Fall of the Republic and the Rise of the Triumvirates

Growing Unrest Over time, the Senate became increasingly controlled by a small circle of wealthy and powerful families. –Gracchus brothers (Tiberius and Gaius) asked the Council of the Plebs to pass laws taking land and power from these families. They were murdered by the Senate! Opens the door to more instability and violence.

Changes in the Army By 107BC, the Roman army was accepting volunteers from the urban and rural poor. –Promised land for their service. –Swore an oath to their general, not to Rome. Army is no longer under government control! –This will cause civil wars and chaos until 31BC

First Triumvirate Triumvirate = government by three people with equal power. Three men emerged as victors of the civil wars. –Crassus –Pompey –Julius Caesar Crassus died in battle in 53BC –Fearing Caesar, Senators decided rule by Pompey alone would be best. Caesar refused to give up his command. –Kept his army and entered Italy illegally by “crossing the Rubicon.” –Caesar defeats Pompey and completely controls the government. Caesar is made dictator in 45BC –Senate assassinates him in 44BC

A new power struggle erupted after Caesar’s death. –Octavian –Antony –Lepidus Octavian and Antony ultimately divided the empire. –Antony allied himself with Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII. Octavian destroys their forces at Battle of Actium. Both Antony and Cleopatra fled to Egypt and committed suicide. Octavian now stood supreme. Second Triumvirate

Age of Augustus In 27BC Octavian proclaimed the “restoration of the Republic.” –Will give some power to the Senate. Senate gives Octavian title of “Augustus” – the revered one. –He is highly popular – people are glad the civil wars were over. Also given the title of imperator – commander in chief. – Emperor