The ancient Romans were the people of Rome, a powerful civilization that thrived from the founding of the city in 753 BCE until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE. They made significant contributions across various fields:

1. Architecture and Engineering: The Romans are renowned for their impressive structures, including the Colosseum, aqueducts, and roads. They developed concrete and perfected the arch, which allowed for larger and more durable buildings.

2. Law and Governance: Roman law laid the foundation for modern legal systems. The Twelve Tables and later legal codes influenced concepts of justice, rights, and citizenship.

3. Literature and Philosophy: Roman writers like Virgil, Horace, and Cicero made lasting contributions to literature and rhetoric, while philosophers such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius explored ethics and Stoicism.

4. Military Innovation: The Roman military was highly organized and disciplined, leading to successful conquests and the expansion of their empire across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

5. Public Infrastructure: Romans created extensive networks of roads, public baths, and forums, which facilitated trade and communication across their vast empire.

These achievements significantly influenced the development of Western civilization and continue to impact various aspects of modern society.