1. Rome’s Mediterranean Empire
753 B.C.E. – 600 C.E.

2. The Roman Republic (507-31 B.C.E)

3. Organization of Roman Republic
2 consuls
highest position in the republic
The Senate
Brought together the state’s wealth, influence, and political and military power
The assemblies (local gov’t)

5. Expansion of the Roman Republic
All male citizens who owned land were subject to military service
Expanded throughout the Mediterranean
Granted citizenship to conquered people
Conquered territory governed using local leaders overseen by a Roman Senator

6. Failure of the Republic
Wealth generated by conquest ended up in the hands of the upper class
Bad use of land for agriculture led to importation of grain to feed people
Fewer land owners = less people for the army
Series of consuls had armies that were only loyal to them
Julius Caesar
Mark Antony
Octavian
Led to several civil wars and dictatorial control of the state

8. The Roman Empire By 31 C.E Octavian eliminated rivals
Now called Augustus Cesar
Careful to maintain Republican traditions
Senate declared him consul for life
But really emperors ruled with little input from anyone
Augustus ruled the Empire for 45 years

10. How did the Empire project its power?
Controlled the Mediterranean region, N. & S. Europe, N. Africa, etc.
Leads to 200 years of PEACE
Grants of citizenship given to subjects in exchange for military service
Romanization
Spread of Latin language and culture

11. Engineering expertise
Roads, bridges, aqueducts, coliseum
Also used engineering for military purposes
Fortification walls, siege works, ballistic weapons

13. Population Rome had approx. a million residents
Numerous towns had several thousand residents
Alexandria in Egypt
Antioch in Syria
Carthage
Limited technological capabilities
Providing adequate food and water
Removing sewage

14. Third Century Crisis(235-284 C.E.)
Frequent change of rulers
20+ emperors during this time
Germanic tribes raid empire
Economic crisis
Majority of money being spent on defense
Decline in large-scale and long- distance commerce

15. Radical Reforms to Empire
THE ONE YOU NEED TO KNOW!!!!
Constantine ( C.E)
Legalized Christianity
Moved the capital from Rome to modern day Turkey and renamed the city “Constantinople”

18. Final Decline of the Empire
Unable to defeat invading Germanic tribes and nomads
Western realm became separate after 395 C.E.
Roman Empire fragmented into several kingdoms
Eastern realm under control of Constantine became known as the Byzantine Empire