Main Article: Roman Empire The Roman Empire was founded by Augustus Caesar in 27 BC. Soon, it became one the leading powers of the world, covering more then 6,000,000 km2. The empire came under assault from invading tribes as the Germanic tribes and the Huns. It was split into the Western Roman Empire that collapsed in 476 and the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) that survived until the merger with Georgia. The Byzantine Empire was merged with the Kingdom of Georgia in 1188 when Queen Tamar of Georgia conquered Constantinople and proclaimed herself Empress regnant of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire is today a major power and important nation.It is ruled by Joash III