The conquest by Rome brought profound changes to large parts of Europe. Unprecedented infrastructural works were created, towns sprang up, a ribbon of fortresses was laid out along the frontiers.
The Roman Empire didn’t last in the west, but on its ruins medieval Europe evolved. Franks, Goths, Lombards, Saxons and other groups took over control. The pace of development was slow but major cities developed from which large parts of the world were explored and conquered. From that moment on Europe evolved into the highly industrialised and commercialised continent of today.