Caesar Augustus

The Decline of the Roman Empire Continued…

Octavian

Antony

Antony & Cleopatra!

- In the meantime, Antony was a little « occupied » in Egypt.

- He was in love with Cleopatra. - Even though Antony already had a wife (Octavian’s sister) he married Cleopatra anyway.

- Their control was quickly opposed.

The Battle of Actium• Conflict between Octavian and Antony soon erupted (31 BCE)

• Antony had allied himself with the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra

• In 31 BC Octavian’s naval forces clashed with those of Antony & Cleopatra at The Battle of Actium off the coast of Greece.

• Octavian emerged victorious and Antony & Cleopatra killed themselves.

Caesar Augustus• Octavian seized complete control of Rome, became Rome’s first Emperor.

• He was given the title of Augustus (Highest One)

• He was careful not to flaunt his power. Preferred to be called Princeps (1st Citizen) rather than Emperor

• Introduced key political and social reforms that led to an increase in Roman art and culture!

• Things he did:• Created the Praetorian Guard (body guard for the

emperor and his family)• Shared control over Provinces with the Senate• Allowed Kings in border regions to keep their thrones, so

long as they maintained peace.• Ordered a census (population survey)• Created a more uniform tax system to promote equal and

fair treatment• Awarded well-paid positions in the civil service based on

talent and merit, rather than class• Spent money on religion and religious institutions.

• He went on to rule for 45 years

Emperors to follow…• Several emperors that followed Augustus were his descendants… Two were notorious tyrants (bullies) and many of them were treated with resentment by the Romans.

• For example…

Tiberius – unpopular because he tried to be economical

and spent very little money on games.

Caligula – known for being spiteful and insane; Offended the Senate

with his behavior – named one of his horses

Consul; was eventually assassinated.

Nero – vain, cruel and revengeful;

Assassinated many people (real or imagined),

blamed for a large, disastrous fire that swept through Rome.

Pax Romana

Senate and Military take the lead…• After Nero’s death, the army and the Senate took a more active role in deciding who became emperor.

• Led to an era called “Five Good Emperors”• Each emperor selected a younger, capable colleague

to train as “Caesar” or to become their successor.

• During this period of Rome’s history the emperors kept the Senate informed, submitted legislation for its approval and consulted with them regularly.

• Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius

Pax Romana• The “Five Good Emperors” resulted in nearly a century of stability for Rome.• Very few disturbances, taxes were kept low and

work was provided.

• Pax Romana (“Roman Peace”) was a period where Roman civilization developed and flourished.• Trading expanded• Hundreds of cities were linked by paved roads• Latin became the common language

Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Reasons for the “official”

Social Causes

~ The population decreased because of war and disease.

~ Christianity

~ The decrease in patriotism

Economic causes ~ The rise in taxes to

support the growing army.

~ Dependence on slave labour

~ The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer

Military causes

~ Poor training.

~ The army is starting to deteriorate (mercenaries)

~ Threats on the borders (Huns)

~ Invasions!!!!

Industrial causes

~ Dependence on slave labour

~ lack of new technology

Exterior Threats

~ The nice climate and rich farm lands attracted Barbarian tribes.

~ By the 5th century, Rome was completely controlled by Barbarians.