Growth and Crisis in the Roman Republic

Struggle with Carthage Punic Wars Conflict between Rome and Carthage for control over the Mediterranean Sea Carthage was a city in North Africa Carthage’s most successful general was Hannibal. He defeated Rome in several occasions, but was finally defeated by Rome. Rome attacked Carthage and other Greek city-states. Rome defeated Carthage & obtained control over North Africa Governors were sent to control new territories

Crisis in the Republic Corruption in the Government Wealthy officials broke rules Magistrates stole from people Used violence to win elections and were disliked by poor people The republic was not working in favor of the people

Crisis in the Republic Economic Struggle Gap between rich and poor widens as Roman Republic grows. Farmers lost their homes and moved to an overcrowded city. Politicians gave grain to the people, but the people wanted land and jobs. Tiberius Gracchus and his brother Gaius tried to help the poor, but were murdered.

Crisis in the Republic The Power of the Army Military became less disciplined and disloyal. Only citizens who could afford it worked in the army. Consul Gaius Marius provided equipment and paid poor people to join army Soldiers recruited from the poor; showed loyalty to their generals.

From Republic to Empire Civil War in Rome War between two groups in the same nation Army Commanders vs. the rest of Government Julius Ceasar marched his army into Rome and defeated his rivals (Senate and Pompey) Julius Ceasar took control of Rome and declared himself dictator for life Helped the poor and the army, which angered the upper classes It was the end of the Republic. Senators wanted to keep Republic the way it was. Group of Senators killed Caesar on a day called Ides of March, or March 15, 44 B.C.

The Republic Collapses Beginning of the Empire Caesar’s supporters take control Caesar made Octavian his heir. Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s forces are defeated by Octavian Octavian accepts title of Augustus, “greatly honored one,” and rules Rome. He becomes first emperor of Rome.

Augustus Rome’s 1st emperor Held total power over the empire Augustus, Rome’s ablest ruler, creates lasting system of government Increased soldier’s pay. Improved life for ordinary people Fought corruption in government Deified after death: declared a god and worshipped 8

Pax Romana (Roman Peace) Under Augustus, Rome moves from a republic to an empire. Rome enjoys 200 years of peace and prosperity known as Pax Romana Around 65 million people are able to enjoy a time without major wars.

Roman Economy Romans built a navy and took down pirates in Mediterranean Sea Trade was cheaper by sea Farming was the base of the Roman economy Grain was shipped to Rome to feed its enormous population In exchange for grain, farmers in provinces received money

Rome's Achievements Roman Roads Architecture and Aqueducts Paved roads connected the cities and forts of the Roman Empire Soldiers could march from city to city defend them Government was made more efficient and communication was faster. Architecture and Aqueducts Concrete was used to build structures because it was lighter and easier to use Pantheon is an example of these structures Built aqueducts to carry clean water to the cities Public Baths Sewers carried waste away from cities.

Popular Entertainment Entertainment on massive scale Gladiators Men who fought each other for public entertainment Fights were held in arenas such as the Colosseum Gladiators were usually slave or criminals Chariot Races At the Circus Maximus Race course for more than 250,000 people

The Arts Mosaics were a design formed with small tiles of glass, stone or pottery Public building had colorful painted murals Statues of gods, heroes and important people

The Influence of Latin Latin was the spoken language of the empire Romance languages are the ones developed from Latin Spanish, Italian, French Latin is still used today by the Catholic Church

Literature Oratory Poetry Satire The art of giving speeches Most famous was Cicero Taught to politicians Poetry Virgil, Horace, Ovid Satire Works of literature that made fun of subjects Juvenal mocked Roman life.

Pompeii A.D. 79 City of Pompeii was destroyed by volcano Vesuvius Ash preserved many of the buildings

The Fall of Rome

The Fall of Rome A Slow decline Internal Forces Political Economic Social External Forces - Invaders

Political Empire too large to control Civil wars Army deteriorates Troops could not be moved fast enough to defeat enemies. Civil wars Emperors plotted against each other for control instead of uniting Army deteriorates Soldiers followed different leaders No Unity

Economic Wars were too expensive Taxes were raised to support the armies. Unemployment was high Decrease in trade Wars did not allow for people to travel fast.

Social Loss of citizen’s confidence and loyalty Population declines                   Loss of citizen’s confidence and loyalty Population declines Hierarchical classes Plague

External Forces Invaders, also called barbarians, began to invade in the 3rd century. Germanic tribes from northern Europe crossed the Roman frontier and invaded Greece, Italy, Spain, and coastal areas of Asia Minor. Rich farmlands, and wealth of the Roman lands attracted the Germanic tribes. By the 5th century, the Roman Empire was overrun by barbarians.