The Roman Empire

After the fall of the Roman republic Rome was ruled by emperors, who helped bring about 200 years of peace

The Emperors and the Roman Peace 30 B.C.E Octavian took control of the Roman world Augustus – Brought peace to the Roman world after winning the civil war to avenge J. Ceaser’s death – Held total power – Shrank the size of the army – Improved life of common citizen – Fought corruption – After his death Rome declared him a god Deified

Other Emperors – Tiberius inherited Augustus’ throne Rome was now clearly a monarchy – “Whatever his considers to be in accordance with the public advantage and... Public and private interests he shall have the right and the power to do and to execute, just as had the deified Augustus” – Trajan Conquered new territory – Marcus Aurelius Book of philosophy – Nero Killed Roman citizens without cause

Nero Marcus

Pax Romana – Roman Peace 30 B.C.E. to 180 C.E. – 65 million people lived in peace under the Roman Empire

Rome’s Practical Achievements Roman Roads – Major roads extend out from the city like the spokes of a wheel 50,000 miles – Built so that solders could march quickly – Hard paved, well drained Sped up communication Architecture – Concrete Sturdier than stone

Aqueducts and water – Aqueduct= a channel that moves water over land – Roman engineers built hundreds of miles of aqueducts