CHW 3MThe Pax Romana

From the time of Augusta to the rule of Marcus Aurelius Rome would see 200 years without any major conflict. This time period is known as the Pax Romana or The Roman Peace. During this time period Rome would be ruled by many emperors, some good, some bad and some just plane mean.

Tiberius (14-37AD)• Augustus stepson• tried to emulate Augustus but failed• ruthless, corrupt and paranoid (power made this worse)• unpopular with the Senate and citizens or Rome

Caligula (37-41AD)• Tiberius great nephew• brought up in army camps (little boots)• though to be clinically insane• assassinated by royal guards.

Claudius (41-54AD)• Tiberius nephew• crippled by childhood disease (many though he couldn’t rule Rome)• tried to cooperate with senate and proved to be very capable ruler• extend Roman territory• provided grant money to citizens. • poisoned (???) by 4th wife Agrippina

The Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Nero (54-68 AD)Claudius’ 16 year old step son, Nero, was now sole heir to the thrown.

• mother Agrippina tried to influence her son• in early year Nero gives power to senate

• kills mother

The Great Fire of Rome

In 64BC Tine was rocked by a huge fire. Nero was away when it started and hurried back to help the Romans. Because of his often bizarre conduct, rumours spread through Rome that Nero started the fire He quickly diverted attention away from him.

• blamed the Christians• savagely killed 1000’s of Christians

With his mother out of the way Nero was free to indulge his every whim. For Nero this meant• killing those he mistrusted• appearing in public as a poet, musician, actor & charioteer

Nero became more and more unpopular in Rome and eventually killed himself in 68AD, with no heir. After Nero’s death Rome was thrown into chaos and would be ruled by four different emperors in that year.

One such Rebellion that was crushed was in Judea. The temple was destroyed and its treasured carried to Rome

Vespasian (69-79AD)• Roman army commander of Plebeian background• brought stability and prosperity back to Rome• overhauled tax system•Increased provincial tributes•Insisted on honesty in financial affairs• crushed rebellions in provinces

The Coliseum was build under Vespasian

The Flavian Dynasty

After Vespasian death’s his sons would become emperors

Titus (79-81AD)• “the love and delight of mankind”• extremely generous and popular• died of fever

Domitian (81-96AD)• extremely sadistic• accused and killed many for treason• persecuted and killed many Christians• assassinated

Nerva (81-96AD)• hand selected to be ruler by Domitian assassins• ruled wisely and fair• started new tradition

emperor could be handpicked by successor

(didn’t have to be family)

The Five Good Emperors

Trajan (98-117AD)• a Spaniard and first emperor of provincial origin• warrior empire expanded Roman territory to greatest extent• great administrator• admired by every class

Hadrian (117-138AD)• “most gifted emperor since Julius Caesar”• accomplished builder, architect and surveyor• immediately gave up territory Trajan conquered hard to control• spent majority of later years touring Europe (keep troop moral high)

By the end of the 200 years of peace, Rome’s army would become lax and the Empire would become strained. The Pax Romana would end during the reign of Marcus Aurelius (117-138BC) who spent much of his reign fighting the barbarian tribe who had amassed outside Roman territory waiting for their chance to strike.

Rome had 400 000 troops, however this was not enough for Rome’s ever expanding land

28provinces

Augustus100provinces

Marcus Aurelius

Rome’s 200 year peace did however come at a high price for the common man, as many civil liberties were lost.