Roman superiority began to decline in the ______ century AD. [originaltext]

Italy enjoyed a highly developed and specialized civilization from about 264 B. C. until the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. Important contributions were made in arts, science, education, religion, and architecture. Remains of Roman aqueducts and amphitheaters can still be seen in various parts of Africa and Europe today. Probably the most lasting of the Roman heritage to the world can be found in law based on Roman legal principles as found in England, Latin America, and the United States, as well as the Roman alphabet which forms the basis of many languages among which are English, Spanish, and German.