Ancient Rome The Roman Empire (Continued)

Key Terms Augustus Pax Romana

Rise of the Empire Following Caesar’s death, another civil war broke out Three of Caesar’s supporters worked together to get rid of the senate that killed him

Second Triumvirate Octavian was the 18-year old grandnephew and adopted son of Caesar Mark Antony was an experienced general who was friends with Caesar Lepidus who was a powerful politician Took control of Rome and ruled for 10 years

Triumvirate Falls Apart Violence and jealousy Octavian forced Lepidus to retire Antony met Cleopatra while guiding troops to fight in Anatolia Antony fell in love and followed her to Egypt Octavian accused him of trying to rule Rome from Egypt and civil war broke out

Octavian Defeats Antony Octavian’s forces defeated Antony’s and Cleopatra’s joined forces in the naval battle of Actium in 31 B.C. Antony and Cleopatra later committed suicide

Augustus Octavian returned to Rome and became the unchallenged ruler of Rome The Senate gave him the title of consul and dictator for life He changed his name to Augustus which meant “chosen one” and became the first Roman emperor Rome was now ruled by one man

Pax Romana Rome was at peak of it’s power from 27 B.C. (beginning of Augustus’ rule) to A.D. 180 Empire at peace, except for fighting with tribes near Roman Empire’s borders Time period known as Pax Romana, which means “Roman peace”

Government Empire had population of 60 to 80 million people, with about 1 million in the city of Rome Augustus stabilized the frontier, glorified Rome with spectacular buildings, and created a long lasting government

Civil Servants Set up by Augustus Paid workers to manage the tasks of government - examples are grain supply, collect taxes, and the postal system Senate still functional Civil servants, made up of plebeians and former slaves administered the empire

Agriculture and Trade Agriculture was most important industry About 90% of people were farmers Most Romans survived on produce from local area Additional food and luxury items for the rich were obtained by trade

Trade Silver coins called denarius was used as money Common money made trade easier in the different parts of the empire

Trade Networks Ships traveled the Mediterranean Sea to trade with Roman controlled cities on the coasts Rome also traded with India and China A network of roads connected Rome to inland parts of the empire Roads initially built for military, but used for trade and spread of Roman culture

Reflection Describe how Caesar Augustus changed Rome into a peaceful and prosperous empire.