At its greatest extent, the Arab Empire controlled 3/4 of the Mediterranean region, the only other empire besides the Roman Empire to control most of the Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea was important to the Roman Empire in that it was a vital trade link with other parts of the Empire, especially the Middle East and North Africa. As Rome grew, it needed the grains and other food from the Levant, and African animals were considered status symbols in the Roman royal courts.
