1. Aim: Describe the Economy and Government of the Empire?

2. Beginning of the Empire
Many nobles and senators had concern over Caesar’s growing power
March 15- Senators stabbed Caesar to death
Civil War breaks out after Caesar’s death and destroys Republic
Caesar’s nephew (Octavian) took control of Rome and ruled for 10 years
Restored some aspects of Republic
Became unchallenged ruler
Given Title “Augustus”- Supreme Military Commander
Rome was now an empire ruled by one man 2

3. A Vast Powerful Empire
For 207 years, peace reigned throughout the empire
This period of peace and prosperity was known as a Pax Romana
Means Roman Peace 3

4. Government Romans held vast empire through an efficient government
Augustus set up civil service
Paid workers to manage the affairs of government
Ex: Grain supply, tax collection, postal system
Administered the Empire
Effectiveness of the civil service allowed the maintaining of the Empire’s stability
Empire reached from Spain to Mesopotamia, from North Africa to Britain 4

5. Agriculture and Trade Agriculture most important industry in empire
90% of people engaged in farming
Silver coins called a Denarius was used in Empire
Common coinage made trade easier
Rome had vast trading network
Ships from east traveled the Mediterranean protected by the Roman Navy
Complex network of roads linked empire to places including Persia and Southern Russia 5