When the Roman Empire reached its peak in 117 CE under Emperor Trajan, it spanned an astonishing 2.5 million sq. miles (6.5 million km²) across Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It was one of the largest empires in world history, and many people believe that Rome was its center of operations. But this is not really the case.
While Rome held significant influence and impact on the Empire, most of its power actually resided elsewhere. The fall of Rome did not spell the end, and people might have even been better off for it.
So, why was Rome not the center? And where was it really? Click on to find out.