Download Rome #3

Ancient Rome
Problems Develop in Rome
1.
The gap between the rich and the poor grew.
2.
Slaves became the main workers in society instead of the
poor. By 100 BC, slaves formed about 1/3 of the population.
3.
Roman citizens became the worse threat to the Roman Republic.
4.
Two brothers, Tiberius and Gracchus, attempted to reform
Rome’s government. Tiberius was later executed when he
tried to be reelected as consul.
5.
Tiberius’ younger brother, Gracchus, was elected tribune 10
years later. Him and his army were later put to death.
6.
Marius and Sulla, two army leaders, then move to gain
power. Both ruled Rome at different times and would die
peacefully.
Julius Caesar Gains Absolute Power
1.
Caesar was a famous Roman general and a brilliant speaker.
2.
Was appointed governor of a province in Spain.
3.
Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey form the 1st Triumvirate in 60 BC.
4.
Caesar governs the northern part of Italy called Gaul, and
quickly begins expanding.
5.
Senate leaders order him to return to Rome causing a civil
war to break out. (Crossing the Rubicon)
6.
Took power over the Senate and defeated Pompey in 48 BC.
7.
Pompey went to Egypt to gain support, but was murdered.
8.
Caesar is given Pompey’s head as a gift in Egypt.
9.
In 44 BC, Caesar was appointed dictator for 10 years.
10. Changes by Caesar:
-Roman citizenship for people in provinces.
-Senate was expanded to 900 men.
-Created 20 new provinces and gave land to the poor.
-Set up a calendar with 365 days.
11. Many felt he was gaining too much power. Caesar is
murdered on March 15 in 44 BC as he was stabbed to death.
(Ides of March)
After the Death of Caesar
1.
Many thought Octavian would be the next ruler because he
was the adopted son of Caesar.
2.
Octavian, Marc Antony, and Lepidus forced the senate to
give them power. This created the 2nd Triumvirate, which
would rule together for 10 years.
3.
Antony married Octavian’s sister to create a strong alliance.
However, he divorced her when he decided to marry
Cleopatra.
4.
Antony plotted a political takeover, but Octavian won an
important battle at the Sea of Actium. Antony and Cleopatra
then committed suicide.
5.
Octavian was then proclaimed the emperor of Rome.
6.
He was given the name Augustus, or “great one”, and would
rule Rome for 41 years.
Pax Romana, “Roman Peace”
207 years of peace and prosperity for Rome (27 BC - 180 AD)
A Time of Progress
1.
Roman borders measure 10,000 miles/enclosed area of 3
million square miles.
2.
The population of the Roman Empire= between 70-90
million people. Population of Rome= 1 million people.
Augustus Caesar (Octavian)
1.
His rule started the Roman Empire.
2.
Augustus would die at the age of 76 in 14 AD. His
adopted son Tiberius was hailed successor.
3.
His speeches convinced people that he would restore Rome.
4.
As a ruler: Encouraged trade: common coinage (denarius);
eliminated taxes on all trade goods; built aqueducts.
5.
Glorified Rome with construction: used concrete to do so.
6.
Created long-lasting system of government: center of
imperial government= senators were allowed to keep titles
and money making positions in provinces but left the “real”
duties of running the empire up to plebeians and slaves; set
up civil service (salaried, experienced workers)