The Fall of the Roman Republic The Republic

The Fall of the Roman Republic

The Republic Collapses • Republic expanded, but it caused problems • After the Punic Wars- Increasing wealth and expanding empire brought many problems • Major problems included; – Widening gap between the rich and poor – Soldiers came home with no jobs or land/homes – Corruption was growing in the government – Slaves captured in battle were also unhappy – Forced to work on Latifundias = huge estates.

Attempts to Save Rome • Two brothers try to solve Rome’s problems – Suggest that land should be split up – Both Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus are killed • Rome falls into civil war- rich v. poor • Generals start creating armies themselves – No longer care about Rome as a whole • Power begins to change to the most powerful instead of the ones chosen

Julius Caesar Comes • Julius Caesar comes to power with the help of two other people – Crassus and Pompey – Creates a triumvirate- rule by 3 people • Caesar takes control of Gaul (France) • He then turns his army on Rome to take power from Pompey- Pompey flees Rome • Caesar gained the support of the Romans – They name him dictator for life in 44 BC

Julius’ Changes • • Increased citizenship to more Romans Julius Created jobs for the poor Expanded Senate positions; filled w/ friends All these things make Caesar very popular • Senators begin to worry about his popularity – Feel they will be losing power/ influence • Julius Caesar is killed March 15, 44 BC – Stabbed by friend Marcus Brutus and others “E tu Brute”

Life After the Death of Julius Caesar • Civil war breaks out again after assassination – Destroys what is left of the Roman republic • Octavian is quick to come into power – Was Julius’ grand-nephew and adopted son • Comes to power with two others-2 nd Triumvirate – Octavian, Marc Antony and Lepidus nd

Breakdown of the Triumvirate nd 2 • They took power in 43 BC but quickly fell apart – Lepidus forced to retire from service by Octavian – Marc Antony and Octavian begin to fight • Marc Antony goes to fight in Anatolia – While there he meets Cleopatra- Queen of Egypt • Falls in love with her and travels back to Egypt – Octavian accuses him of trying to rule Rome from Egypt- some people do not like that idea

Octavian Controls the Empire Alone • The Roman Empire was now Octavian’s – He promised to bring back parts of the republic • He kept the Senate – Later accepted the title of Augustus or “exalted one” – Also took title of imperator or Emperor • Octavian’s rule starts the Roman Empire – Different from the Roman Republic - only 1 ruler – He takes power alone in 27 BC

Life During the Pax Romana • Contained 200 wonderful years for Rome – Had excellent leaders/ emperors – Plenty of food, jobs and money – Trade increased as well as the size of the empire – Had 60 -80 million people in the empire • City of Rome grew to over 1 million people • Trading became a major part of the empire – Traded by land to China, India and the Middle East

Protecting and Glorifying the Empire • Defending such a large area was difficult – Over 10, 000 miles of border to protect • Roman Legion had to defend on support armies – Armies trained by the Romans • Got to become citizens when their service was up • Octavian glorified the empire by… – Building new buildings – Using civil servants to collect taxes, mail, and grain

Emperors that followed Octavian • 5 great emperors followed Octavian – Gave them the great years of the Pax Romana • Emperors had a plan for when they died – If they didn’t a civil war could start again – They picked an heir to the throne before they died • Marcus Aurelius was the last great emperor – He does not choose an heir before death – This leads to the beginning of the fall of

Life in the Roman Empire • Many people filled the streets of Rome daily – Few lived in the city limits; many lived in countrysides • Romans valued certain personal qualities – Power, strength, and usefulness • Life was focused around the family – Eldest males ran the home; had complete control • Could disown family members or sell them into slavery – Boys were favored over girls – they could vote • Also held family traditions and got original names • Daughters got female version of fathers name • Education was usually for the richer boys – Women taught at home; married at 12 -15 to older

Women and Slaves In Rome • As the empire came to power, women were close to equals socially in Rome – Given more freedom than women of Greece – Allowed to own property and testify in court – Were NOT allowed to vote or educated outside home – Attended fairs, festivals, and public baths • Slavery important to Roman society – Romans use slaves more than any other civilization – Slaves were property, could be bought, sold,

Roman Religion- Roman Mythology • Romans were polytheistic • Roman religion helped to explain 3 things – Life events, natural phenomena, human characteristics • Held ceremonies and rituals to Gods – like Movie Greeks – Religion also connected to government – Ceremonies were to be both public and private • Worship of the emperor also part of the religion

Entertainment in Rome • Entertainment very different b/w rich and poor – Rich had fancy parties, banquets and fancy homes – Poor were usually unemployed and fed on bread rations from the Roman government • To distract the poor from revolting they held games – Gladiator games, races, mock battles all free Movie