Download Rome`s Growing Empire

From Republic to Empire
Disorder in the Republic
Rome in the 70s BC was a dangerous place. Politicians and generals went to war
to increase their power even as political order broke down in Rome. There were
politically inspired riots to restore the power of the tribunes (assembly). All the while,
more and more people from throughout the republic flooded into the city further
adding to the confusion.
Calls for Change
Some Romans tried to stop the chaos in Rome’s government. One such person
was Cicero, a philosopher and gifted orator, or public speaker. He called on
Patricians to work together, limit the power of the generals, and support the Senate and
the division of power in the three branched of the Republic.
Caesar’s Rise to Power
General, Patrician, Senator, and Co-Consul, Julius Caesar, (100 -44 BCE), in
the “Gallic Wars”, captured lands stretching from northern Italy across Gaul (France
and Belgium) to Britain (58 BC to 50 BC). Romans admired Caesar for his bravery
and skill in battle. His soldiers respected him for treating them well. Caesar’s military
success made him a key figure in Roman politics. In addition to being a strong leader,
Caesar was an excellent speaker. He won many supporters with his speeches in the
Roman Forum. Caesar also had powerful friends. He made an alliance with two of
Rome’s most influential men, Pompey and Crassus. Together the three ruled Rome.
Challenges to Caesar’s Power
The partnership lasted for about 10 years, but after his triumphs, Caesar was so
popular that event his friends were jealous. In 50 BC Pompey’s allies in the Senate
recalled Caesar back to Rome and to give up command of his armies. However, Caesar
knowing that he would be killed, crossed the Rubicon River, the boundary between
Gaul and Italy and marched into Rome with his army in 49 BCE. Julius Caesar was
angry that the Roman Republic had become corrupt and was not meeting the needs of
the people.
Many Senators fled Rome in fear of retaliation. Caesar’s army defeated Pompey’s
forces in Greece in 48 BC. Pompey was killed in Egypt. In control of the government,
Caesar continued to gain more power. Also, Caesar became dictator of Rome! He still
had to work with the Roman Senate – who felt he was not following the laws of the
republic. Afraid of his gaining strength, the Roman Senate assassinated Caesar – by
stabbing him to death! The date was March 15, 44BCE – know as the ”Ides of
March.”
The End of the Roman Republic
With Caesar dead, most thought rule would go to his close friend and general,
Mark Antony. However, Caesar left power to his great-nephew and adopted son, the
18 year-old Octavian. Who will gain power?
Twelve years after Julius Caesar was assassinated, his adopted son Octavian
came to power. This happened as the result of a brief civil war between Octavian’s
forces and forces supporting Mark Antony & Cleopatra.
Antony and Octavian
After Caesar had died, Marc Antony and Octavian worked together fighting
and killing those who killed Julius Caesar. After this civil war Antony and Caesar
began competing for power. In 41 BCE, Mark Antony fled to Egypt where he and
Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt had met, fell in love, and were soon married. To marry
Cleopatra, Antony had to divorce his wife, Octavia, who was the sister of Octavian!
Antony and Cleopatra then became rivals of Octavian for the leadership of Rome,
leading to another civil war. When Antony and Cleopatra’s armies were defeated, both
committed suicide, in 30 BCE, rather than being taken back to Rome and killed there.
Octavian Becomes Emperor
In 27 BCE, Octavian became as strong a ruler as Julius Caesar had been. When
Caesar became dictator, some people – especially certain members of the Senate –
were afraid he had too much power. But now people welcomed strong rule by one man.
They had become convinced that it was the only way to have peace and good
government.
Unlike Caesar, Octavian took advice from the Senate and gave them
various duties and powers. This pleased the Senators. The Senate gave Octavian
the title “Augustus”, which in Roman times was a name referring to a very important
position. Augustus, however, was more interested in being a good ruler than being an
all powerful one. Also, August gained a new title, Caesar. He would now be known as
Caesar Augustus. All future emperors also took the title of Caesar.
The period during which Augustus ruled saw the end of the Roman Republic and
the beginning of the Roman Empire. Rome no longer was a republic because
elected officials no longer headed the government. The government was now
led by an absolute ruler, an “emperor”. However, Rome still had a Senate and an
Assembly – they just did not work the same under the rule of an emperor.
Rome’s Growing Empire
Augustus ruled the Roman Empire for more than 40 years. During this time,
called the Augustan Age, the empire continued to expand. To help protect the
enormous amount of land under his control, Augustus sent military forces along its
borders, which now extended northward to the Rhine and Danube Rivers.
Rome’s Accomplishments
The first 200 years of the Roman Empire was a time of general peace and
prosperity. Stable government and a well-run army helped Rome grow wealthy in
safety. There were no major wars or rebellions in the empire. These were good times
for citizens of Rome. The years came to be known as “Pax Romana”, or Roman
Peace 27 BCE to 180 AD.
Science and Engineering
While the Roman army kept peace, architects and engineers built many new
public buildings, baths, arenas, temples, colosseums, aqueducts and roads.
Trade
Trade increased, with olive oil, wine, pottery, marble, and grain being shipped all
across the Mediterranean. Lighthouses were constructed, too, to help ships find their
way into port.
Literature and Language
The Augustan Age was also a time for great Roman literature. One of the most
famous works of the age is the Aeneid. This long poem tells the story of Rome’s
founding. Augustus himself asked the famous poet Virgil to write it.
Latin was the language of the Romans. It later developed into other languages.
Called Romance Languages. They include: Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and
Romanian. Latin also influences other languages, including English. Words such as et
cetera (etc), circus, and veto are Latin words in our language. Latin words are also
common in scientific terms and mottoes.
Law
Rome’s greatest influence may have been in the field of law. Roman law was enforced across much of Europe.
Even after the empire fell, Roman laws continued to exist in the kingdoms that followed. Today, our society
continues to use Roman Laws: innocent until proven guilt, trial by jury, witnesses in a trial, etc.
1. What struggles did the Roman Republic face before it became an Empire?
2. What role did Julius Caesar, Antony and Octavian play in ending the Roman
Republic?
3. Explain how the government was different under the rule of Octavian.
4. The Pax Romana or Roman Peace was a time of greatness. Provide at least 3-5
details on how Rome improved.
5. What struggles did the Roman Republic face before it became an Empire?
6. What role did Julius Caesar, Antony and Octavian play in ending the Roman
Republic?
7. Explain how the government was different under the rule of Octavian.
8. The Pax Romana or Roman Peace was a time of greatness. Provide at least 3-5
details on how Rome improved.
9. What struggles did the Roman Republic face before it became an Empire?
10.What role did Julius Caesar, Antony and Octavian play in ending the Roman
Republic?
11.Explain how the government was different under the rule of Octavian.
12.The Pax Romana or Roman Peace was a time of greatness. Provide at least 3-5
details on how Rome improved.
13.What struggles did the Roman Republic face before it became an Empire?
14.What role did Julius Caesar, Antony and Octavian play in ending the Roman
Republic?
15.Explain how the government was different under the rule of Octavian.
16.The Pax Romana or Roman Peace was a time of greatness. Provide at least 3-5
details on how Rome improved.