6.2: The Roman Empire

The Republic Collapses  Gap b/t rich & poor widened  Urban poor made up ¼ the population  Military chaos  A period of civil war resulted

1 st Triumvirate: (a group of leaders that shared control of the gov’t) Caesar, Crassus, &Pompey (died 53 BC)(died 48 BC)

 Julius Caesar appointed dictator for life  Assassinated by Brutus & Cassius – March 15, 44 BC

 Civil War after death of Julius Caesar  2 nd Triumvirate – Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus  Lepidus retired  Octavian & Mark Antony became rivals – Octavian defeated Antony & Cleopatra at the naval battle of Actium in 31 BC

 Octavian is given the title “Augustus” meaning exalted one

Pax Romana:  Rome became an empire with 1 ruler  Through the silk roads – most important roads- trade reached China & India  Women had more freedom than most women would have until the 19 th century  Family at the heart of Roman society  Gravitas: the Roman values of discipline, strength, loyalty a period of peace and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire, lasting from 27B.C. to 180 A.D

Sources of Wealth during Pax Romana  Bustling trade across the empire & with other civilizations  Wealth from conquered lands (gold & silver)  Healthy farms w/ plenty of grain to feed Romans

Sometimes strong healthy male slaves were forced to become Gladiators To distract & control the masses, the gov’t provided free games, races, mock battles, & gladiator games