Rome Builds an Empire World History I Chapter 11, Section 4

The Rule of Augustus Augustus was able to stabilize the frontiers of the Empire, conquering many new areas.new areas A proconsul oversaw each of Rome’s provinces. Tax system and legal system were changed. He continued to provide free grain for the poor. – An attempt to conquer Germany failed, showing that Rome's power was limited. Augustus’ political system allowed Emperors to choose their successors. – Emperors gradually took power away from the Senate, and some became very corrupt.

Emperors After Augustus The first five emperors, all related to Augustus are known as the Julio-Claudian Emperors. – Tiberius and Claudius were effective rulers. – Caligula and Nero were brutal rulers. They both killed many people and were eventually removed from office – Caligula was killed by his guards and Nero committed suicide after being sentenced to death for treason. Augustus Tiberius Caligula Claudius Nero

The Roman Peace After Nero’s death, Vespasian became emperor. – He dealt harshly with anyone who opposed Roman rule. Jewish temple in Jerusalem destroyed in 70 A.D. after Jews revolted. – Vespasian began construction of the Colosseum. Under the rule of Titus, two disasters struck Rome. – Mount Vesuvius eruption destroyed Pompeii. – Rome was badly burned by a great fire. This period was one of growth and prosperity.

Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius

Five Good Emperors At the beginning of the 2 nd century AD, a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana developed. – Under the “Five Good Emperors”, programs were created to help the people. – Roman infrastructure was improved – bridges, arches, roads, aqueducts. – The Roman Empire also expanded to include Mesopotamia, Romania, and the Sinai Peninsula.expanded

Nerva A.D Reformed land laws in favor of the poor, revised taxation. Trajan A.D Expanded the empire to its greatest extent. Implemented the construction of many public works. Hadrian A.D Constructed Hadrian’s Wall in Britain; erected many fine buildings, codified Roman law. Antoninus Pius A.D Promoted art and science, construction of public works, legal reform, and new provisions for orphans. Marcus Aurelius A.D Helped unify empire economically, made legal reforms. The “Five Good Emperors” of the Pax Romana

Early Empire Under Trajan, Rome reached its largest size. – About the size of the United States. – Many groups lived in the empire, and by 212 A.D., all free persons were considered citizens and treated equally under the law. The Early Empire was a period of economic prosperity. – Trade flourished beyond the Empire. The Silk Road expanded Roman trade to the Far East (China).Silk Road – There was still an enormous gap between rich and poor.