It had been some time since Marcellus had first united the two halves of the Roman Empire into a single state. During this time many things had changed, and rapidly too. It had only been a handful of years since the man was just another General in the Roman Army.
Yet during the past few years, advancements into every major field had taken place. Education was undergoing a monumental reform in so far that its subjects were now being based on a modern elementary curriculum.
Whereas the industry of Rome, while still being largely conducted by slave labor, had seen a massive increase in water and animal powered tools/machines. Crucible steel had become a common sight, among the greatest armor and weapons that Rome could offer, and for the first time in centuries there had been a major effort into the reconstruction of roads.