Foundation is the science fiction trilogy written by Isaac Asimov. The book was first published in 1951 by Gnome Press. The story is based on the fall of the Roman Empire. Asimov uses Galactic Empire to depict the collapse of the Roman Empire. Foundation comprises of the five related short stories. The story is set in the future when humans have conquered the galaxy. The author presents Hari Seldon, the protagonist, who uses mathematics and probability to predict the future. Using his projection, Seldon discovers the gradual collapse of the Empire. However, his discovery annoys aristocratic rulers, and he is exiled to Terminus along with his allies.
In exile, the group continues with their project. The mayor of Terminus City, Salvor Hardin, feels threatened by a new political movement called the actionist party, which challenges the military dominance of the four kingdoms. The most challenging kingdom is Anacreon, whose ruler is Prince Regent Wienis. Wienis informs Hardin that a nuclear ship is about to destroy the Foundation. However, Hardin asserts that he is aware of the attack and people of Anacreon would thwart it. Soon after, the royal palace is surrounded by masses demanding the release of Hardin. Seldon appears before the foundation and warns it of imminent challenges.
Generally, the author presents the characters who struggle to understand the projection developed by the protagonist. The struggling characters wonder whether their future can be projected by mere mathematics. Just like Roman Empire, Galactic Empire experienced both internal and external pressures. The mention of neighboring planets that threaten the Galactic Empire mirrors the bordering neighbors that threatened the Roman Empire.
