What was the politic status of Rome and how can it be compared with its evolution to today?

Rome began as a Republic before it's imperial period. During its Republican period Rome was relatively small and unimportant. It had trade, but not at the level of nearby Carthage. It had a military but often relied on mercenaries from nearby, warlike peoples.

Its rise was a mix of determination during wars it should have lost, opportunism and luck in the beginning, followed by good organizational skills and flexibility on and off the battlefield.

As a side note, the Han dynasty in China was around at the same time as early Rome and was similarly powerful and populous.

Source: http://www.quora.com/World-History/What-was-the-politic-status-of-Rome-and-how-can-it-be-compared-with-its-evolution-to-today

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