1. The Pax Romana
CHW 3M

2. The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
From the time of Augusta to the rule of Marcus Aurelius Rome would see 200 years without any major conflict. This time period is known as the Pax Romana or The Roman Peace. During this time period Rome would be ruled by many emperors, some good, some bad and some just plane mean.
The Julio-Claudian Dynasty
Tiberius (14-37AD)
Augustus stepson
tried to emulate Augustus but failed
ruthless, corrupt and paranoid (power made this worse)
unpopular with the Senate and citizens or Rome
Caligula (37-41AD)
Tiberius great nephew
brought up in army camps (little boots)
though to be clinically insane
assassinated by royal guards.
Claudius (41-54AD)
Tiberius nephew
crippled by childhood disease (many though he couldn’t rule Rome)
tried to cooperate with senate and proved to be very capable ruler
extend Roman territory
provided grant money to citizens.
poisoned (???) by 4th wife Agrippina

3. Nero (54-68 AD) The Great Fire of Rome
Claudius’ 16 year old step son, Nero, was now sole heir to the thrown.
mother Agrippina tried to influence her son
in early year Nero gives power to senate
kills mother
With his mother out of the way Nero was free to indulge his every whim. For Nero this meant
killing those he mistrusted
appearing in public as a poet, musician, actor & charioteer
The Great Fire of Rome
In 64BC Tine was rocked by a huge fire. Nero was away when it started and hurried back to help the Romans. Because of his often bizarre conduct, rumours spread through Rome that Nero started the fire He quickly diverted attention away from him.
blamed the Christians
savagely killed 1000’s of Christians

4. The Coliseum was build under Vespasian
Nero became more and more unpopular in Rome and eventually killed himself in 68AD, with no heir. After Nero’s death Rome was thrown into chaos and would be ruled by four different emperors in that year.
The Flavian Dynasty
Vespasian (69-79AD)
Roman army commander of Plebeian background
brought stability and prosperity back to Rome
overhauled tax system
Increased provincial tributes
Insisted on honesty in financial affairs
crushed rebellions in provinces
One such Rebellion that was crushed was in Judea. The temple was destroyed and its treasured carried to Rome
The Coliseum was build under Vespasian

5. After Vespasian death’s his sons would become emperors
Titus (79-81AD)
“the love and delight of mankind”
extremely generous and popular
died of fever
Domitian (81-96AD)
extremely sadistic
accused and killed many for treason
persecuted and killed many Christians
assassinated
The Five Good Emperors
Nerva (81-96AD)
hand selected to be ruler by Domitian assassins
ruled wisely and fair
started new tradition
 emperor could be handpicked by successor
(didn’t have to be family)

6. Trajan (98-117AD) Hadrian (117-138AD)
a Spaniard and first emperor of provincial origin
warrior empire  expanded Roman territory to greatest extent
great administrator
admired by every class
Hadrian ( AD)
“most gifted emperor since Julius Caesar”
accomplished builder, architect and surveyor
immediately gave up territory Trajan conquered  hard to control
spent majority of later years touring Europe (keep troop moral high)

7. 28provinces 100provinces Augustus Marcus Aurelius
By the end of the 200 years of peace, Rome’s army would become lax and the Empire would become strained. The Pax Romana would end during the reign of Marcus Aurelius ( BC) who spent much of his reign fighting the barbarian tribe who had amassed outside Roman territory waiting for their chance to strike.
Rome had troops, however this was not enough for Rome’s ever expanding land
28provinces
Augustus
100provinces
Marcus Aurelius
Rome’s 200 year peace did however come at a high price for the common man, as many civil liberties were lost.