Emperors of Rome Pgs

 In the first century BC, Rome was a republic. Power lay in the hands of the Senate, elected by Roman citizens. But the senators were fighting for power between themselves. Order had given way to anarchy and only might was right.

 The empire started through violence and depended on force. Emperors could only survive if their people believed they could outgun anyone and everyone else. If an army grew dissatisfied, the emperor was in trouble; if dissatisfaction spread further, he was finished.  It mixed sophistication with brutality and could suddenly lurch from civilization, strength and power to terror, tyranny and greed.

 Gifted philosopher and orator (public speaker)  Wanted to restore order to Rome by: Taking power away from generals Giving more power to senators Restore checks and balances of government People didn’t support his ideas

At the head of the pack were the emperors, a strange bunch of men (always men). Few were just OK: some were good - some even were great - but far too many abused their position and power. They had a job for life, but that life could always be shortened. Assassination was an occupational hazard. Emperors sat at the top of the social order.

Rome was a collection of states that were backed up by force. People would come through the city of Rome from all over the world to trade. Along with these people came many new ideas and goods. Rome also attracted many people, many times poorer people. Social status in Rome governed the life that they led.

 Read page 353 closely. What traits did Caesar have that made him successful? Trait How this helped him

 BC - Julius Caesar conquers Gaul.  Julius Caesar turns his attention to seizing supreme power in Rome itself (takes on Italy)  49 BC - Caesar crosses the Rubicon. Civil war begins.  After his victory in Gaul, Caesar is so popular that the nervous Senate calls on him to resign and disband his army or risk being declared an 'Enemy of the State'. Caesar decides to march on Rome and crosses the Rubicon River with a standing army, throwing the empire into civil war.  Caesar chased Pompey out of Rome, ending up in Egypt. He met Cleopatra and made her Queen.

Caesar returned to Rome  Declared himself dictator for 10 years, then for life.  People feared he was trying to make himself king  IDES OF MARCH: (March 15, 44 BC) Senators very angry, so they attacked Caesar in the Senate house and stabbed him to death

 Murderers forced to flee Rome  Common people who loved him upset and rioted  Senate tried to restore order  Anthony and Octavian tried to avenge his death Found killers, defeated them, killed themselves How did people Feel about his death?

Create a flow chart for each to show their paths after defeating Caesars Killers Octavian Anthony Pg. 356