1. Key Question: What causes Rome to change from a Republic to an Empire?
Rome Becomes an Empire
Key Question: What causes Rome to change from a Republic to an Empire?

2. Patricians versus Plebeians
Both the consuls and the Senate represented the interests of the patricians– the hereditary aristocrats and wealthy classes
There were tension between the Patricians and Plebeians- poor working class.
In honor of the Roman plebeians, freshmen at West Point are called plebes

3. Republic Crumbling
Tiberius and Gaius Gracchi worked to limit the amount of conquered land an individual could hold
They met strong resistance from the wealthy and ruling classes and were both assassinated (around 120 BC)
Years of civil wars would follow. Eventually resulting an Oligarchy called a Triumvirate (3 person rule).

4. First Triumvirate 53-45BC
For about 8 years Rome was ruled equally by three people.
Julius Caesar
Gniaus Pompey
Marcus Crassus
What are some problems with an
Oligarchy?
Another Civil War will breakout
Between Caesar and Pompey

5. “I came, I saw, I conquered”
“Veni, vidi, vici”
“I came, I saw, I conquered”
Julius Caesar
The Senate does not trust Caesar because he is very popular among the Plebeian Class.
Therefore senate exiles him to Gaul
Julius Caesar became famous as a General in Gaul.
He conquered Gaul and made it part of the Roman Empire
Pompey is afraid of Caesars growing power
Gaul (now mostly France)

6. Civil War Julius Caesar Gnaius Pompey Pompey and Julius Caesar
fought a Civil war for the
power and control of Rome

7. Crossing the Rubicon, 49 BC
“Alea iacta est”
“The Die is Cast!”
Julius Caesar defeats Pompey
on the battlefield
Pompey flees to Egypt
Next he turns his sights on
Rome itself.
To get to Rome he must cross
Rubicon River.

8. Julius Caesar Crosses The Rubicon
Julius Caesar is declared
“Dictator for Life” by the
Roman Senate.

9. Julius Caesar in Egypt Cleopatra Julius Caesar
-Caesar chases Pompey to Egypt and meets Cleopatra.
-They have a child together. (Caesarion)
-Cleopatra help convince Caesar to start wearing a crown.
Cleopatra Julius Caesar

10. Caesar is Murdered! Caesar is Killed by fellow Senators
“Roman People you are free from Dictatorship” Brutus

11. Caesar Augustus
63 BC-14 AD
Octavian was winner of 18 years civil war (Sea Battle of Actium)
Designated heir of Julius Caesar
Was of the family of Caesar (adopted) so he took the name Caesar
Given the name Augustus by the Senate

12. Battle of Actium
Cleopatra believed that her son Caeserion was the rightful Emperor. (She had a point)
Octivian/Augustus would not have this and sent his best general, Mark Antony, to deal with her.
Mark Antony, however, fell for Cleopatra. Soon they both were planning a coup or government overthrow.
Octavian assembled a fleet and defeated Antony at the the sea Battle of Actium.
Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide.

13. Rome’s Golden Age Under Augustus Rome reaches its greatest power.
By this time Rome has a vast culture that includes art and entertainment.
Gladiators, Chariot racers are well known.
Pax Romana- Roman Piece

14. Principal Roman Emperors

15. Roman Exhibit
In Groups you will make a exhibit detailing the change from Republic to Empire. Create a poster describing the great change Rome went through from 120BC-30BC
Your Poster should:
Explain why the republic fell apart.
Info about the social division in Rome (Plebeians and Patricians)
Include a description of the following people: Tiberious and Gaius Gracci, Julius Caesar, Pompey, Augustus, Mark Antony, Cleopatra
Include pictures and color on your display.
Use your notes and book to gather information about the assignment.