NEW YORK – The collective Roman world, both the republic and empire, is the longest-lasting centralized national government in history, spanning the ancient world of 753 B.C. to the Middle Ages of 1453. It influenced the course of Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa for more than 2,200 years. Kings, consuls and emperors reigned and ruled as dictators, despots, and enlightened heroes, leaving a legacy of language, art, architecture, religion, science, technology and laws that still shape daily life around the world today. Many of its stories are easily told through its bronze coinage which, once touched, leaves a lasting memory of all of Rome’s achievements, failures and influences. This very basic guide to Roman bronze and copper coins identifies the major ones authorized and minted by the Roman government.