Aim: Describe the Economy and Government of the Empire?

Beginning of the Empire Many nobles and senators had concern over Caesar’s growing power March 15- Senators stabbed Caesar to death Civil War breaks out after Caesar’s death and destroys Republic Caesar’s nephew (Octavian) took control of Rome and ruled for 10 years Restored some aspects of Republic Became unchallenged ruler Given Title “Augustus”- Supreme Military Commander Rome was now an empire ruled by one man 2

A Vast Powerful Empire For 207 years, peace reigned throughout the empire This period of peace and prosperity was known as a Pax Romana Means Roman Peace 3

Government Romans held vast empire through an efficient government Augustus set up civil service Paid workers to manage the affairs of government Ex: Grain supply, tax collection, postal system Administered the Empire Effectiveness of the civil service allowed the maintaining of the Empire’s stability Empire reached from Spain to Mesopotamia, from North Africa to Britain 4

Agriculture and Trade Agriculture most important industry in empire 90% of people engaged in farming Silver coins called a Denarius was used in Empire Common coinage made trade easier Rome had vast trading network Ships from east traveled the Mediterranean protected by the Roman Navy Complex network of roads linked empire to places including Persia and Southern Russia 5