Aim: How did the Roman Republic end and the Roman Empire begin? Turn in: T2K#10 & Punic Wars Do Now: What is an empire? How did the Punic Wars help create an empire? Homework: T2K#11 Enjoy the weekend!
Social & Economic New class of wealthy Romans emerged – Latifundia (large estates) with slaves Farmers fell into debt couldn’t compete with slave labor farm prices Unemployment in the cities riots Wealthy corruption
Tiberius &Gaius Gracchus Patrician brothers Wanted reform Tiberius elected to tribune in 133BC wanted land distributed to poor families Gaius elected to tribune 10 years later wanted public funds used to by grains for farmers. Senate was angered hired men to kill brothers & followers in streets
Julius Caesar Military leader Gained power during civil war sharing with 2 other men (1 st Triumvirate) Gains power for himself forces senate to name him dictator Public loved him for his public works
Assassination Senate hated him for his power March 15 44BC –senate feared he would name himself king & killed him.
Octavian gains power Mark Antony (general) and Octavian Caesar (grandnephew) hunt down the murderers and form the 2 nd Triumvirate Their armies fight for control Octavian wins and named Augustus (respected one) by the Senate
Augustus’ Stable Government Allowed civil service jobs Census – tax system fair Functioned for 200 years
Pax Romana Augustus became the first emperor of Rome & began Pax Romana “Roman Peace”: 27 B.C. to 180 A.D Trade & unity within empire
Why was Augustus so popular? When emperor Augustus fell ill and thought his life was coming to an end he began writing down his accomplishments. This is a first person account of his life and accomplishments. Initially, it was carved into bronze and put in Augustus’ mausoleum. Later copies were distributed throughout the empire. Here is an excerpt from the account.