Rome: Republic to Empire

Geography of Rome Built on seven hills along the Tiber River Situated between the Alps (North) and the tip of the Italian peninsula (south) Located Near the center of the Med. Sea

The Early Republic Rome is unified as one city- state in 600 BC Covered nearly 500 sq. miles! Tarquin the Proud Last King of Rome Ousted in 509 BC and republic is founded Only free-born males granted Roman citizenship and voting rights Two groups want Power Patricians- wealthy land owners Plebians- common farmers , artisans, and merchants that made up the majority of the populations. Elected representatives called tribunes.

Government in the Republic Roman Laws: established in 451 Placed in the forum (open area that was the center of Roman political life) Government Officials: 2 Consuls- commanded the army 1 year term. No reelection for 10 years Senate (300 members)- made decisions regarding foreign and domestic policy The Roman Army: Organized into units called Legions Service was required if you owned land or wanted to obtain a high political ranking political position

Rome’s Influence Grows 256 BCE- All of the Italian peninsula is under Roman control Rome had gained an extensive trade network The Punic Wars: 264-146 BCE Rome vs. Carthage Carthage was a city-state in north Africa 2nd Punic Wars: Hannibal tries to take Rome and fails 3rd Punic Wars: Rome defeats Carthage for good Rome becomes the dominate force in the western Med.

The Republic Collapses The gap between the rich and the poor grew as Rome grew Farmers were left jobless and homeless The Army No longer loyal to the Republic Loyal to their Commanders

Caesar takes Control. Hail Caesar! Popular general and a consul with his friend Pompey He declared himself governor of Gaul (present-day France) in 58 BCE 58-50 BCE defeated all of Gaul and gained support Ordered to disband and return to Rome by the Senate and Pompey He refused and marched his army across the Rubicon River and then to Rome He defeated Pompey and named dictator in 46 BCE 2 years later named dictator for life Granted citizenship to many outside of Italy Assassinated in 44 BCE by several Senator including Marcus Brutus

V.

An Empire Begins The 2nd Triumvirate: 43 BCE Rome was now an Empire Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus (former generals) Lepidus is pressured by to retire by Octavian Octavian and Antony fight for control of Rome Antony meets Cleopatra of Egypt and w/ her help tries to defeat Octavian and fails Octavian becomes the ruler and calls himself Emperor Augustus (exalted one) (27 BCE -14 CE) Rome was now an Empire

Culture in the Empire 207 years of Pax-Romana (Roman Peace) The Empire stretched from Spain in the West to Mesopotamia in the East Agriculture was the main industry Slavery was important feature in everyday life Gods and Goddesses were linked to the government and include Jupiter (father of the gods), Juno (his wife), and Minerva (goddess of wisdom and arts).

Christianity in the Empire There were many religious in Rome In 70 AD a Jewish revolt was put down in Jerusalem Christianity spread quickly however many were persecuted Constantine Before a battle (312 CE) has a vision of cross and he wins the battle Edict of Milan 313 CE- stops the persecution of the Christians Emperor Theodosius made it the official religion of the empire in 380