The Expansion and Fall of the Roman Republic

Roman Conquests For hundreds of years Rome sought to expand its power through through trade and conquest. First Rome conquered Italy, then it set out to conquer the Mediterranean (Greece, N. Africa, and the Middle East)

Punic Wars Rome fought a brutal battle against Carthage called the Punic Wars. Hannibal was the leading general of Carthage. Rome destroyed Carthage and became master of the Mediterranean.

What factors made Rome a great military power? Rome had the most organized, the best trained, and the most disciplined fighting force in the world. Rome granted citizenship to conquered peoples >>> Creating a huge supply of soldiers.

Julius Caesar Roman General Defeated the Gauls and won his men’s loyalty and devotion. Sent his army into Rome where he had the support of the people. Appointed dictator for life. Murdered by senators who feared he was becoming too powerful.

The Death of Caesar

Octavian Augustus Grand-Nephew of Caesar Defeated all rivals in a power struggle after the death of Caesar. Became Rome’s first Emperor-the unchallenged ruler of Rome His reign marks the beginning of the Roman Empire and the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) There is a series of good and bad emperors for next 400 years.