ROME BECOMES AN EMPIRE

Roman Upheaval

• Rome was now the sole power in the Mediterranean and very prosperous.

• But as the territory grew, so did the gap between the rich and poor.

Roman Civil War

• This strife and upheaval between the rich and poor would lead to civil war – a conflict between two groups within the same country.

• Many poor soldiers in the military became discontent and loyal to their generals rather than to Rome itself.

• It would now become possible for a military leader supported by his troops to take over by force.

The First Triumvirate

• The First Triumvirate was an unofficial (and at first secret) pact to control Rome

• From 60 to 53 BCE• Members:

• Pompey• Marcus Crassus• Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

• Julius Caesar was a great general and an important leader in ancient Rome.

•  He suggested new laws, most of which were approved by the Senate.•  He reorganized the army.  • He improved the way the provinces were governed. 

Dictator for Life

• The Senate disliked many of Caesar’s reforms and feared his popularity and power

• Ides of March• March 15, 44 BCE –• Senators conspired to assassinate Caesar• Caesar was stabbed to death (at least 23 times)

on the floor of the Senate house

After Caesar

• Three men ruled the Roman Empire – Octavian, Antony & Lepidus• Known as the Second Triumvirate

• Octavian & Antony began to dominate• Even though the empire was big, it was

too small for two leaders• Antony soon commited suicide after a

defeat and Octavian ruled

Octavian Triumphs

• Having defeated Marc Antony, Octavian becomes the unchallenged ruler of Rome.

• While he keeps many similar aspects of a republic, (such as the Senate), Octavian is granted supreme power.

• He becomes the first emperor of Rome.

• He even changes his name to Caesar Augustus, meaning “exalted or great one”.

Caesar Augustus

• Augustus is a just and able ruler and further expands the empire.

• He also creates a lasting system of government.• - glorifies Rome with beautiful public

buildings• - sets up a civil service to administer

the empire

• Starting with Augustus’ rule, Rome would enjoy a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana or “Roman Peace” which lasts about 200 years.

Roman Empire Grows•During the Pax Romana, Rome had a series of five good emperors under whom the Empire grew.

•At it’s height, the Empire had over 50 million people living in about 3.5 million square miles of land across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

•Many people were able to establish local customs but maintained the protection of the Roman Empire and the privileges that came with being a citizen.

•Roman culture, law and the Latin language spread throughout the empire.

Roman Empire before Caesar - 100 B.C.

Roman Empire at death of Caesar – 44 B.C.

The Roman Empire at 14 ADat the death of Augustus

The Roman Empire in AD 116The empire at its largest extent

Trade (Good & Bad)

• Trade throughout Europe, Africa and as far as china along the Silk Road provided the people of the empire with everything they needed, especially grain

• Over time, the divide between the rich and the poor grew and the small farmers became increasingly dependent on the Empire’s grain handouts.

Works Cited• http://www.slideshare.net/e007534/ancient-rome-8789109

http://romanhistoryhour7.wikispaces.com/1.+2000+BCE+to+450+BCE

http://rome.mrdonn.org/caesar.html

http://warandgame.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/juliuscaesar.jpg

http://explorethemed.com/DemiseRep.asp?c=1

http://www.unrv.com/fall-republic/first-triumvirate.phphttp://www.historyforkids.org/learn/romans/history/earlyrepublic.htm

http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/romanpages.html

http://www.roman-empire.net