From Republic to EmpireEmperors of Rome

Pgs. 352-357

State of the Republic In the first century BC, Rome was a

republic. Power lay in the hands of the Senate, elected by Roman citizens. But the senators were fighting for power between themselves. Order had given way to anarchy and only might was right.

The empire started through violence and depended on force. Emperors could only survive if their people believed they could outgun anyone and everyone else. If an army grew dissatisfied, the emperor was in trouble; if dissatisfaction spread further, he was finished.

It mixed sophistication with brutality and could suddenly lurch from civilization, strength and power to terror, tyranny and greed.

Cicero Gifted philosopher and orator (public

speaker) Wanted to restore order to Rome by:

• Taking power away from generals• Giving more power to senators• Restore checks and balances of government

• People didn’t support his ideas

Change of PowerAt the head of the pack were the emperors, a strange bunch of men (always men). Few were just OK: some were good - some even were great - but far too many abused their position and power. They had a job for life, but that life could always be shortened.

Assassination was an occupational hazard.

Emperors sat at the top of the

social order.

Empire

Rome was a collection of states that were backed up by force. People would come through the city of Rome from all over the world to trade. Along with these people came many new ideas and goods.

Rome also attracted many people, many times poorer people.

Social status in Rome governed the life that they led.

Julius Caesar

Read page 353 closely. What traits did Caesar have that made him successful?

Trait How this helped him

CAESAR ERA (100 - 44BC) 53-50 BC - Julius Caesar conquers Gaul. Julius Caesar turns his attention to seizing supreme

power in Rome itself (takes on Italy)

49 BC - Caesar crosses the Rubicon. Civil war begins. After his victory in Gaul, Caesar is so popular that the

nervous Senate calls on him to resign and disband his army or risk being declared an 'Enemy of the State'. Caesar decides to march on Rome and crosses the Rubicon River with a standing army, throwing the empire into civil war.

Caesar chased Pompey out of Rome, ending up in Egypt. He met Cleopatra and made her Queen.

Conflict with the Senate Caesar returned to Rome

Declared himself dictator for 10 years, then for life.

People feared he was trying to make himself king

IDES OF MARCH: (March 15, 44 BC)• Senators very angry, so they attacked

Caesar in the Senate house and stabbed him to death

Caesar being murdered in the Senate

Effects of Caesar’s Death Murderers forced to flee Rome Common people who loved him upset

and rioted Senate tried to restore order Anthony and Octavian tried to

avenge his death• Found killers, defeated them, killed

themselves

How did people Feel about his death?

Who Become the New Emperor?

Create a flow chart for each to show their paths after defeating Caesars KillersOctavian Anthony

Pg. 356

What did Augustus do to make Rome better?