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Here's an interesting video that supports the theory that Augustan Rome had a greater population density than the modern Manhattan borough in New York City. First, one needs to assume that the population at the time of Augustus was 800,000 to 1,200,000. Using the layout of the city of Rome outlined in the Severan Map created in 203-11 AD (known as Forma Urbis Romae), one is able to calculate the area of Rome 24 km2 (Museo della Civilta Romana, Rome, Italy/De Agostini Picture Library/Bridgeman Images) FRAGMENT OF THE FORMA URBIS ROMAE. DATE: A.D. 203–211. MATERIAL: Marble, DIMENSIONS: 26 inches by 23.6 inches. FOUND: Rome, Italy. Using population calculated from records of grain and pork supplied to the city, the video proposes that the population density of Augustan Rome was greater than modern Manhattan. Augustan Rome: 41,500 persons / km2 Manhattan, NYC: 28,000 persons / km2 Hong Kong: 6,300 persons / km2 Even if this is a gross exaggeration, Ancient Rome was incredible for its infrastructure planning and services. The video suggests how the population of Ancient Rome could be so dense: Brief article on the Forma Urbis Romae: https://www.archaeology.org/issues/337-1905/features/7547-maps-rome-forma-urbis-romae

Parthia, not Persia, though the region is the same. His motive is discussed by Cassius Dio as being about glory and territorial expansion, although there's been some debate about economic motives that haven't really convinced everyone. Now Dio was always a bit revisionist and critical of the Roman leaders - he refers to them as 'kings by another name' so bear that in mind when considering what he said about Trajan. Parthia had of course been a thorn in the side of Rome for a long time already and possibly Trajan was hoping to resolve the problem by conquest, as indeed he did with Dacia.

The reason for the European renaissance lies beyond Europe No it most certainly does not. It emerges from the Republic that encouraged free thinking in Florence, Italy, in the 16th century. Eastern advances were ignored by the West for the most part.