The Roman Empire, in some form or another, existed for around 1500 years, rising from the Ancient Italian capital and going on to dominate Europe and the Mediterranean. Stretching from Britain in the West to Iran in the East and North Africa in the south, the empire was forever at war maintaining and expanding its gigantic borders. This made the life of a Roman soldier a tough and dangerous one, trampling all over the world hoping to see out their service and reap the rewards of glory. And while the politics of Roman life was often complicated and ever-changing, no Roman Emperor was ever stronger than his army: the success, and often life, of an emperor depended on his popularity with the legions and their successes abroad.