1. Octavian A.K.A. Augustus

2. Anthony and Cleopatra by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema
Octavian
Octavian was a nephew, protégé, and adopted son of Julius Caesar
He defeated his principal rival, Mark Anthony, and Anthony’s ally Cleopatra at Actium, Greece in 31 B.C.
Anthony and Cleopatra by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

3. Augustus
Octavian consolidated his rule and in 27 B.C., the Senate bestowed upon him the title Augustus
“Augustus” has religious connotations suggesting a divine or semi-divine nature
Augustus ruled virtually unopposed for 45 years in “a monarchy disguised as a republic”
Principate – rule by the first citizen
Principes – first citizen

4. Augustus
Augustus centralized political and military power like Julius Caesar did, but he was careful to preserve traditional republican offices and forms of government and included members of the Roman elite in his government

5. Government under Augustus
Accumulated vast powers for himself and ultimately took responsibility for all important governmental functions
Placed individuals loyal to him in all important positions
Reorganized the military system
Created a new standing army with commanders who owed allegiance to him
Eliminated the personal armies of earlier years
Stabilized the land after the years of civil war and allowed the institutions of empire to take root
Refrained from forcing conformity on other parts of the empire – wanted them to obey
Main task of emperor was to guard what Rome had won – consolidate, foster and maintain a Roman Peace.

6. Mare Nostrum
After Augustus, the Roman Empire continued to grow to the point that it surrounded the Mediterranean
Romans called the Mediterranean mare nostrum (“our sea”)
Expansion brought Roman soldiers, diplomats, governors, and merchants throughout the region
Trade flourished

7. Roman Empire, 117 A.D.

8. Pax Romana
By stopping the civil wars, Augustus inaugurated an era known as pax romana (“Roman peace”) which greatly facilitated trade and communication
Lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.
Also included applying standards of justice and a basic code of law throughout the empire

9. How were populations controlled by the Romans?
Under the republic?
Under the empire?

10. How were populations controlled by the Romans?
Under the republic
Representation (consuls and Senate)
Resolution of conflicts between the patricians and plebeians (tribunes)
Dictators
Under the empire
Julius Caesar centralized authority but alienated elite
Augustus continued centralization but placated elite and ensured loyalty through patronage
Pax romana stabilized region through trade, communication, and law

11. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAX ROMANA
ORDER
PROSPERITY
UNITY