Chapter 15 explores the Roman Empire from the rule of Augustus, its first emperor, to its fall to Germanic invaders more than 400 years later.

Section 1 explains how Augustus ruled the Roman Empire, bringing renewed organization and peace to Rome and pride and a new sense of patriotism to its citizens.

Section 2 describes what happened to trade and law in the Roman Empire during the 200-year period known as the Pax Romana.

Section 3 explains what family life, education, and leisure activities were like for the one million citizens who lived in Rome during the Pax Romana.

Section 4 covers the period after the Pax Romana ended and explains why the Roman Empire collapsed: the lack of a formal rule concerning who was to inherit the throne, inflation, and attacks by Germanic invaders. A chart lists the accomplishments of the emperors who reigned during the Pax Romana.