Chapter 13: The Rise of Rome Lesson 3: Rome Becomes an Empire

Main Ideas Angry poor people, power-hungry generals, and ambitious politicians threatened the Roman Republic. Julius Caesar gained absolute control of the republic but did not rule long. After Caesar was assassinated, Augustus founded an empire that enjoyed peace and prosperity for about 200 years.

CA State Standards 4. Discuss the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from republic to empire. http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/histsocscistnd.pdf

Conflicts at Home EQ: What led to conflict within Rome? Reform Fails As Rome expanded, many Romans wanted to gain more wealth, power Threat of uprisings grew between rich & poor Reformers wanted to break up estates, give land to poor but landowners opposed reform, had reformers killed

Conflicts at Home EQ: What led to conflict within Rome? Civil War Generals began civil war Marius fought for the plebeians Sulla fought for the patricians Patricians won in 82 B.C.; Sulla became dictator Sulla Marius

Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed? An Ambitious General After Sullaʼs death, other power-hungry generals rose to power, such as Julius Caesar Military Leader Caesar fought in Asia Minor & Spain, proving himself a great general in a campaign against Gaul (France+), bringing him fame, fortune

Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed? Dictator for Life Julius was popular with plebeians Many powerful Romans, such as Cicero, distrusted Julius After returning from Gaul, Senate ordered Julius to disband army. Instead, he led his army to Italy, fought for control; won in 46 B.C. Senate appointed him ruler; was named dictator for life in 44 B.C.

Julius Caesar EQ: Why was Julius Caesar killed? Caesar’s Reforms Julius expanded Senate, enforced laws, created jobs Some feared he would become king, have descendants rule after him Assassination and Legacy Julius murdered in 44 B.C. by group of senators who were eventually killed or committed suicide Reformer or tyrant, Julius’ rule and death would end republic

EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? Emperors Rule Rome EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? Augustus After Caesarʼs death, civil war destroyed what was left of republic. His nephew and adopted son, Octavian, eventually became ruler in 27 B.C. Octavian took name Augustus, meaning “exalted one” Augustus Rebuilds Rome Augustus became Romeʼs first emperor; used title “first citizen” He beautified Rome by building temples, theaters, monuments

EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? Emperors Rule Rome EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? The Roman Peace Augustusʼ reign began Pax Romana— long period of peace and stability Empire grew to greatest size, 2 million square miles Paid army of 300K guarded frontiers, built roads; navy patrolled Med. Sea A Strong Economy Pax Romana continued after Augustusʼ death in A.D. 14 Empire thrived under government begun by Augustus

EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? Emperors Rule Rome EQ: What were the contributions of the first Roman emperor? Agriculture and Trade Romans produced pottery, metal goods, glass, wine, olive oil Land and sea trade routes (i.e. Spain, Africa, Silk Road) aided economic growth Traders brought back grain, ivory, silk, spices, gold, silver Currency Common Roman currency, made trade easier Expanding economy made the rich richer, deepened division with poor

Write a paragraph summarizing the lesson “Rome Becomes an Empire.” summary & so what Write a paragraph summarizing the lesson “Rome Becomes an Empire.” Choose one thing you wrote about and explain why it matters to the world today. Choose one thing you wrote about and describe a life lesson you can learn.

Summary & So What Lesson Summary The results of Roman expansion produced social conflict and civil war. Julius Caesar gained power and became a dictator but was then assassinated. The reign of Augustus began a long period of imperial rule and peace in the Roman Empire. Why It Matters Now . . . Rome faced the problems of how to maintain peace, law, and order. Modern governments face similar problems.