1. Focus Questions What were the main problems facing the Roman Republic?
Ch. 6 Sect. 2 Roman Empire
Focus Questions
What were the main problems facing the Roman Republic?
Summarize the events that led to the creation of the Roman Empire.
Describe the Empire’s economy and government. p

2. Main Problems of Roman Republic
Economic – Gap ‘tween Rich and Poor grew Rich = large estates with 1000’s of slaves (1/3 of pop.) Poor couldn’t compete & sold out to Rich -migrant workers / urban poor (1/4 of pop.) Gracchus Bros.- Tiberius and Gaius – Tribunes who tried to help the poor proposed – limits on estate size, and land gifts to poor Made enemies w/i senate and were killed Civil War broke out – fueled by class warfare

3. Problems cont.
Military- Generals took advantage of the Civil War -seized power in areas of unrest -recruited poor as soldiers w/ promise of land - soldiers paid by generals, not loyal to Rome

4. Julius Caesar - Elected as consul and formed Triumvirate
- Military genius who joined forces with Crassus and Pompey –
- Elected as consul and formed Triumvirate
Triumvirate – a group of three rulers who share power.
After his year as consul, Caesar:
- conquered Gaul ,
- disobeyed the senate
- marched his army to Rome, and defeated Pompey
in Greece, Asia, Egypt and Spain

5. Julius Caesar cont.
Dictator - named dictator in 46 B.C. - named dictator for life in 44 B.C. Caesar was an absolute ruler – total power Reforms – - gave most people in provinces full citizenships - expanded Senate, -created jobs for poor with big building projects - started colonies opening up land for homeless -increased pay for soldiers Killed by a group of senators March 44 B.C.

6. Beginning of the Empire
After Caesar’s death = Civil War 3 of his supporters joined together to fight the assassins and created a new Triumvirate 2nd Triumvirate- took power 43 B.C. Octavian – Caesar’s nephew, Marc Antony – General, Lepidus- Senator Only lasted 10 yrs, jealousy and rivalry Octavian came out on top – became ruler of Rome They called him Augustus- Rome now an Empire

7. Pax Romana
Peak of Roman Empire – 27 B.C. – 180 A.D. , covered 3 million sq. miles, million people, over 1 million in Rome alone Civil Service – gov’t employees to manage daily matters, -plebians & former slaves Allowed continuity even when emperors changed and eased control of a large empire Agriculture and Trade- 90% of population farmers Common coins across empire eased trade (denarii) Vast trading network – shipping and roads (built by military)

8. Daily Life – Gender Roles
Men typically seen as Paterfamilias
Controlled property, maintained authority over extended family, could banish and disown relatives/children and even sell them into slavery
Women – nearly social equals, especially upper classes, more than Greek & most other nationalities until the 19th c.
They could own property and testify in court, they could not vote but were allowed to visit public baths and attend plays/festivals/games. Lower classes could also work outside the home

9. Daily Life – Children
Education –Very few formally schooled - Boys from wealthy families were most likely to be sent to school to become future citizens- most were educated at home
Boys considered 16
Girls typically years to older males, taught at home in art of wife/mothering skills etc. Named after fathers according to birth order
Poorer children typically worked from young age and remained illiterate

10. Daily Life – Slavery and Religion
Slavery – large part of economy, most were p.o.w.’s, children of slaves =slave
Considered property, could be bought & sold
Owners could punish, reward, free or kill
House slaves of rich were best off
Religion –
-worshiped natural spirits
-each family had its own guardian spirits
-gods of mythology were also worshiped at temples
-Emperor also became a god to be worshiped

11. Society, Culture and Entertainment
Society – classes separate – Rich extravagant, Most were poor- unemployed, lived in shacks, little to eat “Bread and Circuses” – free grain & games, to pacify and distract the poor and hungry to avoid rebellions By 250 A.D. – 150 holidays a yr with free food, races, fights, wild animal shows and mock battles Gladiators were like sports stars / folk heroes