Ancient Rome Republic to Empire From a Republic to an Empire 509 B.C. – 476 A.D

Ancient RomeAncient RomeRepublic to EmpireRepublic to Empire

From a Republic to an EmpireFrom a Republic to an Empire

509 B.C. – 476 A.D.509 B.C. – 476 A.D.

The Republic’s Military• The Roman army was

divided into smaller groups called legions

• Roman soldiers were called legionaries

• Because of the strength of the military, Rome began to expand

The Punic WarsRome vs. Carthage

• Carthage

– City-state on Northern coast of Africa

– Dominated western Mediterranean trade

Punic Wars• Cause: Both Rome and Carthage wanted to

control the Mediterranean Sea

Results of Punic Wars

1. Rome wins the wars

2. Rome now controls the Mediterranean Sea

Our Sea

The Rise of Julius CaesarThe Rise of Julius Caesar• Caesar was elected consul in

60 B.C.• Caesar became part of the

First Triumvirate (government run by three people)– They shared power

• Caesar seen as a military hero after conquering many territories for Rome– “Veni, vidi, vici…”

The Rise of Julius CaesarThe Rise of Julius Caesar• Results

– As Caesar became more powerful the Triumvirate falls apart

– Senate demands that Caesar return to Rome w/out his army

– Civil war ensues– Caesar hailed as dictator

for life in 45 B.C.

1. Many feared Caesar would assume title of king & set up a dynasty

2. 60 members of Senate plot to kill him

3. The Ides of March (15th) stabbed 23x’s

Mourners lay flowers at the site of his demise

Who Will Rule?Who Will Rule?

4. After Caesar’s death, there was a power struggle between two men: Mark Antony and Octavian

Who Will Rule?Who Will Rule?5. Civil war breaks out

between Antony and Octavian

6. Antony becomes involved with Cleopatra in Egypt

7. Eventually both Cleopatra and Antony commit suicide

8. Octavian becomes the main ruler of Rome and decides to end the republic.

Roman EmpireRoman EmpireEstablishedEstablished

•The 500-year old republic comes to an end.

•Octavian changes his name to Augustus and becomes Rome’s first emperor in 31 BC

2

Roman EmpireRoman EmpireAugustus laid the Augustus laid the foundation for a stable foundation for a stable government that government that would function well for would function well for 200 years. This period 200 years. This period was called the was called the Pax Pax RomanaRomana. .

Pax Romana: 200 Pax Romana: 200 years of Roman peace years of Roman peace and prosperityand prosperity

2

The Empire ExpandsThe Empire ExpandsThe Empire ExpandsThe Empire Expands

• Empire expands after Augustus rules

• A.D. 117 reached biggest size

• Now controls: Egypt, Carthage, Spain, Gaul, Italy, Greece, Asia Minor, Syria, and Palestine

The Empire ExpandsThe Empire ExpandsThe Empire ExpandsThe Empire Expands

How did the empire maintain control and How did the empire maintain control and communication?communication?

Two ReformersTwo Reformers

1.1. Divided the Divided the empire into two empire into two parts to make it parts to make it easier to governeasier to govern

DiocletianDiocletian

Two ReformersTwo Reformers

• Granted toleration to Christians, which led Granted toleration to Christians, which led to the rapid growth of Christianityto the rapid growth of Christianity

• Built a new capital at Constantinople, Built a new capital at Constantinople, making the eastern part of the empire the making the eastern part of the empire the center of power center of power

ConstantineConstantine

Divided Roman EmpireDivided Roman Empire

Roman AchievementsRoman Achievements

• Developed rounded domeDeveloped rounded dome

• Improved the Greek column and arch

ArchitectureArchitecture

Colosseum & Circus MaximusColosseum & Circus Maximus• Colosseum 80 A.D.

– Held gladiator & animal fights

– Held 50,000 people• Circus Maximus

– Held chariot races– Held 250,000– Bread and Circus

Policy

Colosseum & Circus MaximusColosseum & Circus Maximus

ColosseumColosseum

Roman AchievementsRoman Achievements

• Created aqueducts for piped water

• Built an extensive road systemOver 50,000 miles

TechnologyTechnology

The Roman Road System

Engineering Wonders…Engineering Wonders…

Roman EngineeringRoman Engineering

AccomplishmentsAccomplishments

Roman RoadsRoman Roads

Roman SocietyRoman Society

Family was the center of Family was the center of Roman society.Roman society.

Roman SocietyRoman SocietyMenMen: Absolute power in all areas of society, : Absolute power in all areas of society,

especially the home!especially the home!

WomenWomen: Able to own property; not shut away like : Able to own property; not shut away like Greek womenGreek women