❖A❖After Nero died, Rome went through a period of disorder until Vespasian, one of Nero’s proconsuls and a general, took the throne. ❖P❖Put down rebellions in the Empire. ❖D❖Defeated the Jews and destroyed the Jewish Temple. ❖B❖Began construction of the Colosseum. ❖H❖His sons, Titus and Dominitian, ruled after his death.

The “Good” Emperors ❖ a series of rulers who came to power in the 100s ❖ They presided over a century of prosperity -- agriculture flourished, trade increased, the standard of living rose, improved Romans lives, and named trained officials to carry out their orders. ❖ They did not abuse their power -- devoted and capable rulers. ❖ Programs to help ordinary people -- money for education, made laws easier to understand, laws to help orphans, public building projects (arches, monuments, bridges, roads, harbors, aqueducts).

The Roman Empire ❖ one of the greatest empires in history, reaching 3.5 million square miles ❖ Most of the empire’s wealth came from agriculture -- farming and latifundia ❖ Some wealth came from industry -- pottery, weaving, glass, bronze, brass, jewelers ❖ Trading ❖ The empire’s good transportation network and having one common currency also helped in generating wealth in the empire. ❖ Most city people and farmers remained poor, though.