The maps show the development of the Roman Empire. 2 maps. Left: A map titled Roman Republic. Shaded areas include the coast along central north Africa, most of Spain and Portugal, France, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Italy, the coast land from Italy southeast to the Aegean Sea, crossing over to Turkey. Right: A map titled Roman Empire. Shaded areas include the coast of north Africa, all of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, central European countries south of Italy south to Greece, the islands in the Aegean Sea, Turkey and eastward, and the coast land around the Black Sea. How can the Roman Empire’s expansion be described? It reached every continent. It doubled the size of the republic. Roman rule finally reached Africa. Growth in Asia was reduced.