Ch. 12, Sec. 1

Chapter 12 – The Roman Empire Section 1: From Republic to Empire

Cicero Roman orator and philosopher who tried to (352 and R49) limit the power of Rome’s general and give control of the government back to the Senate orator a public speaker (352)

Julius Caesar Roman general who was one of the greatest (353 and R49) military leaders in history. He conquered most of Gaul and was named dictator for life, but was later murdered by a group of senators

Pompey Roman general who was an ally of Caesar, (353 and R52) but later the two went to war and Pompey was defeated in Egypt

Brutus a young senator who had been a friend of (355) Caesar’s, but later attacked him (may have been Caesar’s son – unconfirmed)

Marc Antony Roman general who fought against Octavian (355 and R48) after the death of Julius Caesar. Antony was ally with Cleopatra of Egypt, but was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium

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Augustus First Roman emperor who was originally (355 and R48) named Octavian. He was the great-nephew (later adopted son) of Julius Caesar and gained control of Rome after defeating Marc Antony in battle. He had many monuments built and a new Forum.

Cleopatra An Egyptian queen who became a devoted (356 and R49) ally of Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. After Antony was defeated by Octavian, she committed suicide.

Julius Caesar and Augustus led Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire.

THE CALL FOR CHANGE

• many people became unhappy and unemployed - chaos emerged

• Cicero wanted change, but unsuccessful - wanted to limit power - bring back checks & balances

CAESAR’S RISE TO POWER

• powerful general - soldiers respected him

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• made an agreement with 2 of the most powerful in Rome - Pompey and Crassus - worked to fight against the Senate

Conflict With an Ally • Pompey became jealous of Caesar

• caused a war – Pompey died in Egypt

Conflict With the Senate • dictator for 10 years - wanted it for life

• met Cleopatra and made her queen - became a new ally

• he wanted to be king of Rome - the people did not want a king

• a group of senators (including Brutus) killed Caesar - March 15, 44 BC (Ides of March)

• some believed Brutus was Caesar’s son

• the common people upset of murder – chaos arose

• murders had to flee Rome

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AUGUSTUS THE EMPEROR

• two leaders wanted control of Roman politics - Marc Antony (Caesar’s assistant) - Octavian (Caesar’s adopted son)

• both avenged Caesar’s death - murderers committed suicide

• Antony returned to Italy

• met Cleopatra in Turkey

• divorced his wife (Octavian’s sister) and married Cleopatra

• this caused a civil war with Octavian

Battle of Actium • Octavian sent a fleet to destroy Antony

• Octavian defeated Antony - Antony and Cleo fled to Egypt - didn’t want to become prisoner so committed suicide

• Octavian became sole ruler and gained power

• said he would give up power to Senate - reality… no!

• took a new title – princeps (first citizen) 4 Ch. 12, Sec. 1

• Senate gave him a new name – Augustus “revered one”

• marked the end of the Roman Republic - start of the Roman Empire

SUMMARY Romans called for change in their government. Julius Caesar rose to power and became the sole ruler of Rome. Augustus became Rome’s first emperor after defeating Caesar’s killers and his own former allies.

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