DOCSLIB.ORG

The Roman Empire Augustus (R

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Roman Empire Augustus (R The Roman Empire Augustus (r. 31 BCE – 14 CE) and the Pax Romana • Octavian (Augustus) takes power after defeating Mark Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BCE • He set about reforming Rome • Passed tax laws that increased rates for childless adults • Also raised taxes on families with less than three children • Tries to legislate morality (he criminalized adultery, e.g.) • Daughter Julia, the poet Ovid are exiled • Cult of Roma, religious festivals; Augustus received honorary titles (Pater Patriae) • He encouraged trade • Praetorian guards are created • He also focused on rebuilding northern defenses Many problems still • Slave system is unstable • Frontier peoples are still a serious threat, esp. the Germanic Tribes (see Varus’s defeat in the Battle of Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE) • Corruption is endemic • Growing class of poor, often unemployed people • Senate did not have enough powers Other Julio-Claudian Emperors • Tiberius (r. 14-37 CE) – good military commander, allowed reign of terror by Sejanus during the 20s • Caligula (r.37-41 CE) – megalomaniac; political payments caused financial crisis; murdered in a conspiracy • Claudius (r. 41-54 CE) – stutterer; capable administrator • Nero (r. 54-68 CE) – talented but unstable; had Petronius, Lucan, Seneca killed; killed own mother also; committed suicide The Flavian Dynasty • Vespasian (r.69-79 CE) – tough soldier; participated in conquest of Britain, subjugation of Judea; from an equestrian family that had risen into the senatorial ranks; first emperor to be succeeded by natural son • Titus (r.79-81 CE) – eldest son of Vespasian; had directed assault on Jerusalem in 70 CE; rebuilt the Colisseum • Domitian (r.81-96) – reformed administration, persecuted Christians The Five Good Emperors • Nerva (r.96-98 CE) – built granaries, continued program of roadbuilding and repair • Trajan (r.98-117 CE) – born in Spain; expanded empire (Dacia) • Hadrien (r.117-138) – built wall to defend Roman Britain from Picts; reorganized army, patronized the arts • Antonius Pius (r. 138-161) – had a simple, benevolent, temperate character; supported public works, tolerated Christians • Marcus Aurelius (r. 161-180) – noted advocate of Stoicism,; wrote Meditations; spent much of his reign on military campaigns Other notable rulers from the end of the 2nd century CE-4th century CE • Severus (r.193-211 CE) – born in N. Africa; rejected the Senate and based his power on the army; bought off people with grain doles and circuses in the Colisseum • Diocletian (r.284-305 CE) – ended “the period of military anarchy;” tried to curtail inflation by fixing wages and prices; persecuted Christians; divided the empire in half; started tetrarchy system • Constantine (r.306-337 CE) – recognized Christianity as a legitimate religion; built a new capitol (Constantinople) • In general, it can be said that Diocletian’s and Constantine’s reforms preserved the empire at the cost of turning it into an “armed camp” Spread of Christianity • Christians are persecuted for the first three centuries • Constantine grants Christians religious freedom in the Edict of Milan (313 CE) • The emperor Theodosius declares Christianity the state religion in 380 CE • After Roman Empire ends in the West (476 CE), Christian leaders help maintain some semblance of peace and order Reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire • Economic difficulties (inflation, budget shortfalls) • Increase in crime and civil disorder • Lack of social mobility • Army was increasingly substandard, did not have enough men • Barbarian invasions (Goths, other Germans, Huns) (See also Gibbons’ (1782) four reasons – immoderate greatness (bureaucracy, army became too large); wealth and luxury led to moral decay; barbarian invasions; spread of Christianity.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Homework: Pax Romana
    Homework: Pax Romana How did Roman government change over time? © Success Academy Charter Schools 2019 Pax Romana The following text was originally published by the History Channel and adapted by Newsela. Statue of Augustus Caesar in front of the bell tower of the Basilica of St. Apollinaris in Classe, in Ravenna, Italy Age of the Emperors After 450 years as a republic, Rome became an empire in the first century B.C.E. following the assassination of Julius Caesar. The long and triumphant reign of its first emperor, Augustus, began a golden age of peace and prosperity for nearly 200 years, known as the Pax Romana. He introduced various social reforms, won many military victories, and allowed Roman literature, art, architecture, and religion to flourish. Despite Augustus’s many reforms and strong leadership, the beginning of an empire meant that rule by the people was over. Under the authority of the emperor, the assemblies almost disappeared, and the Senate became less powerful. The Senate supported only the wishes of the emperor. Augustus held full authority, awarded by the Senate, and was given the ability to not only introduce legislation and veto laws but also to command the army. When he died, the Senate elevated him to the status of a god. Unlike in a republic or a democracy, each new emperor was chosen by heredity [ the passing down of a title through family ties ]. Therefore, for many years, future emperors were Augustus’s descendants, which included some less popular emperors. Nero was the last of Augustus’s descendants to rule Rome.
    [Show full text]
  • Pax Romana CHAPTER OUTLINE the New Imperium Augustus, The
    Chapter Six: Pax Romana CHAPTER OUTLINE The New Imperium Augustus, the First Citizen Emperors Good and Bad: Augustus to the Severi Inside the Imperial Monarchy Upper Classes and Other Classes Senators and Equestrians Wives, Mothers, and Children Freedmen, Slaves, and the Poor The Culture of Imperial Rome Buildings and Waterways A City, an Empire, a World Roman Literature in Florescence and Decay Holding the Frontier Defending the Boundaries Redefining the Army Managing the Crisis Constantine s City and The City of God CHAPTER SUMMARY The leadership of Octavian, called Augustus, led to a period of unprecedented prosperity and peace for the Roman people. Octavian established his authority gradually, eventually receiving an oath of allegiance from all Italians. While claiming toreestablish the republic, in reality Augustus was creating a new government for Rome, that of a monarchy. Augustus insisted that the Senate convene, that they vote on bills and help to pass laws, and that he was only the first citizen, not an autocratic ruler. A casual observer in the first years of Augustus reign might have agreed, but it did not take long for it to be apparent that in fact, Augustus was an absolute monarch in all but name. His reign was a successful one in most areas, but both of his designated successors predeceased him, and he was forced to name his stepson, Tiberius, as his heir. Tragically, Augustus successors proved far less capable than he had been. Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero all proved to be weak and, in some cases, dangerous leaders. Tiberius was not popular and was one of the few emperors not deified after his death.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Rome I
    Ancient Rome I. Geography A. Center of Rome: the Italian peninsula 1. City of Rome located here 2. Like Greece, very rocky & mountainous a. Alps, in the North b. Apennines, in center of peninsula 3. Peninsula has 2 important river valleys a. Tiber River b. Po River Italy from Space B. Rome eventually included much of the “known-world” 1. Land all around Mediterranean & Black Seas 2. Most of the Middle-East 3. Most of Europe Extent of Roman Civilization II. History A. The Latins: The First “Romans” 1. Just 1 group on Italian peninsula a. Lived along Tiber River b. Founded city of Rome in 753 BCE 2. Ruled by Etruscan dictators for 250 years a. Etruscans: powerful group of N Italy b. Ruled most of Italy Italian Powers B. Roman Independence 1. Etruscan King Tarquin dethroned in 509 BCE a. Romans vowed to never have another king b. Founded the Roman Republic 2. Soon Rome made war with neighbors a. Etruscans defeated in 396 BCE b. Samnites defeated in 290 BCE c. Greeks forced off Italy by 275 BCE 3. In 264 BCE war broke out with Carthage a. Carthage finally defeated in 146 BCE b. Rome became the master of the Mediterranean world C. Civil War Period (83-82 BCE & 49-45 BCE) 1. Rome’s success brought problems a. Rich got richer & poor got poorer due to too many slaves b. Strong generals began to gain political power 2. In 60 BCE, 1st Roman Triumvirate (Crassus, Pompey & Caesar) formed a. Crassus killed in battle in 53 BCE b.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Rome Vocabulary • Republic Form of Government That Is Governed
    Ancient Rome Vocabulary Republic form of government that is governed by representatives of the people Senate made up of Patricians (rich noblemen) who decided how money was spent and made decisions about relationships with other countries Assembly made up of Plebeians (common working people) who protected the rights of the people Dictator person who rules with absolute power Pax Romana a period of peace in Rome Consuls made up of military leaders who made laws and ordered arrests Patricians rich nobleman that owned land Plebeians common working people (farmers, tradesmen) Forum gathering place for Ancient Romans (laws were displayed, speeches were given) Imperator someone who gives commands Notes Rome was a republic before becoming an empire Roman republic was governed by 3 branches of government 1. Senate 2. Assembly 3. Consuls Julius Caesar 1. dictator of Roman Empire 2. had control of the government and made many changes 3. he did not listen to the Senate (they didn’t like the changes Julius Caesar made) 4. started a civil war (war within the Roman Empire) 5. was stabbed to death 6. chaos in Rome after his death Augustus Caesar 1. takes over after Julius Caesar 2. called “imperator” 3. Pax Romana begins Pax Romana 1. 200 years of peace 2. laws were created 3. built roads, bridges, monuments 4. Colosseum, Circus Maxiumus (gladiator contests, chariot races) 5. Romans spoke and wrote in Latin (became basis for other languages such as, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French) 6. many poems, plays, and philosophical writings were created Marcus Aurelius 1. when he dies, Pax Romana ends Fall of Roman Empire 1.
    [Show full text]
  • STANDARD WHI.6G the Roman Empire and Pax Romana Rome
    STANDARD WHI.6g The Roman Empire and Pax Romana Objective The student will demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. in terms of its impact on Western civilization by g) explaining the economic, social, and political impact of the Pax Romana. Essential Understandings Augustus Caesar established the Roman Empire by instituting civil service, rule by law, a common coinage, and secure travel and trade throughout the Empire. Following Augustus Caesar, the Roman Empire enjoyed 200 years of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana. Essential Questions 1. What was the Pax Romana? 2. What was the impact of the Pax Romana on the Roman Empire? Essential Knowledge 1. The Pax Romana A. Two centuries of peace and prosperity under imperial rule B. Expansion and solidification of the Roman Empire, particularly in the Near East 2. Economic impact of the Pax Romana A. Established uniform system of money, which helped to expand trade B. Guaranteed safe travel and trade on Roman roads C. Promoted prosperity and stability 3. Social impact of the Pax Romana A. Returned stability to social classes B. Increased emphasis on the family 4. Political impact of the Pax Romana A. Created a civil service B. Developed a uniform rule of law Rome prospered under the economic and political stability brought by Augustus Caesar. The two centuries of peace – from 27 B.C.E. to 180 C.E. – and economic development that followed his reign are called the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). During the Pax Romana, the Roman Empire reached its greatest geographical extent.
    [Show full text]
  • Ancient Rome and Early Christianity, 500 B.C.-A.D. 500
    Ancient Rome and Early Christianity, 500 B.C.-A.D. 500 Previewing Main Ideas POWER AND AUTHORITY Rome began as a republic, a government in which elected officials represent the people. Eventually, absolute rulers called emperors seized power and expanded the empire. Geography About how many miles did the Roman Empire stretch from east to west? EMPIRE BUILDING At its height, the Roman Empire touched three continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa. For several centuries, Rome brought peace and prosperity to its empire before its eventual collapse. Geography Why was the Mediterranean Sea important to the Roman Empire? RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS Out of Judea rose a monotheistic, or single-god, religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome and beyond. Geography What geographic features might have helped or hindered the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire? INTERNET RESOURCES • Interactive Maps Go to classzone.com for: • Interactive Visuals • Research Links • Maps • Interactive Primary Sources • Internet Activities • Test Practice • Primary Sources • Current Events • Chapter Quiz 152 153 What makes a successful leader? You are a member of the senate in ancient Rome. Soon you must decide whether to support or oppose a powerful leader who wants to become ruler. Many consider him a military genius for having gained vast territory and wealth for Rome. Others point out that he disobeyed orders and is both ruthless and devious. You wonder whether his ambition would lead to greater prosperity and order in the empire or to injustice and unrest. ▲ This 19th-century painting by Italian artist Cesare Maccari shows Cicero, one of ancient Rome’s greatest public speakers, addressing fellow members of the Roman Senate.
    [Show full text]
  • Roman Empire Map and Pax Romana Notes
    Name __________________________________________ Date ___________ Class _______ Period _____ QUAESTIO: _______________________________________________________________________________ The Roman Empire 117 CE (Sources: All text from World History: Human Legacy, Susan Ramirez et al., Holt) The period from the Beginning of Augustus’s reign in 27 BC until the death of the last of the Good Emperors in AD 180 is often called the Pax Romana—the Roman Peace. Several essential traits, such as staBle government, a strong legal system, widespread trade, and, most importantly, peace characterized this long era. During the Pax Romana the smooth working of the imperial government was seldom interrupted by war or invasion. 1. What is the Pax Romana, and why was it given this name? 2. Examine the map. Why do you think the expansion of the Roman Empire improved trade? Julius Caesar & Augustus • First ________________________________- Alliance between ____________________________, Pompey, and Crassus, who together dominated Roman politics, essentially controlling Rome. They Brought staBility after the __________________ Wars. • Eventually Caesar claimed ________________________for himself, defeating Pompey and becoming the ________________________ • The Roman ________________________feared Caesar’s growing power, which meant less power for them, so they stabbed him to death • Caesar was very ________________________among the Roman people, so after his death, they supported his adopted son ________________________ “________________________” as the new leader
    [Show full text]
  • Sts Peter and Paul – Pax Romana and Pax Christiana
    Sts Peter and Paul - Pax Romana and Pax Christiana In the name of the Father ... In a sermon for today's feast, the fifth century Pope, St Leo the Great contrasted the Rome founded by Romulus and Remus with that founded by Peter and Paul. The Rome of Romulus and Remus - pagan Rome - founded in 753 BC, expanded by wielding the sword to rule the Mediterranean world. The Rome of Peter and Paul - Christian Rome - founded in 64 AD, expanded by preaching the truth to rule the whole world. As St Paul writes: For the word of God is living and effectual and more piercing than any two-edged sword.1 Pagan Rome conquered many peoples, but herself became enslaved by imbibing the errors of those whom she conquered, thus perpetuating the worst kind of slavery. Christian Rome conquered many peoples by liberating them from the darkness of ignorance and error. At her zenith, Christian Rome under the Pontiffs was far more resplendent than pagan Rome had ever been, either under the senate or the emperors. Rome advanced far more through Christian peace than through pagan war. It was the Christian Gospel which Peter and Paul brought to Rome, which Rome imbibed in their very blood, which liberated Rome herself so that she in turn - having brought the world into subjection by the sword, bringing the pax Romana - could liberate the world with the truth, bringing the pax Christiana. She who was the teacher of error, the bearer of darkness and conflict, became the teacher of truth, the bearer of light and peace.
    [Show full text]
  • Mining Gold for the Currency During the Pax Romana
    Q ED Queen’s Economics Department Working Paper No. 1313 Mining Gold for the Currency during the Pax Romana John Hartwick Queen’s University Department of Economics Queen’s University 94 University Avenue Kingston, Ontario, Canada K7L 3N6 8-2013 Mining Gold for the Currency during the Pax Romana John M. Hartwick [email protected] Abstract We set out a simple four sector macro model of the economy of the Roman Empire during a period of considerable economic prosperity. Our focus is on gold coins as currency and the seignor- age which the government used to fund its activities. We solve numerically for a balanced growth representation of the economy of the empire, a solution that captures the intricacies of money creation, currency expansion and seignorage. We subscribe to the view that the exhaustion of low-cost gold and silver deposits contributed signi…cantly to the ending of the economic prosper- ity enjoyed by Roman Italy and its provinces during the so-called Pax Romana (31 BC to 165 CE) and we attempt to capture sig- ni…cant shifts in variables during the decline. JEL Classi…cation: E40; E10; N10 Key words: Roman money supply; gold coinage; money during Pax Romana 1 Introduction We are interested in a nation …nancing part or all of its public sector with seignorage. Seignorage is a surplus associated with the issuing of a new batch of currency: the purchasing value or capacity of the new currency less the cost of manufacturing the new currency.1 We set out Peter Temin commented on an earlier draft based on a two region model and inspired me to reformulate matters as is done below.
    [Show full text]
  • Roman Influence on Western Civilization | Philosophy 1/6/15 1:29 PM
    Roman Influence on Western Civilization | Philosophy 1/6/15 1:29 PM Roman Influence on Western Civilization Western civilization is what is presently called modern or contemporary society that mainly comprises Western Europe and North America. It is believed that civilization came in through the influence of ancient cultures the two main ones being Greek and Roman. The influence by Greece was mainly by their golden age and Rome with its great Empire and Republic. Ancient Rome formed the law code much like the one used in the present time in many countries. The belief that a person is innocent until proven guilty originated from the Roman laws. Rome had senates just like the ones used today, with both upper and lower class. Ancient Rome was a civilization that expanded out of a small agricultural community. The empire was founded on the Italian peninsula in the 9th century B.C. This means that civilization has been in place for centuries. During its existence, it moved from a kingdom to an Oligarchic Republic then to an expanding Autocratic Em- pire. Roman civilization grew to dominate Southwestern Europe, Southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean area through capture and assimilation. The Roman Empire spanned a wide spread of territory and included a number of cultures. The Roman Em- pire is categorized into classical era, comprising the joining civilizations of ancient Rome and ancient Greece, jointly referred to as Creco-Roman world. The Romans were proud of their rule but they appreciated Greeks leadership in the fields of art, architecture, lit- erature and philosophy. The Romans were singular people who were once terribly cru- el but benevolently democratic.
    [Show full text]
  • The Pax Romana Brings Prosperity to Rome
    12/9/2019 Big Idea The Pax Romana Brings Prosperity to Rome Essential Question What led to the Roman Golden Age or Pax Romana? 1 12/9/2019 Words To Know Pax Romana – a time in Rome that brought peace, order, unity and prosperity to the empire. Golden Age – a period of great wealth (money), prosperity, cultural and scientific achievement in areas such as art, science, literature and math. Let’s Set The Stage… The assassination of Julius Caesar, the Roman dictator, in 44 B.C.E. led to two decades of civil war as rival leaders tried to take control of Rome. Eventually, Caesar’s great nephew, Augustus, defeated his rivals and united Roman-controlled lands as the Roman Empire. He expanded Rome’s borders to cover most of Europe and the areas of Asia and North Africa surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. Augustus’ rule started a two-hundred year long Golden Age known as Pax Romana. Pax Romana means “Roman Peace” in Latin and is used to identify the years during which there were fewer wars than in any other period in Rome’s history. 2 12/9/2019 Pax Romana During the Pax Romana, Rome’s government became more powerful. Trade and communication also flourished during this time. Roman Trade Routes 3 12/9/2019 The Roman Empire The Romans experienced a “golden age”. There were great achievements in architecture, engineering, literature, science and the arts. 4 12/9/2019 Arch The Pantheon Architecture The Romans used new construction techniques and new materials to design new structures such as the dome and the arch.
    [Show full text]
  • INTRO to the ROMAN EMPIRE
    INTRO to the ROMAN EMPIRE INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Area of the Empire in 117 CE (in orange) INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Is it GREEK Or is it ROMAN ? 3 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome GREEK ROMAN Preferred Structure: Temples to Glorify Gods Civic Buildings to honor Empire Walls: Made of cut stone blocks Concrete with Ornamental facing Trademark Forms: Rectangles, Straight Lines Circles, Curved Lines Support System: Post and Lintel Rounded Arch Column Style: Doric & Ionic Corinthian Sculpture: Idealized Gods & Goddesses Realistic (Verism) humans, idealized officials Painting: Stylized figures floating in Realistic images with Space perspective Subject of Art: Mythology Civic Leaders, military triumphs 4 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Temple of Athena Nike Temple of Portunus Classical Greek Rome, Italy - ca. 75 BC5 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome PARTHENON 447-424 BCE, Marble. Greek PANTHEON 118-125 CE, Concrete with stone facing. Rome 6 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Polykleitos, Doryphoros, Augustus of Primaporta, 450-440 BCE, High Classical Greek 1st Century CE, Pax Romana (Roman) 7 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Athena and Alcyoneus frieze from the Altar of Zeus at Pergamon, c180 BCE. HELLENISTIC GREEK Spoils from the Temple of Solomon, Jerusalem. Relief on the Arch of Titus EARLY EMPIRE ROME 8 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Intro to Ancient Rome Etruscan Supremacy: 700-509 BCE Provided link between Greek and Roman Art KEYWORDS: TERRA-COTTA, COMPOSITE ORDER Roman Republican Period: 509-27 BCE Begins with overthrowing last Etruscan King and ends with Julius Caesar… Major buildings built more for POLITICAL use than for WORSHIP KEYWORDS: TEMPLES, ARA PACIS, HOMAGE TO RULERS Early Empire Period: 27 BCE-180 CE KEYWORDS: WALL PAINTINGS, CONCRETE, ARCH, COLOSSEUM The High Empire: 180-195 CE Five Good Emperors (Trajan, Hadrian, etc.) kept things prosperous and peaceful.
    [Show full text]