1. The Roman Empire Brings Change
Problems in the Republic
Widening gap between rich and poor
Latifundia: Huge estates
Small farmers could not compete with large estates
1/3 of the country slaves, 1/4 of country urban poor
Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus:
Limit size of estates and give land to poor
Both killed: Tiberius in 133 B.C. and Gaius in 121 B.C.

2. Civil War Generals recruited landless poor Promised them land
Owed allegiance to commander not republic
Sulla defeats Marius from 88 B.C. – 82 B.C.

3. First Triumvirate 60 B.C.: Caesar, Crassus and Pompey
59 B.C.: Caesar elected Consul, served one year
Conquered Gaul
Pompey in 50 B.C. has senate order Caesar to disband his military
January 10, 49 B.C. crosses the Rubicon River
Pompey flees Rome
Defeats Pompey in Greece, Asia, Spain and Egypt
46 B.C. returns to Rome
44 B.C. named dictator for life

4. Caesar’s Reforms Absolute Ruler: Total power
Granted Roman Citizenship conquered peoples
Increased Senate to include his supporters
Public works increase jobs for poor
Started colonies so landless could own land
Increased pay for soldiers
Killed by Brutus and Cassius on March 15, 44 B.C. The Ides of March

5. Beginning of the Empire
Civil War after Caesar’s death
Second Triumvirate formed
Octavian: Caesar’s 18 year old grand nephew and adopted son
Mark Antony: Experienced General
Lepidus: Powerful Politician
Ruled for 10 years starting in 43 B.C.
Cicero: Defender of Republic, Enemy of Caesar, killed during Second Triumvirates purge of Caesar’s enemies

6. End of Second Triumvirate
Octavian forces Lepidus to retire
Octavian defeats Marc Antony and Cleopatra at battle of Actium in 31 B.C.

7. Octavian Becomes Emperor
Initially restores the Republic
Senate meets and was consulted by Octavian
Augustus: Exalted One
Held and kept the title Imperator or Emperor

8. Vast and Powerful Empire
Pax Romana (Roman Peace):
27 B.C. to 180 B.C. (207 Years)
Started with Augustus leadership
Peace throughout the empire

9. Economy Agriculture 90% of people were farmers Denarius: Silver coin
Trade
Wealthy trade cities
Corinth in Greece, Ephesus in Anatolia and Antioch on eastern coast of Mediterranean Sea
Silk Road: link from China through Asia to the Romans

10. Managing the Empire
Became citizens when discharged from military

11. Sound Government Augustus Rule: Stabilized frontier Public buildings
Paid civil service
Plebeians and former slaves administered the empire
The Five Good Emperors
Nerva A.D. 96 – 98, Trajan A.D. 98 – 117, Hadrian A.D. 117 – 138, Antonius Pios A.D. 138 – 161, Marcus Aurelius A.D. 161 – 180
After Marcus Aurelius Pax Romana ended
Adopted heir supported by military and people