1. Chapter 13: The Rise of Rome
Lesson 3: Rome Becomes an Empire

2. Main Ideas
Angry poor people, power-hungry generals, and ambitious politicians threatened the Roman Republic.
Julius Caesar gained absolute control of the republic but did not rule long.
After Caesar was assassinated, Augustus founded an empire that enjoyed peace and prosperity for about 200 years.

3. CA State Standards
4. Discuss the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from republic to empire.

4. Conflicts at Home EQ: What led to conflict within Rome?
Reform Fails
As Rome expanded, many Romans wanted to gain more wealth, power
Threat of uprisings grew between rich & poor
Reformers wanted to break up estates, give land to poor but landowners opposed reform, had reformers killed

5. Conflicts at Home EQ: What led to conflict within Rome?
Civil War
Generals began civil war
Marius fought for the plebeians
Sulla fought for the patricians
Patricians won in 82 B.C.; Sulla became dictator
Sulla
Marius

6. Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed?
An Ambitious General
After Sullaʼs death, other power-hungry generals rose to power, such as Julius Caesar
Military Leader
Caesar fought in Asia Minor & Spain, proving himself a great general in a campaign against Gaul (France+), bringing him fame, fortune

7. Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed?
Dictator for Life
Julius was popular with plebeians
Many powerful Romans, such as Cicero, distrusted Julius
After returning from Gaul, Senate ordered Julius to disband army. Instead, he led his army to Italy, fought for control; won in 46 B.C.
Senate appointed him ruler; was named dictator for life in 44 B.C.

8. Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed?
Caesar’s Reforms
Julius expanded Senate, enforced laws, created jobs
Some feared he would become king, have descendants rule after him
Assassination and Legacy
Julius murdered in 44 B.C. by group of senators who were eventually killed or committed suicide
Reformer or tyrant, Julius’ rule and death would end republic

9. EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
Emperors Rule Rome
EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
Augustus
After Caesarʼs death, civil war destroyed what was left of republic. His nephew and adopted son, Octavian, eventually became ruler in 27 B.C.
Octavian took name Augustus, meaning “exalted one”
Augustus Rebuilds Rome
Augustus became Romeʼs first emperor; used title “first citizen”
He beautified Rome by building temples, theaters, monuments

10. EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
Emperors Rule Rome
EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
The Roman Peace
Augustusʼ reign began Pax Romana— long period of peace and stability
Empire grew to greatest size, 2 million square miles
Paid army of 300K guarded frontiers, built roads; navy patrolled Med. Sea
A Strong Economy
Pax Romana continued after Augustusʼ death in A.D. 14
Empire thrived under government begun by Augustus

11. EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
Emperors Rule Rome
EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor?
Agriculture and Trade
Romans produced pottery, metal goods, glass, wine, olive oil
Land and sea trade routes (i.e. Spain, Africa, Silk Road) aided economic growth
Traders brought back grain, ivory, silk, spices, gold, silver
Currency
Common Roman currency, made trade easier
Expanding economy made the rich richer, deepened division with poor

12. Write a paragraph summarizing the lesson “Rome Becomes an Empire.”
summary & so what
Write a paragraph summarizing the lesson “Rome Becomes an Empire.”
Choose one thing you wrote about and explain why it matters to the world today.
Choose one thing you wrote about and describe a life lesson you can learn.

13. Summary & So What
Lesson Summary
The results of Roman expansion produced social conflict and civil war.
Julius Caesar gained power and became a dictator but was then assassinated.
The reign of Augustus began a long period of imperial rule and peace in the Roman Empire.
Why It Matters Now . . .
Rome faced the problems of how to maintain peace, law, and order. Modern governments face similar problems.