The expansion of Rome from 44 B.C. – 116 C.E.

Roman Empire 44 B.C. Map of 116 C.E.

Modern countries that made up the Roman Empire Modern map of Europe Modern countries that made up the Roman Empire

Roman Empire 116 C.E. Roman Empire 44 B.C.E Modern Map of Europe

What caused the large expansion during this period???

Beginning of the Expansion Caesar expanded the Roman Empire into Spain and modern day France through the Gallic Wars and expanded into the Balkans and Greece. The Second Triumvirate consisting of Octavian, Marc Antony, and Marcus Lepidus came to power following Caesar’s assassination. The triumvirate expanded the empire into Egypt and into Asia. Octavian, later re-named Augustus Caesar (pictured right), eventually took over power from Antony and Lepidus and became sole ruler of the Roman Empire, which changed from a Republic to an Imperial .

Augustus Caesar (Ruled from 31 B.C.E – 14 C.E) Caesar was hailed as a hero by the Roman people but knew the Senators were suspicious of him. He offered to give all his power back to the Senate. The people requested that he be named absolute ruler of the Roman Empire. Augustus was a very conservative ruler who put family values first. Expanded the Roman Empire into Germanic tribal areas in Central Europe, Egypt, and the Balkans.

Pax Romana (27 B.C.E. – 180 C.E.) Augustus ruled during the Pax Romana, which was a period of peace and prosperity for Rome. Used this period to build the empire up economically through the trade routes built through Europe. Guaranteed safe travel on trade routes. Collected taxes of conquered lands. Established unification of money to increase trade. Rome still had wars with some local civilizations, but generally had peace with little conflict such as a civil war in Rome. Developed uniform law for the nation.

Tiberius (Ruled 14 C.E. – 37 C.E.) Spent less time conquering land and more time building up the economy and consolidating power in the empire. Left the treasury with a very large amount of money. Would later become tyrannical, and would exile himself away from Rome.

Future rulers Caligula came to power from 37 C.E. - 41 C.E and was accused of being a tyrant. He suffered from a crippling disease and spent much of the money that was saved up by Tiberius. Claudius (41 C.E.- 54 C.E.) expanded the empire into England. Following Nero’s death (54 C.E.- 68 C.E) a minor battle for the crown takes place, eventually won by Vespasian. The Flavian dynasty included the reign of Titus and Domitian. The Pax Romana is eventually ended with the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 C.E.

Modern Countries in the Roman Empire 48 modern nations made up the Roman Empire. Label the location of modern France, Italy, Egypt, Jerusalem, Germany, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Great Britain, and Spain. These countries should be filled out in the note taking sheet as well. Also, identify the major battle sites of the Battle of Actium Caesar claimed most of Spain, France, Greece, and marched on Rome unifying it (44 B.C.E.). Augustus spread the empire to Egypt, Northern Spain, the north west coast of Africa, and the eastern part of Turkey and Iraq (31 B.C.E – 14 C.E). Claudius invaded and conquered southern Britain in 43 C.E. (15 C.E.-43 C.E.) The emperors that followed were able to expand very little after this, spending more time stopping rebellions and building public works (Colosseum completed in 80 C.E. Label where the Colosseum is located.) Trajan conquered modern day Iran and Israel reaching its largest point in 116 C.E.(44 C.E.-116 C.E.). Students are to label the areas acquired by these emperors on their map following directions given on the worksheet. Be sure to color code and label the dates of expansion.

Answer these questions with a partner. Based on what you learned from your research and what your map shows, which emperor do you feel was most successful in expanding the Roman Empire? Why? Looking at the map you have created, why do you think it was so difficult for the Romans to maintain control of the empire? List and explain as many reasons as you can. ( How do you think the sheer size of the Roman Empire contributed to its downfall? Do you think the Roman Empire could have been more powerful if it had focused less energy on expansion and more energy on other aspects of the country's growth? Why?