Rome: The Early EmpireRome: The Early Empire

SS.A.2.4.4-5; SS.A.2.2.4; SS.A.2.4.4-5; SS.A.2.2.4; SS.B.1.4.4SS.B.1.4.4

Age of AugustusAge of Augustus 27 B.C.: Octavian calls for “restoration of 27 B.C.: Octavian calls for “restoration of

the Republic”, to satisfy the Senatethe Republic”, to satisfy the Senate Restored only republican form, not functionRestored only republican form, not function Senate given some power, but not muchSenate given some power, but not much Senate gives Octavian title of “Augustus” or Senate gives Octavian title of “Augustus” or

“revered one”“revered one” Augustus’ power comes from his control of Augustus’ power comes from his control of

the army—Senate gives him title the army—Senate gives him title imperatorimperator (commander in chief) (commander in chief)

Augustus reorganizes the army into Augustus reorganizes the army into legions (5,000 Roman citizens); and legions (5,000 Roman citizens); and stabilizes the empirestabilizes the empire

Death of Caesar AugustusDeath of Caesar Augustus

A.D. 14: Caesar Octavian Augustus diesA.D. 14: Caesar Octavian Augustus diesAs emperor, Augustus creates a new As emperor, Augustus creates a new

political systempolitical systemEmperors were allowed to choose their Emperors were allowed to choose their

successor from their natural or adopted successor from their natural or adopted famfam

First four emperors after Augustus First four emperors after Augustus come from his family: Tiberius, come from his family: Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius & NeroCaligula, Claudius & Nero

Augustus’ EmperorsAugustus’ Emperors

First four emperors take many of the First four emperors take many of the powers Augustus gave to the Senatepowers Augustus gave to the Senate

More power=more corruptionMore power=more corruptionNero, after killing his own mother, loses Nero, after killing his own mother, loses

the respect of the army, and after his the respect of the army, and after his guards leave him, he commits suicideguards leave him, he commits suicide

After Nero’s death, Augustus’ family After Nero’s death, Augustus’ family never again rules Rome, replaced by never again rules Rome, replaced by “Good Emperors”“Good Emperors”

Pax RomanaPax Romana

Five Good Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Five Good Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius & Marcus Hadrian, Antonius Pius & Marcus AureliusAurelius

Pax Romana: “Roman Peace” lasts for Pax Romana: “Roman Peace” lasts for almost 100 yearsalmost 100 yearsRuling families respected, end of arbitrary Ruling families respected, end of arbitrary

executions, peace in the empireexecutions, peace in the empireMore power to emperors, less to SenateMore power to emperors, less to SenateBuilding projects: harbors, bridges, Building projects: harbors, bridges,

aqueductsaqueducts

Growth of the EmpireGrowth of the Empire

New lands added: Dacia (Romania), New lands added: Dacia (Romania), Mesopotamia, Sinai Peninsula—TrajanMesopotamia, Sinai Peninsula—Trajan

Hadrian: pulls troops from far away Hadrian: pulls troops from far away provinces, strengthens forts b/w Rhine provinces, strengthens forts b/w Rhine and Danube rivers, builds defensive and Danube rivers, builds defensive wall across northern Britain to keep wall across northern Britain to keep out Scotsout Scots

An empire so large proves dificult to An empire so large proves dificult to defenddefend

Managing the EmpireManaging the Empire

Cities=importantCities=importantFacilitated the spread of Roman law, Facilitated the spread of Roman law,

language and culturelanguage and cultureLegions stationed at forts on frontiersLegions stationed at forts on frontiersMany people given rights of citizensMany people given rights of citizensLatin=official language in westLatin=official language in westGreek=official language in eastGreek=official language in eastMixing of Greek and Roman culture= Mixing of Greek and Roman culture=

Greco-Roman cultureGreco-Roman culture

Economy of the Early EmpireEconomy of the Early Empire

Pax Romana= prosperityPax Romana= prosperityPeace= high level of trade= $$$$Peace= high level of trade= $$$$

Trade extended outside empire, even Trade extended outside empire, even included silk from Chinaincluded silk from China

Farming remained chief economic Farming remained chief economic driverdriver

Luxury good in high demandLuxury good in high demandBig separation b/w rich and poorBig separation b/w rich and poor