1. Roman Empire

2. BELLWORK: October 2nd How did geography help the Romans?
What is the difference between Patricians and Plebeians?
Describe the structure of the Roman Republic. Include the roles of the leaders, Senate and civilians.
Describe the Twelve Tables and the Law of Nations.
Why was Rome a successful Republic? List three reasons!

3. Establishment  Crisis  Fall  Empire
The Roman Republic
Establishment  Crisis  Fall  Empire

4. HOW DID GEOGRAPHY HELP THE ROMANS?
– Located in the center of the Mediterranean
– Far away from eastern empires, but accessible from Europe
– Large amount of fertile land
– Alps (Mts.): provided natural protection.
– Mediterranean Sea: Gave protection, allowed for trade.
Basically, Rome’s place in the world kept it safe
from harm, but allowed it to interact with
other people.

5. Patricians vs. Plebeians

6. Structure of the Roman Republic

7. Make a prediction  What problems could arise with a government in this format?

8. Roman Law
Written so everyone could understand (Plebeians, foreigners, slaves)
On display in Forum Romanum & written on brass tablets (tables)

9. Roman Law
Twelve Tables
Law of Nations
Appear in court when you are summoned
Private property is protected
Roads must be kept in order
Patricians and Plebeians cannot marry
Whatever laws are passed by the Senate, are official laws in the empire
Others were more unconventional… Deformed infants must be killed, females must have a guardian, no gatherings at night
As Rome’s empire expanded and conquered other people, they knew they needed more than 12 laws  Law of Nations!
Natural law, based on reason that established justice for all!
Innocent until proven guilty, defense, use of evidence in court, etc.

10. Why was Rome a successful republic?
Good diplomats
Allowed states to run themselves, set laws, firm and cruel when necessary
Excelled in military matters
Accomplished soldiers, expansion of ground forces & navy, brilliant strategists, could move quickly = conquer!
Romans were practical
Created political institutions in response to problems

11. The Republic in Crisis
Despite their achievements in law and military, many citizens felt the government was corrupt!
Political offices were controlled by a small circle of wealthy and powerful aristocrats (minority!)
The backbone of the Roman state and army had always been small farmers (the majority!)
They demanded a stronger voice!

12. The Republic in Crisis
From 82B.C.- 31B.C., Roman history was characterized by rebellions against government, farmer uprisings and civil wars.
In times of crisis, the Roman government would suspend rights and appoint a dictator to restore order.

13. Reform
In the 50’s BC, Julius Caesar, was appointed dictator in order to restore order
Gave jobs to unemployed, public land to the poor, and citizenship to conquered peoples.
Based on his success, he named himself dictator for life
Some Romans loved Caesar for his reforms, others saw him as a tyrant who meant to end the republic and make himself king.
On March 15, 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of government officials.

15. Caesar’s Assassination
March 15, 44BC Caesar was to appear at a meeting of the Senate.
As he arrived, the group of conspirators gathered around him pretending to show support.
Cimber approached him to sign a document and pulled him down by his shoulders then Casca stabbed him in the neck
Within seconds, the entire group (including his closest friend Brutus) gathered around him on the steps of the Senate stabbing him.
Around 60 men participated in the assassination and Caesar was stabbed 23 times

16. Caesar’s Assassination cont’d
“You too, Brutus?” - he realized his best friend was involved in the plot and stopped fighting
Brutus and his followers marched through Rome shouting “People of Rome, we are once again free!”
Caesar’s dead body lay on the Senate floor for three hours
In the following chaos, Augustus Caesar led a series of 5 civil wars which ended with the reformation of the Roman Empire.

19. Overview of Caesar's Assassination

20. Transition to Roman Empire
Two periods of Roman history:
Roman Republic: 509BC – 30BC
Roman Empire: 30BC – 476AD
Rome technically had an “empire” under the Roman Republic
The term “Roman Empire” refers to the time period, beginning with Augustus, when Rome was ruled by emperors