1. Roman Empire
Constantine
Christianity

2. The
Roman Empire:
27 BCE CE

3. Augustus Caesar: Rome’s First Emperor

4. Political Power Expansion
Augustus Caesar gathered
all political power into his hands as the first
Emperor of Rome

5. After Augustus who rules? Problem of Succession

6. Caesar Augustus Succession
No male heir
Adopted nephew, Tiberius
Smooth transition of leadership
Stable leadership despite inept emperors
Tiberius took the title "emperor" and all successors did the same
Succession was a problem for the entire time of the empire

7. Principal Roman Emperors

8. The Golden Age (100-180AD) Gladiator Life in the Golden Age
Rome was largest city in the ancient world
Extravagant entertainment
Prosperity through trade and population expansion
After the Golden Age
Good and bad emperors
Unsuited for governance
Many boy emperors
Gladiator

9. Model of City of Rome

10. Roman City Characteristics
Types of Common Buildings:
Coliseum
Race Track – Circus Maximus
Public Baths
Amphitheaters

11. Innovative Engineering Techniques
1. Roads
2. Arches and Bridges
3. Aqueducts

12. All roads lead to Rome!

13. Roman Aqueducts allowed for growth of populations in Roman Cities

14. Pax Romana: 27 BCE – 180 CE

15. The Greatest Extent of the Roman Empire – 14 CE

16. Third Century Disaster
Near collapse of the empire
Military-oriented emperors
Threat from consolidated Germans
24 emperors and 24 claimants/usurpers
45 killed by assassination (usually by their own troops)
1 died in battle
1 died in captivity
1 died of plague
Name of a Caesar reflects self-importance

17. Spread of Christianity St. Paul and the Apostles
Established Churches

18. Christians used Imperial Roman Roads / Trade Routes to Spread Christianity

19. The Spread of Christianity Roman Roads/Trade Network

20. Constantine strengthens
Eastern Roman Empire but weakened Western Roman Empire

21. Constantine Moves Capitol to Constantinople – Weakens West

22. Constantine Constantinople Built on Byzantium site
Acceptance of Christianity
Edict of Milan
Eliminated religious persecution
Supported Christian religions
St. Helena, churches
Supported pagan religions
Coins, inscriptions, built temples
Nicaean council (325 AD)
Sought to unify doctrine
Used imperial troops to suppress dissent among Christians (Donatists)
Conversion or unity?

23. Constantine becomes a Christian
Issues Edict of Milan – Religious Freedom for all Christians

24. Constantinople: “The 2nd Rome” (Capital of Byzantine Empire)