The document provides an overview of the Roman Empire from its origins in 753 BC to its height in 117 AD. It discusses how Rome was founded on seven hills along the Tiber River in central Italy, about 30 km from the Mediterranean Sea, which helped it rise to power. At its peak in 117 AD, the Roman Empire spanned most of Europe. Students are assigned a homework to create a map of the Roman Empire at this time labeling countries with their modern and ancient names, and to research the populations of Rome and other major cities in 117 AD.