If there were something that covered the whole timeline of the Roman Empire that would be great. It would be okay if it concerned itself more with central Rome and the things that happened there, but I am quite interested in both the east and west imperial activities, expansions, governings, etc. as well.

I know that asking for a single book that covers absolutely everything at something more than a surface level might be asking too much, so I'm willing to break it down a little into different topics and areas. But I feel that a general sort of understanding might be necessary to appreciate anything more focused. However, I'm willing to be wrong on that account.