From Octavian to Augustus

Caesar’s assassination and the 2 nd Triumverate March 15, 44 BC Two of Caesar’s most trusted lieutenants- Mark Antony and Lepidus joined with Octavian (Caesar’s adopted son) to form the 2 nd Triumverate and defeated the armies Brutus and Cassius (two leading assassins of Julius Caesar)

Both Mark Antony and Octavian wanted to be #1 so a compromise was reached: the Peace of Brundisium, 40 BCE

Antony & Cleopatra 40 BCE “Love at first sight?” Antony married Cleopatra and had 3 children with her. Donation of Alexandria, 34 BCE

Antony’s acknowledgment of Caesarion as legitimate and heir to Caesar's name was more than Octavian could bare. Octavian's base of power was his link with Caesar through adoption, which granted him much-needed popularity and loyalty of the legions. To see this convenient situation attacked by a child borne by the richest woman in the world was something Octavian could not accept.

End of the 2 nd Triumverate…3 rd Civil War The Treaty of Brundisium ended in 33 BCE The Battle of Actium 31 BCE Cleopatra and Antony fled to Egypt where they committed suicide

Octavian was a political genius: he held absolute power without breaking the façade of a Republic- magistrates were still elected, assemblies still met, the Senate still enjoyed many of their privileges. There was no talk of land reform etc etc! Peace had returned to Rome!

In 27 BCE Octavian offered to surrender his power but was rejected by the Senate He refused to be called dictator or king – just “the princep.” The Senate conferred on him the title Augustus – Exalted One – and reigned until 14 CE His policies laid the foundation for 200 years of peace and prosperity-”the Pax Romana.”

The Pax Romana - “Time of Happiness” 27 BCE -180 AD 200 years of peace allowed for the flourishing of culture throughout Roman-controlled lands > trade and commerce expanded > arts and science thrived >Greco-Roman life based on rational thought reached everywhere in the Empire- an orderly world community > Roman law was impartial and humane > Administration was efficient and beneficial > Architecture employed the arch, the dome and columns > the Latin language > Literature; historical writing; science and engineering > Conditions for women and slaves improved

Successors to Augustus:

The Julian-Claudian Dynasty: Poisoned; Stabbed; Poisoned; Suicide Tiberius r Caligula r Claudius r Nero r 54-68

Tiberius, r14-37 His mother Livia, married Augustus making him step son to the Emperor One of Rome’s greatest generals, laying the foundation of the northern frontier Came to be remembered as a dark, reclusive & somber ruler who never desired to be emperor At 26, he lived on the isle of Capri, leaving Rome to be run by the Praetorian guard.

Caligula, r “Little boots” Irrational, unbalanced megolomaniac who had himself worshipped as a living god Drained the treasury to humor his whims- fighting in mock gladatorial fights, dressing up like a woman. Campaigns in Syria, Germania and Britain were all failures The first Emperor to be assassinated

Claudius r Propped up by Praetorian Guard During his reign the Empire conquered Thrace, Noricum, Lycia and Judaea, completed the conquest of Mauretania and began the conquest of Britain. Having a personal interest in law, he presided at public trials, and issued up to twenty edicts a day. Extensive public works projects Poisoned by his wife and her son, Nero

Nero, r myths: The Great fire of Rome? Burning Christians for light. Promoted athletic games, built theatres and a huge palace with artificial lake Killer: his mother (Agripinna II) & his pregnant wife, Poppaea Lost support of the army; committed suicide