The Roman Empire (27 B.C. – A.D. 476) Octavian becomes Caesar Augustus. Emperor for life He commands the entire Roman army New empire is very large. Nearly 100 million people came under Roman rule

Pax Romana – Roman Peace Lasts for 200 years Free trade – Romans could trade with anyone in the Empire Fair laws Laws apply the same to everyone in the empire – not just Romans Innocent until proven guilty Augustus dies in A.D. 14

Tiberius Tiberius is Rome’s second emperor Adopted son of Augustus One of Rome’s greatest military generals He never really wanted to become emperor

Caligula He was an insane tyrant He was assassinated He would appear in public dressed as a god/demigod (Hercules, Mercury, Apollo) He was assassinated

Claudius Uncle of Caligula The empire expanded under his reign He was poisoned

Nero One of Rome’s worst emperors Murdered his mother, half-brother, and wife He was emperor when the city of Rome burned Persecuted Christians – Blamed them for the burning of Rome He committed suicide

Trajan Best known for his extensive public building program

Hadrian Probably one of the best emperors Tried hard to build a good government

Marcus Aurelius Often referred to as “the wise” Responsible for many military conquests in Parthia, Gaul, Germania, and Britain

Roman Contributions Circus Maximus – The most famous “circus” in Rome Where chariot races were held

Roman Contributions Colloseum Most famous stadium in Rome Used mainly for gladiator fights

Roman Contributions Roads – Romans built a highly complex system of roads. “All Roads Lead to Rome”

Roman Contributions Aqueducts – man-made channels that carried water into the cities

Roman Contributions Sewers – Romans designed drainage systems to carry away sewage (human wastes)

Roman Contributions Latin – official language of Romans Many other languages are called Romance languages because of their Latin origins.

Roman Contributions First Fire Company and Police Force First Welfare System First Health Care System

Roman Religion Many Romans practiced a pagan religion – worship of many gods Roman emperors allowed many different religious beliefs Romans insisted that people offer religious sacrifices to the emperor because of his divine powers

Roman Religion The only group not required to treat the emperor as a god was the Hebrews. When Caesar Augustus was emperor, Jesus of Nazareth was born in Judea. Jesus became the founder of the new religion called Christianity.

Christianity After three years of Jesus’ ministry, some Jewish leaders denounced him He was arrested by Roman soldiers Pontius Pilate – the Roman governor – sentenced him to death by crucifixion

Christianity Disciples, or followers, of Jesus spread Jesus’ teachings to other parts of the world Paul and Peter (two men responsible for spreading Christianity), along with thousands of other Christians were killed during the rule of Emperor Nero.

The Decline of the Roman Empire Political Instability Emperors were often assassinated Unpopular new emperors Civil wars – a conflict between people of the same land

The Decline of the Roman Empire Financial Problems Too much money is being spent on protecting the Empire High taxes are being charged by publicans Many people could barely survive

The Decline of the Roman Empire Foreign enemies Romans are too busy fighting civil wars among themselves Foreigners invade and rule the land