Collapse of the Roman Republic

Punic Wars

• Roman Trade: Mediterranean Sea location was perfect for trade– What did they trade?

• Wine and Olive Oil for food, raw materials, and other goods

• 1st Punic War: Rome fought Carthage for control of Sicily and won– Carthage (Phoenicians) interrupted Roman

trade

Punic Wars

• 2nd Punic War: Hannibal (Carthage) attacked Rome by crossing the Alps (Mts.)

• 3rd Punic War: Scipio (Rome) attacked and destroyed Carthage– Roman Empire was then unmatched in the

Mediterranean World!

Collapse of the Roman Republic

• Setting the Stage: As Rome enlarged its territory; its republican form of government grew increasingly unstable. Eventually, the Roman Republic gave way to the formation of a mighty dictator-ruled empire that continued to spread Rome’s influence far and wide.

Collapse of the Roman Republic

Collapse

1. Economic TurmoilLarge gap between rich and poor Romans

Collapse of the Roman Republic

Collapse

1. Economic TurmoilLarge gap between rich and poor Romans

2. Civil War

Collapse of the Roman Republic

Collapse

1. Economic TurmoilLarge gap between rich and poor Romans

2. Civil War3. Military Upheaval Breakdown in loyalty

Collapse of the Roman Republic

Collapse

1. Economic TurmoilLarge gap between rich and poor Romans

2. Civil War3. Military Upheaval Breakdown in loyalty

4. Caesar becomes Dictator

Collapse of the Roman Republic

Collapse

1. Economic TurmoilLarge gap between rich and poor Romans

2. Civil War3. Military Upheaval Breakdown in loyalty

4. Caesar becomes Dictator5. Death of Caesar Leads to war and Octavian becomes “Augustus” Caesar or “Exalted One”