The Roman Empire & the Pax Romana

Essential Question How did Augustus gain and maintain power during the Pax Romana?

Key Vocabulary Pax Romana - the Golden Age of Rome. A period of peace that lasted for 180 years. Second Triumvirate - made up of Octavian, Lepidus, and Mark Antony. It also ended in jealously and violence. Octavian/Augustus - the grandson of Caesar who eventually became Emperor and took the title “Augustus” meaning exalted one. Assimilation - the adoption of Roman culture by foreign lands.

Warm Up What do you think is the meaning of the term “Golden Age?”

Roman Empire Forming After Caesar died there was a lot of turmoil and a civil war broke out that destroyed the remnants of the Roman Republic. Three of Caesar’s supporters came together in order to defeat the assassins. Octavian was the grandson of Caesar. He joined the 2nd Triumvirate with Mark Antony and Lepidus in 43 BC at the age of 18. Like the 1st Triumvirate, the 2nd ended in jealousy and violence. Octavian emerged victorious and claimed that he would restore the Republic in Rome. He later took the title Augustus which means “exalted one”. Now the Roman Empire was ruled by one man.

Pax Romana There was a period of peace that lasted for 207 years from 27 BC to 180 AD. This was known as the Pax Romana. Augustus: Who was he? First Emperor of Rome Upon what was his power dependent? Control of the army. Augustus’ changes in Government: How much power did the Senate hold? Not very much. What were the main duties of the Senators? Acting as the court of law, some legislative power.

Control of the People: How many people lived in the Roman Empire? 70-100 million. What percentage lived in the provinces? 75% How did Augustus maintain control of the provinces? Through the appointment of Governors using civil service. Encouraging adoption of Roman culture (assimilation). Respecting local customs.

How did emperors control the plebeians? By supplying their bread. Creating holidays. Providing public entertainment. Conquests To where did Augustus expand his empire? Germany, Spain, and France. How did he connect the empire? Through a road network.

Encouraging the Arts: Who was one of the famous poets? Virgil: His Aeneid is a Roman equivalent to The Odyssey. What form of art was dominant? Mosaics Pictures taking their forms from small tiles Bas Relief Sculpture where the design protrudes from the background without entirely separating itself. (Mt. Rushmore)

Civil Service Set up by Augustus Paid workers to manage the tasks of government such as: Grain supply, collection of taxes, and the postal system. The Senate was still functional. Could make laws but Augustus decided what to enforce. Civil servants were made up of Plebeians and former slaves.

Graphic Organizer Pax Romana Conquests The Arts Civil Service Augustus

Reflection What is the Pax Romana? Who was Octavian and who did he become? What was the coolest Roman achievement? Why? How was Augustus able to control such a large empire? What did Rome supply for the Plebians to keep them happy? What were the two dominant forms of art from Rome?

Answer the Essential Question Now, attempt to answer the essential question using what you have learned from today’s lesson. How did Augustus gain and maintain power during the Pax Romana?