The Roman Empire Decline of the Republic And Rise of the Empire /

Decline of the Republic ~ 120BC some leaders attempt to give land to plebeians (Tiberius Gracchus) Patricians fight back 75 years of civil war – Generals gather private armies, fight for control – Senate loses power

Military Changes The army was no longer a citizen army Now it was a professional army Men joined to become rich and powerful Loyalty was to a general, not to Rome The senate passed a law – The army could never enter the city of Rome – Generals are very powerful and the senate feared this new power

Julius Caesar Rise of Julius Caesar Caesar make an alliance Joins Pompey and Crassus Helped each other gain power Caesar elected to consul in 59 B.C.

Julius Caesar Rise of Julius Caesar Rome on the brink of collapse Julius strong military general 58-51BC lead army to conquer Gaul – Captured large amounts of gold – 55 BC Bridge Across the Rhine River Troops very loyal

Julius Caesar Rise of Julius Caesar Death of a Dictator 49BC returns to Italy – Fights with armies of the Senate – Caesar wins, becomes Dictator for Life in 44BC – Ruled with great power, took much of the Senate’s power for himself (King) – Assassinated by Senators March 15, 44BC

The Empire Octavian (Augustus) Another civil war after Julius, 13 years Adopted son of Caesar 27BC Given title Augustus by senate – First true emperor of Rome Shows respect for senate, doesn’t “power grab” Time of peace and prosperity

The Empire Notable Emperors Nero (54-68) – “Nero fiddled while Rome burned” – Murders family – Tyrant, Persecution of Christians Trajan (98-117) – Expanded Empire to its largest – Public Building Projects – Social welfare

The Empire Notable Emperors Hadrian ( ) – Consolidated border – Hadrian’s Wall – Reorganizes army so soldiers defend home provinces – Champion of education

Ruling the Empire Governing Conquered People Usually remained free Divided into provinces – Ruled by governor, supported by army Rome did not force their way of life on them – Happy people= taxes and commerce – Many adopted Roman ways in the end. (Why?)

Daily Life Citizenship City of Rome was overpopulated – Originally, only residents of city were true Romans Census – official count of people – Registering=citizenship – Men declare families, slaves, wealth. – If failed to register, could lose property or become slave

Daily Life Citizenship Social Classes Women, slaves, and ex- slaves could not become citizens Huge gap between rich and poor Rich – lavish houses, country estates, feasts and parties Poor – crowded apartments, no water

Daily Life Circuses Poor sometimes riot – Usually over lack of food, particularly wheat Emperors put on shows Circus) to make people happy, entertain – Free grain provided – Fights, public executions Gladiators, exotic animals

Daily Life Family Life Traditional values Government support – Land and money if family had children – Directed at upper class Paterfamilias – “father of the family” – Often 3 generations under 1 roof – Had absolute power

Daily Life Family Life Women – Married into families – Freedom based on husband’s wealth Could work, own things Slavery – Very common – Generally well cared for – Possible to buy freedom