1. RULERS OF ROMAN EMPIRE

2. FIRST TRIUMVIRATE 60 BCE- Three army generals unite to rule Rome.  Pompey  Crassus  Julius Caesar Caesar becomes consul and commands the Roman legions in Gaul.  Conquers Gaul (France) and England. Pompey gets support from Senate.  Orders Caesar to return home w/out the army. Caesar invades Rome w/ army and defeats Pompey.  Becomes a “hero of the empire.”

3. Mark Antony Lepidus Octavian Created by Mark Antony  Falls in love w/ Cleopatra, queen of Egypt Octavian crushes the combined fleet of Antony and Cleopatra. SECOND TRIUMVIRATE

4. OCTAVIAN 31 BCE- creates the Roman Empire Allows Senate to keep some power, but he would retain sole rulership. Changes name to Augustus  “honored and majestic” Takes title of “Caesar”  “first citizen”

5. TIBERIUS 14-37 AD Augustus’ stepson Plots and violence become common in Roman politics.

6. Cruel and insane Rules for 4 years  Assassinated by his imperial guard. 41-54 AD Restores order to the Roman Empire. CALIGULA CLAUDIUS

7. NERO Claudius’ stepson Becomes Emperor at age 17. Becomes bloodthirsty and violent.  Murders own mother for criticizing his mistress. Rome burns in 64 AD.  Nero blames the Christians. Army rebels against him, and he commits suicide.

8. VESTAVIA The year after Nero’s death, 2 emperors are assassinated and 1 commits suicide. Chosen by military as emperor of Rome. Restores discipline in the army and the administration of the Empire.  Puts down revolts in Judaea and Gaul.

9. NERVE Vestavia's sons rule for almost 10 years. Senate chooses Nerva as the new emperor in 96 AD. Establishes the adoptive system.  Adopts a son and declares him the heir to the throne.

10. 98-117 AD Adopted son of Nerva. Spanish-born Wise and popular  Eases tax burden. Empire reaches its greatest size. 117-138 AD Devoted to protecting the Empire, rather than expanding it. Creates Palestine out of Jewish territory.  Encourages non-Jews to live there. TRAJAN HADRIAN

11. MARCUS AURELIUS Last of the adopted emperors  “Good Emperors” Many border wars with the Germanic tribes Abandons the adoptive system and chooses his own son as the new emperor  Commodus – unfit to rule  End of the Pax Romana