Roman Empire

BELLWORK: October 2nd How did geography help the Romans? What is the difference between Patricians and Plebeians? Describe the structure of the Roman Republic. Include the roles of the leaders, Senate and civilians. Describe the Twelve Tables and the Law of Nations. Why was Rome a successful Republic? List three reasons!

Establishment  Crisis  Fall  Empire The Roman Republic Establishment  Crisis  Fall  Empire

HOW DID GEOGRAPHY HELP THE ROMANS? – Located in the center of the Mediterranean – Far away from eastern empires, but accessible from Europe – Large amount of fertile land – Alps (Mts.): provided natural protection. – Mediterranean Sea: Gave protection, allowed for trade. Basically, Rome’s place in the world kept it safe from harm, but allowed it to interact with other people.

Patricians vs. Plebeians

Structure of the Roman Republic

Make a prediction  What problems could arise with a government in this format?

Roman Law Written so everyone could understand (Plebeians, foreigners, slaves) On display in Forum Romanum & written on brass tablets (tables)

Roman Law Twelve Tables Law of Nations Appear in court when you are summoned Private property is protected Roads must be kept in order Patricians and Plebeians cannot marry Whatever laws are passed by the Senate, are official laws in the empire Others were more unconventional… Deformed infants must be killed, females must have a guardian, no gatherings at night As Rome’s empire expanded and conquered other people, they knew they needed more than 12 laws  Law of Nations! Natural law, based on reason that established justice for all! Innocent until proven guilty, defense, use of evidence in court, etc.

Why was Rome a successful republic? Good diplomats Allowed states to run themselves, set laws, firm and cruel when necessary Excelled in military matters Accomplished soldiers, expansion of ground forces & navy, brilliant strategists, could move quickly = conquer! Romans were practical Created political institutions in response to problems

The Republic in Crisis Despite their achievements in law and military, many citizens felt the government was corrupt! Political offices were controlled by a small circle of wealthy and powerful aristocrats (minority!) The backbone of the Roman state and army had always been small farmers (the majority!) They demanded a stronger voice!

The Republic in Crisis From 82B.C.- 31B.C., Roman history was characterized by rebellions against government, farmer uprisings and civil wars. In times of crisis, the Roman government would suspend rights and appoint a dictator to restore order.

Reform In the 50’s BC, Julius Caesar, was appointed dictator in order to restore order Gave jobs to unemployed, public land to the poor, and citizenship to conquered peoples. Based on his success, he named himself dictator for life Some Romans loved Caesar for his reforms, others saw him as a tyrant who meant to end the republic and make himself king. On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of government officials.

Caesar’s Assassination March 15, 44BC Caesar was to appear at a meeting of the Senate. As he arrived, the group of conspirators gathered around him pretending to show support. Cimber approached him to sign a document and pulled him down by his shoulders then Casca stabbed him in the neck Within seconds, the entire group (including his closest friend Brutus) gathered around him on the steps of the Senate stabbing him. Around 60 men participated in the assassination and Caesar was stabbed 23 times

Caesar’s Assassination cont’d “You too, Brutus?” - he realized his best friend was involved in the plot and stopped fighting Brutus and his followers marched through Rome shouting “People of Rome, we are once again free!” Caesar’s dead body lay on the Senate floor for three hours In the following chaos, Augustus Caesar led a series of 5 civil wars which ended with the reformation of the Roman Empire.

Overview of Caesar's Assassination https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgPymD-NBQU

Transition to Roman Empire Two periods of Roman history: Roman Republic: 509BC – 30BC Roman Empire: 30BC – 476AD Rome technically had an “empire” under the Roman Republic The term “Roman Empire” refers to the time period, beginning with Augustus, when Rome was ruled by emperors