Rome Becomes an Empire Now you will learn Rome evolved from a republic, into an empire led by Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Essential Questions: 1.What led to conflict in Rome? 2.What were some of Caesar’s accomplishments? 3.What happened to Rome after Caesar’s death?

Rome Becomes an Empire Vocabulary – Define the following terms. Civil War Julius Caesar Cicero Augustus Civil Service Pax Romana

Conflicts at Home As Rome expanded, the distance between the rich and poor grew and the poor resented the power of the wealthy Reform fails because wealthy were opposed to change Civil War PLEBEIANS vs. PATRICIANS The patricians win after years of fighting and a man named Sulla becomes dictator. Lucius Cornelius SullaSulla

Julius Caesar Caesar was born into a wealthy family in 100 B.C. He was a general, politician, writer and dictator Caesar’s military victories over the Gauls earned Caesar fame and power Wrote a memoir about his war campaigns He was a generous leader who gained support from the plebeians Cicero distrusted Caesar and his lust for power After fighting for control over Rome for many years, Caesar emerged victorious and was named dictator of Rome in 44 B.C. The Life and Times of Julius Caesar

Caesar’s Reforms Caesar expanded the Senate by including politicians from other regions Enforced laws and created jobs for the poor The biggest fear people had was that Caesar would make himself king and then his family would rule The Senate resented his power He was assassinated in 44 B.C. by Senators with daggers Some say Caesar tried to improved the lives of the poor Some say Caesar was a power-hungry tyrant

Emperors Rule Rome After Caesar’s death, there was civil war and his great- nephew and adopted son Octavian becomes ruler and takes the name Augustus (exalted one) Augustus began a civil service that collected taxes, managed the grain and ran the postal service He rebuilt and beautified Rome (lots of marble) This began the “Pax Romana” He built roads, bridges, tunnels and aqueducts Farming was the basis of the Roman economy Augustus introduced a common currency and a coin called a denarius