The Romans left a legacy of technological achievements rivaled by few peoples until the advent of the Industrial Revolution. And yet, in view of the Industrial Revolution and the many technological advances to follow, scholars have been divided about evaluating the success of the Romans. As archaeological work continues to show, the Romans employed an astounding array of devices and methods in building up the empire, in architecture, weaponry, mining, medicine, harvesting, and more. At its peak, the empire also brought widespread stability and economic success. Most of the innovations in technology, however, such as blowing glass, belonged to other peoples and the Romans would expand or intensify the use and production of such items. In some cases, a new technology was known (such as the principle for the steam engine) but the Romans never developed it...