Download Holy Roman Empire Part 2: Western Europe in the High

Rome Becomes an Empire
Key Question: What causes Rome
to change from a Republic to an
Empire?
Patricians versus Plebeians
• Both the consuls and the
Senate represented the
interests of the
patricians– the
hereditary aristocrats
and wealthy classes
• There were tension
between the Patricians
and Plebeians- poor
working class.
In honor of the Roman
plebeians, freshmen at West
Point are called plebes
Republic Crumbling
• Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi
worked to limit the amount
of conquered land an
individual could hold
• They met strong resistance
from the wealthy and ruling
classes and were both
assassinated (around 120
BC)
• Years of civil wars would
follow. Eventually resulting
an Oligarchy called a
Triumvirate (3 person rule).
First Triumvirate 53-45BC
• For about 8 years
Rome was ruled equally
by three people.
• Julius Caesar
• Gniaus Pompey
• Marcus Crassus
What are some problems with an
Oligarchy?
Another Civil War will breakout
Between Caesar and Pompey
Julius Caesar
“Veni, Vidi, Vici”
“i came, i saw, i conquered”
• The Senate does not trust
Caesar because he is very
popular among the Plebeian
Class.
• Therefore senate exiles him to
Gaul
• Julius Caesar became famous
as a General in Gaul.
• He conquered Gaul and made it
part of the Roman Empire
• Pompey is afraid of Caesars
growing power
Gaul (now mostly France)
Civil War
Julius Caesar
Gnaius Pompey
Pompey and Julius Caesar
fought a Civil war for the
power and control of Rome
Crossing the Rubicon, 49 BC
“Alea iacta est”
“The Die is Cast!”
•Julius Caesar defeats Pompey
on the battlefield
•Pompey flees to Egypt
•Next he turns his sights on
Rome itself.
•To get to Rome he must cross
Rubicon River.
Julius Caesar Crosses The
Rubicon
Julius Caesar is declared
“Dictator for Life” by the
Roman Senate.
Julius Caesar in Egypt
-Caesar chases Pompey to Egypt and meets Cleopatra.
-They have a child together. (Caesarion)
-Cleopatra help convince Caesar to start wearing a crown.
Cleopatra
Julius Caesar
Caesar is Murdered!
• Caesar is Killed by fellow Senators
“Roman
People you are free from Dictatorship” Brutus
Caesar Augustus
• 63 BC-14 AD
• Octavian was winner of 18 years
civil war (Sea Battle of Actium)
• Designated heir of Julius Caesar
• Was of the family of Caesar
(adopted) so he took the name
Caesar
• Given the name Augustus by the
Senate
Battle of Actium
• Cleopatra believed that her son Caeserion was the rightful
Emperor. (She had a point)
• Octivian/Augustus would not have this and sent his best
general, Mark Antony, to deal with her.
• Mark Antony, however, fell for Cleopatra. Soon they both
were planning a coup or government overthrow.
• Octavian assembled a fleet and defeated Antony at the the
sea Battle of Actium.
• Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide.
Rome’s Golden Age
• Under Augustus Rome
reaches its greatest
power.
• By this time Rome has a
vast culture that includes
art and entertainment.
• Gladiators, Chariot racers
are well known.
• Pax Romana- Roman
Piece
Principal Roman Emperors
Roman Exhibit
In Groups you will make a exhibit detailing the
change from Republic to Empire. Create a poster
describing the great change Rome went through
from 120BC-30BC
Your Poster should:
• Explain why the republic fell apart.
• Info about the social division in Rome (Plebeians
and Patricians)
• Include the following people: Tiberious and Gaius
Gracci, Julius Caesar, Pompey, Augustus, Mark
Antony, Cleopatra
Use your notes and book to gather information
about the assignment.