From Republic to Empire

Rome in 70 BC: A Dangerous Place to Live Politicians and generals went to war to increase their power Unemployed Romans rioted in the streets as there wasn’t enough food The city was overcrowded Unemployment Government in chaos

Cicero the Orator Cicero called on Romans to make Rome a better place and limit the power of generals. Cicero wanted to give more support to the Senate and restore the checks and balances.

Struggle for Power * In 60 BCE, the 1st Triumvirate was formed by Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. * They wanted to restore the power of the republic. Pompey Julius Caesar Crassus

Caesar the General While serving as consul of Rome,Caesar realized that he needed military victories to advance his political career. In 59 BC, Caesar left Rome to take command of the Roman legions in the province of Gaul. He was able to defeat the Celts and expand the republic to the Rhine River in present day Germany.

Caesar the Hero . 50 BC, Caesar hailed as a hero by the Roman public and the Triumvirate was falling apart. Pompey grew increasingly jealous of Caesar. In 49 BC, Pompey urged the Senate to recall Caesar from Gaul. Caesar was ordered to give up his armies and return to Rome

Struggle for Power * Caesar took 5000 loyal soldiers with him and marched towards Rome. * Crossed the Rubicon River with his legion. This was a direct violation of Roman law.

The Rubicon River Gaul

Civil War Caesar forced Pompey and his armies out of the Italian Peninsula and declared himself dictator for life in 45 BCE.

Caesar’s Achievements * Ordered landowners to hire more free laborers. * Continued to distribute free grain to the poor. * Instituted a new calendar based on 365 days. * Caesar granted citizenship to many people from the provinces. * Appointed senators from the provinces that were loyal to him. * Set up public works programs.

Caesar * Many people supported Caesar and his reforms. However, some saw him as a tyrant who wanted to become king. * Under Roman law, any person that wanted to become king could be executed with trial.

Death of Caesar Caesar was assassinated by a group of Senators who opposed him on March 15, 44 BC. “Beware the Ides of March.”

The End of the Roman Republic Second Triumvirate was formed by Octavian, Marc Antony, and Marcus Lepidus to avenge the assassination of Caesar. * The triumvirate did not last long. Lepidus was forced to retire and Marc Antony and Octavian struggled for control of Rome.

Antony and Cleopatra * Marc Antony married Cleopatra and Octavian convinced the Roman people that Antony planned to rule with Cleopatra as his Queen.

In 31 BCE, the forces of Octavian and Marc Antony and Cleopatra met at the Battle of Actium. Antony’s forces were defeated.

Within a year, both Antony and Cleopatra had committed suicide.