Download Rome: Conflict and Crisis

BELLWORK
1. Describe the two versions of Rome’s creation –
legend vs. reality
2. Explain how geography effected Roman civilization.
3. Before the republic was established, how was Rome
ruled?
4. What is a republic?
5. THINKER: Even though the Romans promised never
to have a king again, tyrants will eventually come to
power. How? Why were individuals able to come to
power even though this went against their promise of
a republic?
Is the U.S. a republic or democracy?
• Democracy is a form of government in
which the people decide policy matters
directly--through town hall meetings or by
voting on ballot proposals.
• A republic is a system in which the people
choose representatives who, in turn, make
policy decisions on their behalf
Is the U.S. a republic or
democracy?
Rome: Conflict and Crisis
Roman Expansion
• Punic Wars: 264BC-146BC, series of
three wars between Rome and the NorthAfrican city state of Carthage.
• Both wanted control of western
Mediterranean.
• Rome was victorious and captured all
cities from the Mediterranean to Spain to
Asia Minor.
Carthaginian General Hannibal crossing the
Alps during the Second Punic War.
Romans attack
on Carthage
Romans attack
on Carthage
The Republic in Crisis
• Rome’s military expansion encompassed
multiple countries with no regard to their way of
life/culture  REVOLT!
• Roman officials overtaxed residents  REVOLT!
• Wealthy Romans acquired large estates and
used slaves to work their land – this put small
farmers out of their business and homes 
REVOLT!
• Putting down these revolts cost Rome a lot of
troops, money, and resources.
Reform
• In the 50’s BC, Julius Caesar, took over the
government and named himself dictator.
• Expanded empire to Gaul (France)
• Gave jobs to unemployed, public land to the
poor, and citizenship to conquered peoples.
• Some Romans loved Caesar for his reforms,
others saw him as a tyrant who meant to end
the republic and make himself king.
• On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated
by a group of government officials.
Caesar’s Assassination
• March 15, 44BC Cesar was to appear at a meeting of the
Senate.
• As he arrived, the group of conspirators gathered around him
pretending to show support.
• Cimber approached him to sign a document and pulled him
down by his shoulders then Casca stabbed him in the neck
• Within moments, the entire group (including Brutus) was
gathered around him on the steps of Senate stabbing him.
• Around 60 men participated in the assassination and Cesar
was stabbed 23 times
• His last words were “You too, Brutus?” as he realized his best
friend was involved in the plot
• Brutus and his followers marched through Rome shouting
“People of Rome, we are once again free!”
• Caesar’s dead body lay on the Senate floor for three hours
• In the following chaos, Augustus Cesar led a series of 5 civil
wars which ended with the reformation of the Roman Empire.
Roman Society Jigsaw