• Patrician, educated, good speaker and politician • Moved up ladder – power, wealth, popularity – Governor of Spain, Consul, Governor of Gaul … • Poor loved him, Senators feared his power • Senate demands that he disband his army • Caesar chose to “cross the Rubicon” with his army = act of war (civil war) Jan 1, 49BC Julius Caesar (cont.) • Caesar defeated Pompey (former ally, now rival) at Battle of Pharsalus • Caesar took total power in Rome (46 BC) • Senate named him Dictator for 10 years, then for life • Sweeping reforms made poor happy, Senators angry – Expanded Senate to 900 men – Citizenship to people in outlying provinces – Public works programs = more jobs • Senators feared Caesar’s increasing power, assassinated him on March 15, 44BC From Chaos to Empire • Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, and his top General, Mark Antony, joined forces to kill Caesar’s murderers • Then, Octavian vs. Mark Antony for sole rule of Rome. At Battle of Actium (31 BC), Octavian won • Senate gave title of “Augustus” (exalted one), became Augustus Caesar • Augustus – had total power (government, military) – was a smooth leader (people & Senate liked him) – became first Emperor of Rome – started Pax Romana – 200 years of Roman peace & prosperity First Emperors of Rome Name + Qualities - Qualities Cause of Death Liked By
Augustus Great leader --- Old Age Everyone Roman values Pax Romana Tiberius Good leader Picked Caligula to be Smothered by No one -stoic, unpopular next Emperor Caligula
Caligula --- Killed most of family Praetorian Himself -insane, fat, bald, Embarrassed Senate Guard murderer Horse as Consul Stole people at weddings Claudius Ok Ruler Married Agrippina Mushrooms Some -skilled, but weak Adopted Nero from Agrippina
Nero Rebuilt Rome Killed mom, wives Himself, with Himself -insane, Killed Christians help dangerous ruler Beat up people Public embarrassment