Rome was founded as a Republic to start and became an empire based on military and economic might with an oligarchy of powerfull men under a string of emperors of mixed ability, many possibly brain damaged by lead vessels polluting their wine. Rome's economy was based on slave labour with most of the goods and services produced in outlying areas. The military itself became an almost mercenary force of foriegn troops often fighting their own people. In the end Rome even split into two empires with a single recognised official religion of christianity. I've always been a Vercingatorix and Boudicca supporter myself. Druids respect trees <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />