Roman Empire

Expansion Rome’s expansion led to some problems People became greedy and forgot the values that made them strong Many slaves from conquered peoples were sent to Rome

The rich could afford to buy them and expand the land they used – including public lands Small family farms could not compete with the large estates Many people sold their small farms and moved to the city The cities had a growing landless poor population

Closure # 1 What effect did expansion have on Rome?

Reforms Some powerful people were concerned over the plight of the small farmers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus (brothers) tried They proposed taking back public lands and giving it to small farmers and lowering the price of food to help the plebeians.

The wealthy and powerful were angry over this – because they would loose money and land They conspired to have the brothers murdered Their attempt at reforms brought in an era of instability

Closure #2 What were the reforms meant to do?

Army Changes The backbone of the Roman Army had always been small farmers Since their numbers were declining, a Roman general came up with a new way Marius recruited soldiers from the cities, promising land for service Marius had volunteers swear an oath of loyalty to the general, not the state

In order to get the Senate to authorize the giving of land the Generals had to become involved in politics. These changes left a powerful legacy With soldiers loyal to a specific general, the Army would be the basis of power from now on. Example – Sulla 82 BC

Closure #3 Why do American troops swear to uphold the Constitution and defend the United States?

From Republic to Empire For the next 50 years Rome was torn apart by civil wars. One general, Julius Caesar, defeated all the others and took power He made changes to the government He was made dictator (absolute ruler) in 45 BC. This was usually a temporary position

The Senators feared that he would keep the position for life, so they murdered him on the Senate floor. Another round of civil wars resulted. The victor, Octavian, was Caesar’s grandnephew and heir (the person who inherits your stuff) Even though he kept the Senate, he held all the real power

In 27 BC he was given the title Augustus (the revered one) Augustus becomes the first Roman Emperor After so much war the people are happy to have a stable government, even if it is a dictator.

Closure #4 How did Rome go from a Republic to an Empire?

Pax Romana 27 BC – 180 AD The next four Emperors were from Augustus line (Caligula) (If you are interested in this time period I recommend a movie called I Claudius) After the last of Augustus line died/was killed (69 BC), another round of civil wars followed

This was part of the problem with their system of government, if your power is based on the Army, you have to make sure you have a good man take your place Around 100 AD, a series of five good emperors began. These included Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius They made good choices, expanded the empire, selected good heirs, were tolerant of others

The time period starting with Augustus and lasting through the five good emperors was known as the Pax Romana or Roman peace. It was a period stable government and relative peace.

Closure #5 Why did the Pax Romana last so long?

Height of the Roman Empire