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The Romans, initially a minor principality, saw an impressive growth trajectory, absorbing Italic tribes and establishing themselves as a formidable power. Their expansion significantly contributed to the consolidation of Latin culture across various territories, with full citizenship gradually being extended to Italian tribes.
As the Roman Empire expanded, it acquired vast regions, enriching itself with a mix of cultures and languages. The once-diverse Italian peninsula emerged as a wealthy epicenter of trade and culture, shaping the course of Western civilization. However, the Empire eventually fragmented, giving rise to a host of independent city-states and regions as power shifted.