1. The Empire at Its Height
Section 2

2. 7.1.2
Discuss the geographic borders of the empire at its height and the factors that threatened its territorial cohesion

3. Background Knowledge
republic – a government in which citizens have the right to vote and elect officials
In about 509 B.C the Roman overthrew their king

4. From Republic to Empire

5. Turmoil at Home Elected Officials Different People
Rule over large regions
Different People
Culture

6. Turmoil at Home Prisoners of War Poor quality of life Slaves
Riots and Revolts

7. The End of the Republic Julius Caesar popular military hero
expanded Rome's borders and conquered Gaul
the senate ordered Julius Caesar to return to Rome without his armies

8. The End of the Republic Julius Caesar
crosses the Rubicon with his armies therefore causing a civil war.
Declared “dictator for life” by Roman senate in 44 B.C.
Expands the senate but Reduces their power
Created jobs.
365 ¼ day calendar.

9. The End of the Republic
Assassinate - to murder a well-known or important person
Led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius
Civil War

10. The End of the Republic Octavian Caesar’s adopted son
Becomes ruler of Rome in 31 B.C.

11. The Empire Grows Augustus “great and holy one”
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

12. The Age of Augustus Reforms - change made to improve a system
100 colonies
Former soldiers
Spreads Roman law
and culture
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

13. The Age of Augustus Pax Romana - a period of peace and prosperity
At the time of Augustus
death in A.D. 14, the Roman
empire stretched from
the British Isles to
Southwest Asia.
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

14. The Age of Augustus Pax Romana - a period of peace and prosperity
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

15. Choosing an Emperor Plotting and murder Military took sides
Mixed results
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

16. The “Good Emperors” Nerva Adopts a successor Avoids power struggles
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

17. The “Good Emperors” Trajan (A.D. 98 - 117)
The empire reached its greatest size
Tied empire together by building roads, bridges, and harbors
Tried to improve conditions for the poor
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

18. The “Good Emperors” Hadrian (A.D. 117 - 138) Strengthened defenses
Hadrian’s Wall
Described as a fair and wise ruler who cared for the people
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

19. Hadrian’s Wall

20. The “Good Emperors” Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161 - 180)
Noble peace-loving scholar
Wars along the eastern borders
Pax Romana ended with his death in A.D. 180
Respects traditions of the republic 27 B.C. becomes Augustus

21. The Empire Divided The empire is plagued by troubles again Diocletian
Takes power in A.D. 284
Empire too large to rule effectively
Divides empire in two

22. The Empire Divided

23. The Empire Divided Reform appeared to be a good solution
Dividing the empire made it weaker, not stronger.