Militaristic Roman Empire

War with Carthage Rome and Carthage begin Punic Wars three wars between 264-146 BCE Rome defeats Carthage, wins Sicily, in first 23-year war Hannibal – Carthaginian general – avenges defeat in second Punic War. Attacks Italy through Spain and France, doesn’t take Rome.

Rome Triumphs Roman general Scipio defeats Hannibal in 202 BCE Rome destroys Carthage, enslaves people in last war (149 – 146 BCE)

Economic Turmoil Gap between rich and poor widens as Roman Republic grows Farmers, former soldiers, lose to large estates; become homeless Two tribunes, Tiberius and Gaius, try to help poor, are murdered Civil War – conflict between groups within same country

Military Organization Centuries — 100 armed men Headed by Centurian (from the ranks) Maniples—3 Centuries Could move quickly through difficult terrain (better than phalanx) Independent decisions (tribunes) Legions—groups of Maniples 6000 men Supported by light cavalry Discipline Death for individual insubordination Decimation for cowardice

Collapse of the Republic Gracchus brothers Violence used to impose one's will Marius Re-election to consulate (many times) Standing army Sulla Assumption of dictator powers Use of the army to override councils Proscription list

Julius Caesar Triumvirate Praised for his work in Spain Appointed governor in Gaul (conquest) Alliance with Crassus and Pompey to form the triumvirate (not initially, but later elected) Rivalry with Pompey after death of Crassus Crossing the Rubicon Uprising in Asia Veni, vidi, vici—I came, I saw, I conquered Conquest of Egypt Cleopatra

Julius Caesar Returned to Rome as a conquering hero Procession for each territory on a different day (Gaul, Africa, Spain, Asia) and games for many additional days Offered crown (as emperor) twice and refused it when people didn't respond favorably Dictator (rule by one man) Appointed for 10 years and then for life Caesar’s plans for Rome Calendar (July) Libraries, theaters, other public works Gave citizenship to people in Spain and Gaul

Julius Caesar Murder of Caesar Killed by senatorial opponents Instigated by his usurpation of power and their fear that he would become emperor Died March 15, 44 BCE Stabbed by 20 senators Brutus—illegitimate son or best friend? Mark Anthony and Octavian Rallied against the conspirators

Beginning of the Empire 43 BCE Caesar’s supporters take control; become Second Triumvirate Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus alliance ends in jealousy and violence In 31 BCE, Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s forces are defeated at Actium Octavian accepts title of Caesar, “exalted one,” and rules Rome

Pax Romana Under Augustus, Rome moves form a republic to an Empire Power no longer resides with citizens, but a single ruler Rome enjoys 200 years of peace and prosperity known as Pax Romana

Agriculture and Trade Agriculture is the most important industry in the empire; 90% of Romans farm Common coin/currency Vast trading network, includes India & China Roman roads connect the empire to Europe and Asia

Society and Culture Slavery is a significant part of Roman life Worship of the emperor becomes an official religion of Rome Rich live well; most people are poor. Receive grain from government 150 holidays and Coliseum events created to control the masses.