Download From Republic to Empire

The Roman Republic and Empire
• Essential Question: How did the
government of Rome develop into an
empire?
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
Witness History Audio: Augustus Becomes Emperor
Establishing a Republic
In 509 B.C., the Romans broke free of Etruscan rule and formed a republic in which the people
choose some officials. Various governing bodies regulated Roman life, such as the senate.
Plebeians had to fight to gain political power.
With the help of citizen-soldiers, Rome came to control most of the Italian peninsula by about
270 B.C
Rome=Republic=Representatives
1 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
From Republic to Empire
Rome expanded around the Mediterranean and in the process fought the African city-state of
Carthage in the Punic Wars between 246 B.C. and 146 B.C. In the end, Rome destroyed
Carthage and gained control of its lands and peoples. In the eastern Mediterranean, Rome
regained lands that had been conquered by Alexander the Great.
Note Taking Transparency 50B
2 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
From Republic to Empire continued
Political leaders and the senate fought civil wars in Rome, and the empire came to rely on paid
soldiers who were loyal to their commanders over the state. Julius Caesar became dictator and
was killed in 44 B.C., which brought on more civil wars.
Octavian became emperor in 31 B.C. and took the title of Augustus. He created a civil service to
enforce laws and imposed a fairer tax system. He ushered in the pax Romana, which was a
200-year period of peace.
Geography Interactive: Roman Empire, A.D. 117
3 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
Roman Law
Roman laws united the empire. Civil law and the law of nations were merged to apply to everyone in
the empire. The Twelve Tables were the written set of laws. Many Roman principles of law are still
practiced today. One of Rome’s greatest legacies to the modern world was the idea that laws
should be written down and apply equally to all citizens.
Color Transparency 4: The Key Principals of Roman Law
Witness History Audio: Cicero, On the Laws
4 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
Greco-Roman Civilization
Roman writers imitated Greek styles but wrote in Latin. Roman historians recorded their civilization’s
highs and lows. The Hellenistic philosophy of Stoicism influenced many Roman thinkers. GreccoRoman views of moral duties of individuals stated that man’s duty is to the state.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
5 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition
Section 2: The Roman Republic and Empire
Greco-Roman Religion
Romans conquered the lands that used to belong to Greece and essentially absorbed Greek gods
into Roman culture by changing their names and making them more militaristic. They were
polytheists (belief in more than one god) and were tolerant of other religions so long as those
religions were also polytheistic.
5 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 50A
6 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 50B
7 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 2
Color Transparency 4: The Key Principals of Roman Law
8 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency (1 of 2)
9 of 10
Sources of the Democratic Tradition: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency (2 of 2)
10 of 10