rule of Augustus marked the end of the Roman Republic, a period of intense civil war and instability. The Roman Empire went on to become one of the most influential empires in world history, wielding immense power, prestige, and influence being the longest-lasting empire of antiquity. It was at its peak during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, when its frontiers spanned from Britain to Mesopotamia, encompassing much of modern Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. During its time, the Roman Empire made significant contributions to law and government, language, engineering, and the arts, and developed an extensive infrastructure of roads, aqueducts, mines, and agricultural settlements. Its legacy can still be seen in the ruins of its grand cities, the Latin language in which it was written, and its numerous other influences on modern civilization.