Some things stayed the same: When the Roman Republic failed, and Rome became an Empire, ruled by emperors, some things stayed the same.  Families still lived in one home. Old age was still honored. Everyone had to worship the Roman gods. The center of each town was still the Forum. The rich lived in beautiful homes. The poor worked all the time. 

Some things changed: Although the Senate met and argued, and had advisory power, the real power was now in the hands of an all-powerful emperor. The Roman people would never have accepted a king. However, they seemed to have no problem accepting the leadership of a dictator, who called himself an emperor. 

Under Augustus, the first Roman emperor, the people got used to being ruled by one leader.

For nearly 500 years, Rome was an Empire

Interactive Map

Maps of War (animated)  

Roman Emperors 

Ancient Rome