There's reason for optimism heading into the third week of the season. The current expanded playoff format has been in place since 1990. In the 14 seasons that have followed, 24 teams have started a campaign with at least two losses and eventually made the playoffs. Some even made deep playoff runs.
Rome and Han. One similarity between the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty were that they were both very advanced societies, with a great political system. The difference between the Roman Empire and the Han Dynasty was that the Romans were sort of a republic, where they got to choose their leader.
Then you Have Augustus Octavian who brought Rome to a Golden Age, or Pax Romana. This was a time when the Colosseum was built and there was peace among the whole empire. Location, resources, and great leaders all contributed to the rise of the great Roman Empire.