Republic in Crisis
Victory Over Carthage Brought Incredible Riches Trade, taxes, lootings Created Conflict in Roman Society People suffer taxes, poverty, and war
Latifundia
Social Problems Latifundia Huge estates owned by wealthy families Worked by slaves captured in war Slave Labor vs. Farmers Slaves form thirty percent of population Gap Between Rich and Poor Self interests replace Roman virtues Riots result: Spartacus
Attempts at Reform Gracchus Brothers Tiberius and Gaius Distribute land to the poor Public funds to feed the poor Reforms Angered Senate Street violence: planned by Senators
Gracchus Brothers
Who Should Hold Power? Senate Govern as it had in the past Popular Political Leaders Weaken the Senate Establish reforms Generals Legions changed: professional armies Loyalty to commander
Republic to Empire
Julius Caesar “Veni, Vedi, Vecci!!” I came, I saw, I conquered!!
The Roman Empire in AD 116 The empire at its largest extent The Roman Empire at 44 BC at the death of Caesar
Julius Caesar Ambitious and Determined Wants reforms Wants to advance his political career Elected Consul after conquering Spain Expands Roman Power: 59 – 50 B.C. Uses army to capture Gaul, modern France Establishes Triumvirate, three (3) Consuls
Roman Conflict Triumvirate Pompey (General), Crassus (Rich), Caesar Pompey: Politician Dominate politics with Caesar Jealous of Caesar’s rising fame Convinces Senate Caesar is dangerous Caesar is dangerous Order Caesar’s army to disband
Crossing the Rubicon
Treason “Crossing the Rubicon” Caesar defies order Leads army across Rubicon: attacks Rome Civil War Results Crushes Pompey: Beheaded Sweeps Mediterranean for rebellions
Caesar’s Power Dictator Forced Senate to declare him dictator for life Absolute ruler Reforms Packed Senate with his friends Start to build an Empire Public Works Employ jobless, gave land to poor
Senate Senate Worried Caesar will try to be King Must save Republic Caesar must die
Death of Caesar
Ides of March March 15 Enemies/friends stab him to death Twenty-seven times Power Struggle Results Who will be in power?