The Birth of the Roman Empire

Caesar in Power 60 BCE—Julius Caesar formed the FIRST TRIMVIRATE (rule of 3) with Pompey and Crassus 60 BCE—Julius Caesar formed the FIRST TRIMVIRATE (rule of 3) with Pompey and Crassus Caesar’s popularity increased among the poor Romans Caesar’s popularity increased among the poor Romans After defeating Gaul, he led his troops into Rome and declared war on the Republic (civil war) and won After defeating Gaul, he led his troops into Rome and declared war on the Republic (civil war) and won Then traveled to Egypt and declared Cleopatra Queen Then traveled to Egypt and declared Cleopatra Queen

Rule of Caesar Caesar increased the members of senate to 900, but decreased their power Caesar increased the members of senate to 900, but decreased their power Was killed on March 15 th —Ides of March by supporters of Pompey Was killed on March 15 th —Ides of March by supporters of Pompey

The ROMAN EMPIRE The Second Triumvirate: Octavian (Caesar’s nephew), Marc Antony, and Lepidus The Second Triumvirate: Octavian (Caesar’s nephew), Marc Antony, and Lepidus Power was split between Octavian to the west and Antony to the east Power was split between Octavian to the west and Antony to the east Marc Anthony fell in love with Cleopatra while ruling in Egypt Marc Anthony fell in love with Cleopatra while ruling in Egypt Octavian forced the Senate to declare war on Egypt ---Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide Octavian forced the Senate to declare war on Egypt ---Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide

Octavian In 27 BCE, Octavian declared himself “first citizen” In 27 BCE, Octavian declared himself “first citizen” ROMAN EMPIRE BEGINS ROMAN EMPIRE BEGINS Augustus (as Octavian is known as) expands empire from Spain to Syria south to Egypt and north to Germany Augustus (as Octavian is known as) expands empire from Spain to Syria south to Egypt and north to Germany Augustus’ reign began the PAX ROMANA— 200 years of Roman peace but greatly reduced the power of the Senate Augustus’ reign began the PAX ROMANA— 200 years of Roman peace but greatly reduced the power of the Senate

Julio Claudian Emperors Relatives of Julius Caesar –the next 5 emperors known as the Julio Claudian emperors Relatives of Julius Caesar –the next 5 emperors known as the Julio Claudian emperors Caligula—brutal and insane; murdered Caligula—brutal and insane; murdered Claudius—conquered Britain but was murdered by his wife Claudius—conquered Britain but was murdered by his wife 54 BCE—Nero, the last Julio Claudian emperor killed himself after being blamed for the great fire of Rome 54 BCE—Nero, the last Julio Claudian emperor killed himself after being blamed for the great fire of Rome

Five Good Emperors Problem: Rome never developed a rule for selecting a new emperor---so many people declared themselves emperor Problem: Rome never developed a rule for selecting a new emperor---so many people declared themselves emperor 69 CE—4 different emperors ruled Rome 69 CE—4 different emperors ruled Rome Flavian—first of the 5 Good Emperors Flavian—first of the 5 Good Emperors Hadrian—born in Spain, understood the needs of the provinces Hadrian—born in Spain, understood the needs of the provinces Marcus Aurelius—great leader; more concerned with education than wars Marcus Aurelius—great leader; more concerned with education than wars

Marcus Aurelius Be content with what you are, and wish not change; nor dread your last day, nor long for it. Do every act of your life as if it were your last.

Hadrian’s Wall