From Republic to Empire Chapter 11 Section 1

Disorder in the Republic 70s BC  Chaos in Rome: people were fighting for more power against each other. More people “flooded” into Rome, adding to more confusion of power. Calls for Change: Cicero tried to stop the chaos in the Roman government Who was Cicero?  Philosopher, public speaker or orator Cicero wanted the limit the power of the generals; Wanted Romans to give more support towards the Senate in order to restore checks and balances (balancing the government) Do you think that everyone agreed with what Cicero was saying? Why? Why not?

Julius Caesar Many Romans did not agree with what Cicero was saying, and some Romans were just too busy. Generals like Julius Caesar, were working hard to take over the government. Julius Caesar was the most powerful general of them all. He was a great general and respected by the Romans because of his skill and bravery on the battlefield. He had many military successes. Caesar worked together with a powerful friend named Pompey. Because Caesar was so accomplished on the battlefield, his friends were jealous of him. Why were they jealous?

Pompey vs. Caesar Pompey wanted Caesar to give over his armies so he could rule Rome alone, But Caesar said no and knew that his friendship with Pompey was over. Caesar chased Pompey out of Rome, and Pompey was later killed by an Egyptian king. When Caesar returned to Rome in 45 BC, he made himself dictator for life. He did a lot of successful things for Rome’s society, but people began to hate or resent he way in which he claimed power. In March 44 BC, Senators of Rome felt like their power was shrinking and Caesar was becoming more powerful by the second, so they attacked Caesar and stabbed him to death.

Antony and Octavian Marc Antony: Caesar’s former assistant Octavian: Caesar’s adopted son; later known as Augustus. Antony and Octavian loved Caesar, and the people who assassinated him thought they would be praised, but they weren’t. Octavian and Antony punished the men who committed the murders. Many people loved Caesar and riots broke out after his murder. Octavian then went on and became Emperor. He was later known as Augustus  “Revered one” after he gave up his power and gave it fully to the Senate.

Rome’s Growing Empire p. 325 ”Why do you think the Romans called the Mediterranean, “Our Sea”?”