The Rise Fall of the Roman Empire 60

The Rise & Fall of the Roman Empire 60 BC – 450 AD (kind of) Mr. Meester World History

Vocabulary Julius Caesar Augustus Caesar Justinian Law

Rise & Fall of Julius Caesar conquered areas as far away as Gaul (France) & Mesopotamia. He was so popular the Senate tried to have him killed when he returned. He brought his army with him. He became dictator for life. He launched public works programs and reforms and became more popular. The Senate murdered him because they feared his increasing power.

The Death of Julius Caesar

Marc Anthony & Octavian Caesar was Julius’ nephew and would rise to power with the help of Mark Anthony. They split the republic Mark Anthony controlled the east & Octavian the west. Most of the wealth was in the east & Mark Anthony lived there with his mistress Cleopatra Octavian eventually wanted all of Rome and attacked Anthony killing him & Cleopatra.

Start of the Empire Octavian Caesar would change his name to Augustus & become Rome’s 1 st Emperor. Augustus had absolute power He eliminated all aspects of Roman democracy except for the Senate. Augustus Caesar marks Rome’s official transition from Republic to Empire. Rome was now a Monarchy

Pax Romana means “Roman Peace” this peace will last for 200 years. The Roman Empire would stretch from Britain to North Africa to Mesopotamia. They built roads & aqueducts as well as spread Greco-Roman culture throughout.

Roman Law was based on logic & reason. It applied to all people in the empire. Emperor Justinian compiled all laws into one written code. Roman Legal Legacy: Innocent till proven guilty The right to face your accuser & offer a defense Judges interpret laws & make fair decisions

The Fall of Rome Weak & crazy emperors caused Rome to be weakened. The empire was split between east and west with the eastern capital being Byzantium The western empire fell to barbarian invaders from Germany around 450 AD. The Byzantium Empire would last until 1100 AD.