A strong military
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Based on "The Institutes" Corupus Iurus Civilis or the Justinian Code, was the result of Emperor Justinian's desire that existing Roman law be collected into a simple and clear system of laws, or "code." Tribonian, a legal minister under Justinian, lead a group of scholars in a 14-month effort to codify existing Roman law. The result was the first Justinian Code, completed in 529. This code was later expanded to include Justinian's own laws, as well as two additional books on areas of the law. In 534, the Justinian Code, made up of the Code, the Digest, and the Institutes, was completed. http://orias.berkeley.edu/summer2004/summer2004JustinianCode.htm
The crusades
Yes, Spartacus was a very good person, but, like all heroes, he had a tragic flaw - his desire to rule the Roman Empire after ravaging the countryside and marching on Rome. But a senior, chubby bloke named Crassus marched to Mount Vesuvius and smashed their dreams. With it, over 1 million gladiators were disappointed, although they eventually died. On the Appian Way.
Elite competition (in order for the elite to gain power they had to gain notoriety - Africanus showed them the way - by winning wars against Rome's enemies). Additionally, there was a growing desire for arable land (due to the growing number of latifundia in Italy) on which to settle colonies and vetrans from the legions. Additionally, the need for money (which was largely drawn from taxing landowners) to maintain the spiralling cost of the legions created a somewhat perpetual expansion of Roman territory.
A surplus of basic commodities which can be diverted to other than mere subsistence. Security from predators. The desire to cooperate to develop common goals. The desire for cultural and sovial development. Stable government to control and coordinate activities.