roman civilization small city-state in central italy to massive empiresmall city-state in central...
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Roman CivilizationRoman Civilization• Small city-state in central Italy Small city-state in central Italy
to massive empire to massive empire• Dominant civilization for over 1,000 yearsDominant civilization for over 1,000 years
– 753 BC to 456 AD753 BC to 456 AD• Government changed over time:Government changed over time:
– MonarchyMonarchy– RepublicRepublic– Oligarchy & democracy combinationOligarchy & democracy combination– Autocratic empireAutocratic empire
• Came to dominate Western Europe, Came to dominate Western Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa & Near EastMediterranean, North Africa & Near East
• Contributions to Western CivilizationContributions to Western Civilization– LawLaw– LiteratureLiterature– ArtArt– ArchitectureArchitecture– TechnologyTechnology– LanguageLanguage– WarfareWarfare
• Legacy in the modern worldLegacy in the modern world
Geography of Italy & RomeGeography of Italy & Rome• ItalyItaly – varied geography – varied geography• Two major mountain rangesTwo major mountain ranges
– Alps in northAlps in north– Apennines runs north to southApennines runs north to south
• Rome – ford of Tiber RiverRome – ford of Tiber River– Seven HillsSeven Hills– Strategic advantages – defense & Strategic advantages – defense &
tradetrade
750 BCE750 BCE750 BCE750 BCE•Indo-European migrants c. 2000 BCE•Originally from Anatolia•Colonized Roman regions•Society declines late 6th c. BCE
oGreek maritime attacksoCeltic invasions from north
Etruscan Influence on RomeEtruscan Influence on Rome• Largest influence on early Roman Largest influence on early Roman
civilizationcivilization• Acquired Etruscan alphabet – used to write Acquired Etruscan alphabet – used to write
Latin languageLatin language• Adopted Etruscan engineering skills – drain Adopted Etruscan engineering skills – drain
swampsswamps– Roman archRoman arch
• Roman numerals Roman numerals • Temple architecture Temple architecture • Religious practices & mythologyReligious practices & mythology
– Revealed religionRevealed religion– Gods speak through nature & its eventsGods speak through nature & its events– DeitiesDeities
• DivinationDivination– interpret meaning of events or divine interpret meaning of events or divine
the future the future – examine liver, flight of birds, thunderexamine liver, flight of birds, thunder
The Mythical Founding The Mythical Founding of Rome:of Rome:
Romulus & RemusRomulus & Remus
The Mythical Founding The Mythical Founding of Rome:of Rome:
Romulus & RemusRomulus & Remus
The Kingdom of Rome
•Monarchy through 7th-6th c. BCEStreets, temples, public buildings
•Major center of trade routes
The Rape of the Sabine Women Pietro da Cortona, 1627-29
•509 BCE Romans 509 BCE Romans overthrow last overthrow last Etruscan kingEtruscan king
•Roman forum Roman forum builtbuilt
Rise Rise of of
RomeRome
Republican Republican GovernmentGovernmentRepublican Republican GovernmentGovernment
2 Consuls (Rulers of Rome)
Senate (Representative body for patricians)
Tribal Assembly (eventually)
(Representative body for plebeians)
12
The SenateThe Senate
13
Social ConflictSocial Conflict
• Patricians (aristocrats)Patricians (aristocrats)• Plebeians (commoners)Plebeians (commoners)• Major class conflict 5Major class conflict 5thth c. BCE c. BCE• Plebeians allowed to elect Plebeians allowed to elect
tribunes for representationtribunes for representation• Rights expanded through 3Rights expanded through 3rdrd c. c.
BCEBCE• 6-month appointments of 6-month appointments of
dictatorsdictators
14
Expansion of the Expansion of the RepublicRepublic
• Dominated by EtruscansDominated by Etruscans• Took over iron industry 5Took over iron industry 5 thth-4-4thth c. BCE c. BCE• Expansion via military threat and incentivesExpansion via military threat and incentives
–Tax exemptionsTax exemptions–Trade privilegesTrade privileges–CitizenshipCitizenship
The Twelve Tables, 450 The Twelve Tables, 450 BCEBCE
The Twelve Tables, 450 The Twelve Tables, 450 BCEBCE
Providing political and socialrights for the plebeians.
Rome’s Early Road Rome’s Early Road SystemSystem
Rome’s Early Road Rome’s Early Road SystemSystem
Roman Roads: Roman Roads: The The Appian WayAppian WayRoman Roads: Roman Roads:
The The Appian WayAppian Way
The Punic Wars264 – 148 BCE
Carthaginian Carthaginian EmpireEmpire
Carthaginian Carthaginian EmpireEmpire
Hannibal’s RouteHannibal’s RouteHannibal’s RouteHannibal’s Route
Roman History:Roman History:
From From Republic Republic to Empireto Empire
WHY THE ROMAN REPUBLIC FELLWHY THE ROMAN REPUBLIC FELL
• Conquering an empire created strains Conquering an empire created strains and conflicts in Roman societyand conflicts in Roman society Taxes, Governing, Raising Armies, Taxes, Governing, Raising Armies, Putting down Revolts, use of slave Putting down Revolts, use of slave labor etc.labor etc.
• Ambitious generals who had Ambitious generals who had conquered land, battled for power and conquered land, battled for power and their struggles crushed the republictheir struggles crushed the republic
Effects of Expansion:Effects of Expansion:• Victories put the Romans in control Victories put the Romans in control
of busy trade routesof busy trade routes and and incredible incredible riches flooded into Rome from riches flooded into Rome from conquered lands.conquered lands.
• Generals, officials and merchants Generals, officials and merchants amassed fortunes from loot, taxes amassed fortunes from loot, taxes and commerceand commerce
The newly acquired wealth had disturbing consequences…The newly acquired wealth had disturbing consequences…
Social and Economic Consequences Social and Economic Consequences of Empire Buildingof Empire Building
• A new class of wealthy Romans A new class of wealthy Romans emerged emerged More PatriciansMore Patricians
• Wealthy families bought up huge Wealthy families bought up huge estates, called estates, called latifundia, which were , which were worked by slaves captured in warworked by slaves captured in war
• The widespread use of slave labor The widespread use of slave labor hurt small farmers who were unable hurt small farmers who were unable to produce food as cheaply as the to produce food as cheaply as the latifundia could.latifundia could.
Latifundia
• The farmers problems were compounded The farmers problems were compounded as huge quantities of grain came pouring as huge quantities of grain came pouring in from conquered lands. This drove down in from conquered lands. This drove down grain pricesgrain prices
• Many farmers fell into debt and had to sell Many farmers fell into debt and had to sell their landtheir land
• Landless farmers flocked to Rome looking Landless farmers flocked to Rome looking for jobsfor jobs
• The gap between the wealthy and poor The gap between the wealthy and poor widenedwidened
• The new wealth also increased corruptionThe new wealth also increased corruption Greed and self interest replaced virtues Greed and self interest replaced virtues
such as hard work and devotion to dutysuch as hard work and devotion to duty
Attempts to ReformAttempts to Reform
• Two young patrician brothers, Tiberius and Two young patrician brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, were among the first to attempt Gaius Gracchus, were among the first to attempt reformreform– Tiberius, who was elected to the tribune, called on the Tiberius, who was elected to the tribune, called on the
state to distribute land to poor farmersstate to distribute land to poor farmers– Gaius, elected to the Tribune 10 years later, sought Gaius, elected to the Tribune 10 years later, sought
reforms such as: the use of public funds to buy grain reforms such as: the use of public funds to buy grain to feed the poor, and an extension of full citizenship to to feed the poor, and an extension of full citizenship to some of Rome’s alliessome of Rome’s allies
– The brothers angered the Senate, which saw them as The brothers angered the Senate, which saw them as a threat to their power. The brothers were killed in a threat to their power. The brothers were killed in street violence set off by senators and their hired street violence set off by senators and their hired thugsthugs
The Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Caius, were social reformers who tried to obtain more rights for the landless peasants of Rome, but were resisted by the landowning class. In 133 B.C. Tiberius was elected tribune, and worked to pass land reform laws, but he was killed before he could run for a second term. His brother Caius was much younger than Tiberius, and hesitant at first to enter public life. It was not until ten years after Tiberius was killed that he was elected tribune, and vowed to continue his brother's work. The senate however, was much more clever in their resistance to Caius than they had been with Tiberius.
A Century of Civil WarA Century of Civil War
• During the next 100 years, circa 143 B.C. to 59 During the next 100 years, circa 143 B.C. to 59 B.C., Rome was plunged into a series of civil B.C., Rome was plunged into a series of civil warswars
• At issue was who should hold power, the Senate At issue was who should hold power, the Senate or popular political leadersor popular political leaders
• The turmoil sparked slave uprisings and revolts The turmoil sparked slave uprisings and revolts among Rome’s alliesamong Rome’s allies
• The old legions were transformed into highly The old legions were transformed into highly organized professional armies whose first loyalty organized professional armies whose first loyalty was to their commanderswas to their commanders
• Rival generals marched their armies into Rome to Rival generals marched their armies into Rome to advance their ambitionsadvance their ambitions
Caesar’s Bid for Power:Caesar’s Bid for Power:
• Out of the chaos emerged Julius Caesar, Out of the chaos emerged Julius Caesar, commander of the Rome’s most commander of the Rome’s most successful armies. successful armies.
• For a time Caesar dominated roman For a time Caesar dominated roman politics with Pompey, one of Rome’s most politics with Pompey, one of Rome’s most brilliant generals.brilliant generals.
• In 59 B.C. Caesar set out to make new In 59 B.C. Caesar set out to make new conquests. He and his armies conquered conquests. He and his armies conquered Gaul, present day FranceGaul, present day France
Crossing the RubiconCrossing the Rubicon
• Back home, Pompey grew jealous of Back home, Pompey grew jealous of Caesar’s success and feared his rising Caesar’s success and feared his rising famefame
• Pompey had the Senate order Caesar to Pompey had the Senate order Caesar to disband his army and return to Romedisband his army and return to Rome
• Caesar decided to defy the order and led Caesar decided to defy the order and led his army across the his army across the Rubicon River into into Northern ItalyNorthern Italy
• Once again, Civil War broke out. Caesar Once again, Civil War broke out. Caesar crushed Pompey and his supporters.crushed Pompey and his supporters.
• He swept around the Mediterranean, He swept around the Mediterranean, suppressing rebellious provinces and suppressing rebellious provinces and strengthening Roman power. (Veni, vidi, strengthening Roman power. (Veni, vidi, vici, I came, I saw, I conquered)vici, I came, I saw, I conquered)
• Caesar returned to Rome and forced the Caesar returned to Rome and forced the Senate to make him dictator. Caesar Senate to make him dictator. Caesar became the absolute ruler of Romebecame the absolute ruler of Rome
Caesar’s ReformsCaesar’s Reforms– He launched public works programs to employ the He launched public works programs to employ the
joblessjobless– He gave public land to the poorHe gave public land to the poor– He reorganized the government of the provincesHe reorganized the government of the provinces– He gave citizenship to more peopleHe gave citizenship to more people– He introduced an new calendar based on Egyptian He introduced an new calendar based on Egyptian
knowledge, known as the Julian calendar, with a few knowledge, known as the Julian calendar, with a few minor changes it is the calendar we use todayminor changes it is the calendar we use today
– To enact these reforms, Caesar had to pack the To enact these reforms, Caesar had to pack the senate with his own followerssenate with his own followers
The Ides of MarchThe Ides of March
• Caesar’s enemies worried that he Caesar’s enemies worried that he planned to make himself king of Romeplanned to make himself king of Rome
• In 44 B.C. members of the senate In 44 B.C. members of the senate assassinated Julius Caesar. He had been assassinated Julius Caesar. He had been warned by a fortuneteller to “beware of the warned by a fortuneteller to “beware of the Ideas of March (March 15)Ideas of March (March 15)
• Julius Caesar’s death plunged Rome into Julius Caesar’s death plunged Rome into a new round of civil warsa new round of civil wars
The Ides of March
The Second The Second TriumvirateTriumvirateThe Second The Second TriumvirateTriumvirate
Octavian Augustus
Marc Antony
Marcus Lepidus
• Mark Antony Mark Antony and and OctavianOctavian, , Julius Caesar’s Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, joined forces grandnephew, joined forces to hunt down the Julius to hunt down the Julius Caesars’ murderers. Caesars’ murderers.
• However, the men soon However, the men soon quarreled and a bitter quarreled and a bitter struggled for power ensuedstruggled for power ensued
• In 31 B.C., Octavian finally In 31 B.C., Octavian finally defeated Mark Antony and defeated Mark Antony and his powerful ally, Queen his powerful ally, Queen Cleopatra of EgyptCleopatra of Egypt
End of the Republic:End of the Republic:• The senate proclaimed The senate proclaimed
Octavian, Augustus, or Octavian, Augustus, or Exalted OneExalted One
• Although not called Although not called king, king, Augustus ruled Augustus ruled with absolute powerwith absolute power..
• Under Augustus, the Under Augustus, the 500 year old republic 500 year old republic came to an end!!came to an end!!
Augustan Reforms / Augustan Reforms / Accomplishments - 1Accomplishments - 1
• A Stable Government:A Stable Government:– Augustus created an efficient, well-trained civil Augustus created an efficient, well-trained civil
service charged with enforcing the lawsservice charged with enforcing the laws– High level jobs were open to men of all talent High level jobs were open to men of all talent
regardless of their classregardless of their class– He cemented allegiances of cities and provinces He cemented allegiances of cities and provinces
to Rome by allowing them to govern themselvesto Rome by allowing them to govern themselves
• The government that Augustus organized The government that Augustus organized functioned well for 200 yearsfunctioned well for 200 years
• Defense: established the Praetorian Guard (nine Defense: established the Praetorian Guard (nine cohorts of 500 men who acted bodyguards for cohorts of 500 men who acted bodyguards for the emperor and his family)the emperor and his family)
• He undertook economic reformsHe undertook economic reforms– He ordered a census to be takenHe ordered a census to be taken– He set up a postal serviceHe set up a postal service– He issued new coins to make trade easierHe issued new coins to make trade easier– He put the jobless to work building roads and templesHe put the jobless to work building roads and temples– He sent others to farm the landHe sent others to farm the land
Augustan Reforms / Augustan Reforms / Accomplishments - 2Accomplishments - 2
The Greatest Extent The Greatest Extent of the Roman Empire of the Roman Empire
– 14 CE– 14 CE
The Greatest Extent The Greatest Extent of the Roman Empire of the Roman Empire
– 14 CE– 14 CE
Imperial Roman Road Imperial Roman Road SystemSystem
Imperial Roman Road Imperial Roman Road SystemSystem
Imperial Rome Problem #1 - Imperial Rome Problem #1 -
SuccessionSuccession
• The question of who would rule when the The question of who would rule when the emperor died plagued the Romans for emperor died plagued the Romans for their entire existencetheir entire existence
• The death of an emperor often lead to The death of an emperor often lead to intrigue and violenceintrigue and violence
The Roman Peace (Pax Romana)The Roman Peace (Pax Romana)
• The 200 year span that began with Augustus and ended with The 200 year span that began with Augustus and ended with Marcus Aurelius is known as the Pax Romana, or Roman PeaceMarcus Aurelius is known as the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace
• During this time, Roman rule brought peace, order, unity, and During this time, Roman rule brought peace, order, unity, and prosperity to the lands stretching from the Euphrates River in the prosperity to the lands stretching from the Euphrates River in the east to Britain in the westeast to Britain in the west
• During this time trade flowed freely to and from distant lands in During this time trade flowed freely to and from distant lands in Africa, India and China.Africa, India and China.– Egyptian farmers in the Nile River Valley supplied the Romans with Egyptian farmers in the Nile River Valley supplied the Romans with
graingrain– From other parts of Africa came ivory, gold, as well as lions and other From other parts of Africa came ivory, gold, as well as lions and other
wild animals used for entertainmentwild animals used for entertainment– From India came spices, cotton and precious stonesFrom India came spices, cotton and precious stones– From China, along the Silk Road, came exotic goodsFrom China, along the Silk Road, came exotic goods– Iranian merchants were the key link in the long distance tradeIranian merchants were the key link in the long distance trade
Family and Religion:Family and Religion:
• The family was the basic unit of roman The family was the basic unit of roman societysociety
• Under Roman law, the male head of the Under Roman law, the male head of the household had absolute power in the household had absolute power in the family - Paterfamiliafamily - Paterfamilia– He enforced strict discipline and demanded He enforced strict discipline and demanded
total respecttotal respect
Changing Role of Women:Changing Role of Women:
• The ideal Roman woman was loving, dutiful, dignified The ideal Roman woman was loving, dutiful, dignified and strongand strong
• Patrician women played a larger rolePatrician women played a larger role– They went to public baths, dined out and attended the theater They went to public baths, dined out and attended the theater
and other public entertainments with their husbandsand other public entertainments with their husbands– Some imperial women, such as Livia and Agrippina the Younger, Some imperial women, such as Livia and Agrippina the Younger,
had highly visible public roles and exercised significant political had highly visible public roles and exercised significant political influenceinfluence
• Women from all classes ran a variety of businessesWomen from all classes ran a variety of businesses• Most women worked at home, raising the family, Most women worked at home, raising the family,
spinning and weavingspinning and weaving
Education:Education:
• All girls and boys learned to read and writeAll girls and boys learned to read and write
• By the late republic, many wealthy By the late republic, many wealthy Romans were hiring private tutors to teach Romans were hiring private tutors to teach their childrentheir children– Children learned to memorize major events Children learned to memorize major events
and developments in Roman historyand developments in Roman history– Rhetoric was important for boys who wanted Rhetoric was important for boys who wanted
political careerspolitical careers
Some rich boys, especially if they lived in cities, did go to school. Girls mostly did not go to school. Roman schools were small, with only one room, and one teacher, like American one-room schools. The same teacher taught boys of different ages, from about seven to eleven or twelve. (Boys younger than seven didn't go to school). The boys' parents paid the teacher, the way your parents pay for music lessons or karate lessons today. Rich kids sometimes had a slave who walked them to school and back and kept them safe.
The boys usually sat on stools or chairs, while the teacher had a chair with a back (though in this picture actually the boys do have backs on their chairs). Nobody had a desk.
Some kids (both boys and girls) were home-schooled instead. Either their mothers or fathers taught them, or sometimes they hired a teacher to come to their house, or (for very rich people) they might buy a slave to be their kids' teacher.
ReligionReligion::• Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of Roman gods and goddesses resembled those of
the Etruscans and the Greeksthe Etruscans and the Greeks– Zeus-JupiterZeus-Jupiter– Hera-JunoHera-Juno– Poseidon-NeptunePoseidon-Neptune– Hermes-MercuryHermes-Mercury
• The Roman calendar was full of feasts and other The Roman calendar was full of feasts and other celebrations to honor the gods and to ensure celebrations to honor the gods and to ensure divine favor for their citydivine favor for their city
• Mystery religions not associated with the official Mystery religions not associated with the official state gods were also popular, especially with state gods were also popular, especially with womenwomen
The Rise of The Rise of ChristianityChristianityThe Rise of The Rise of ChristianityChristianity
St. Paul: St. Paul: Apostle to the Apostle to the
GentilesGentiles
St. Paul: St. Paul: Apostle to the Apostle to the
GentilesGentiles
The Spread of The Spread of ChristianityChristianity
The Spread of The Spread of ChristianityChristianity
Bread and CircusesBread and Circuses
• Rich and poor loved spectacular entertainmentsRich and poor loved spectacular entertainments– Circus Maximus, Rome’s largest racecourse, where Circus Maximus, Rome’s largest racecourse, where
chariots thundered around an oval coursechariots thundered around an oval course– Gladiator contests were even more popularGladiator contests were even more popular– Many gladiators were slaves who were trained to fightMany gladiators were slaves who were trained to fight
• The amusements were a way to control the city’s The amusements were a way to control the city’s restless mobsrestless mobs
• The government also provided free grain to feed The government also provided free grain to feed the poorthe poor
• During the Pax Romana, the general During the Pax Romana, the general prosperity hid underlying social and prosperity hid underlying social and economic problems.economic problems.
THE ROMAN EMPERORS – THE ROMAN EMPERORS – After AugustusAfter Augustus
The good, the bad and the crazyThe good, the bad and the crazy
The First Roman The First Roman DynastyDynasty
The First Roman The First Roman DynastyDynasty
TIBERIUS (14 CE – 37 CE)TIBERIUS (14 CE – 37 CE)
• Stepson of AugustusStepson of Augustus• Designated Augustus’ successor when others diedDesignated Augustus’ successor when others died• Morose and suspiciousMorose and suspicious• Unpopular because he spent little money on public Unpopular because he spent little money on public
gamesgames• Good administrator and economistGood administrator and economist• Became old and senileBecame old and senile• Smothered to deathSmothered to death
GAIUS “CALIGULA”GAIUS “CALIGULA”
• Unbalanced nephew of TiberiusUnbalanced nephew of Tiberius
• Also unpopularAlso unpopular
• Megalomaniac Megalomaniac
• Tried to make his horse a senatorTried to make his horse a senator
• Murdered by a member of the Praetorian Murdered by a member of the Praetorian GuardGuard
CLAUDIUS (41 CE – 54 CE)CLAUDIUS (41 CE – 54 CE)
• Uncle of CaligulaUncle of Caligula
• Ungainly, doltish appearanceUngainly, doltish appearance
• An excellent organizerAn excellent organizer
• Expanded the bureaucracy Expanded the bureaucracy
• Served poisoned mushrooms by his fourth Served poisoned mushrooms by his fourth wifewife
NERO (54 CE – 68 CE)NERO (54 CE – 68 CE)• Son of ClaudiusSon of Claudius• Killed his own mother (tried to poison, drowning, then just had Killed his own mother (tried to poison, drowning, then just had
her executed)her executed)• Considered a tyrantConsidered a tyrant• Ordered assassination of real and Ordered assassination of real and
imagined enemiesimagined enemies• Artist and poet (mostly self-proclaimed)Artist and poet (mostly self-proclaimed)• Supposedly fiddled as Rome burnt – 64 CESupposedly fiddled as Rome burnt – 64 CE• Blamed the fire on the Christians and persecuted themBlamed the fire on the Christians and persecuted them• Committed suicide, had a companion stab himCommitted suicide, had a companion stab him
CIVIL WAR (68 CE -69 CE)CIVIL WAR (68 CE -69 CE)
• Four men: Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Four men: Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian all struggle for powerVespasian all struggle for power
VESPASIAN (69 AD – 79 AD)VESPASIAN (69 AD – 79 AD)
• Eventually won control in the civil war and Eventually won control in the civil war and consolidated the Empire which had begun to fragmentconsolidated the Empire which had begun to fragment
• Granted citizenship to non-ItalianGranted citizenship to non-Italian• Stabilized government spendingStabilized government spending• Replenished the treasuryReplenished the treasury• Built roadsBuilt roads• Most famous for sacking Jerusalem, destroying the Most famous for sacking Jerusalem, destroying the
Temple, and dispersing the Jews in 70 CE Temple, and dispersing the Jews in 70 CE
TITUS (79 CE – 81 CE)TITUS (79 CE – 81 CE)
• Son of Vespasian Son of Vespasian • Known as “the light of Known as “the light of
the world”the world”• Very popularVery popular• Ruled during the Ruled during the
destruction of Pompeiidestruction of Pompeii• Finished the construction Finished the construction
of the Coliseumof the Coliseum
DOMITIAN (81 CE – 96 CE)DOMITIAN (81 CE – 96 CE)
• Brother of TitusBrother of Titus
• ““Holy Terror”Holy Terror”
• Murdered after 15 years by people in his Murdered after 15 years by people in his own householdown household
• Persecuted Jews and ChristiansPersecuted Jews and Christians
• Otherwise governed wellOtherwise governed well
THE FIVE GOOD EMPERORSTHE FIVE GOOD EMPERORS
• After Nero’s death, the Senate and the army After Nero’s death, the Senate and the army played a more active role in the selection of the played a more active role in the selection of the emperoremperor
• Between 96 CE and 180 CE, the Romans Between 96 CE and 180 CE, the Romans handled the problem of succession by having handled the problem of succession by having each emperor select a younger colleague to each emperor select a younger colleague to train as a successor.train as a successor.
• Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus AureliusMarcus Aurelius
• Resulted in almost a century of stabilityResulted in almost a century of stability
NERVA (96 CE – 98 CE)NERVA (96 CE – 98 CE)
• Older, gentler senatorOlder, gentler senator
• Elected emperor by the SenateElected emperor by the Senate
• Began tradition of the present ruler finding Began tradition of the present ruler finding and adopting the “best man” and making and adopting the “best man” and making him successorhim successor
TRAJAN (98 CE – 117 CE)TRAJAN (98 CE – 117 CE)• First Roman emperor of non-Italian origin (Spanish)First Roman emperor of non-Italian origin (Spanish)• Great rulerGreat ruler• Extended the Empire to its greatest extentExtended the Empire to its greatest extent• Kept the Senate informed about his campaigns, and waited for their Kept the Senate informed about his campaigns, and waited for their
approval before signing treatiesapproval before signing treaties• Popular with the public because he greatly increased Rome’s wealth Popular with the public because he greatly increased Rome’s wealth
through military conquestthrough military conquest• Also popular because spent large sums on building aqueducts, temples Also popular because spent large sums on building aqueducts, temples
and public bathsand public baths• Also very popular with the armyAlso very popular with the army• Buried under his column in the Roman ForumBuried under his column in the Roman Forum
Trajan’s Column
HADRIAN (117 CE – 138 CE)HADRIAN (117 CE – 138 CE)• Brilliant and versatileBrilliant and versatile• Excellent administrator and brave soldierExcellent administrator and brave soldier• He consolidated the Empire and built walls in Scotland and along He consolidated the Empire and built walls in Scotland and along
the Rhine River to contain the Barbariansthe Rhine River to contain the Barbarians• Gifted architectGifted architect• Hadrian codified Roman laws, making it the same for all provincesHadrian codified Roman laws, making it the same for all provinces
THE PANTHEONTHE PANTHEONHadrian also built
the Pantheon
ANTONIUS (138 CE – 161 CE)ANTONIUS (138 CE – 161 CE)
• Just and honestJust and honest
• Empire reached its peak under his Empire reached its peak under his guidanceguidance
• Ruled during years of tranquilityRuled during years of tranquility
• His death is associate by many with the His death is associate by many with the end of the Pax Romanaend of the Pax Romana
MARCUS AURELIUS (161CE–180 CE)MARCUS AURELIUS (161CE–180 CE)
• Ruled during times of trouble during which Ruled during times of trouble during which barbarians rose in many areasbarbarians rose in many areas
• Plague also killed ¼ of the people in the Plague also killed ¼ of the people in the Republic during his reignRepublic during his reign
• StoicStoic
COMMODUS (180 CE – 192 COMMODUS (180 CE – 192 CE)CE)
• Son of Marcus AureliusSon of Marcus Aurelius
• Unfit, broke the tradition of “best man”Unfit, broke the tradition of “best man”
• Fought in the gladitorial contestsFought in the gladitorial contests
• Poor rulerPoor ruler
• Strangled to death in his bathStrangled to death in his bath
LATE EMPIRELATE EMPIRE
• For the next 300 years For the next 300 years the decline of the decline of the Roman Empirethe Roman Empire
• After Commodus, the throne was up for After Commodus, the throne was up for auctionauction
• 192 – 193 several men tried to gain power 192 – 193 several men tried to gain power by buying loyalty of different armiesby buying loyalty of different armies
SEPTIMUS SEVERUS (193 – SEPTIMUS SEVERUS (193 – 211)211)
• Had best army, so seized powerHad best army, so seized power
• Catered to the army to hold powerCatered to the army to hold power
• Let the men go soft, allowed families to Let the men go soft, allowed families to travel with them (slowed them down)travel with them (slowed them down)
• Admitted barbarians to armyAdmitted barbarians to army
CARCALLA (211 -217)CARCALLA (211 -217)
• Son of Septimius SeverusSon of Septimius Severus• Brutal, unpleasant man who murdered his Brutal, unpleasant man who murdered his
brother to gain the thronebrother to gain the throne• Raised soldiers wagesRaised soldiers wages• Bribed barbarians to stay away from RomeBribed barbarians to stay away from Rome• Taxes increased dramatically and Taxes increased dramatically and
currency lost its value (inflation)currency lost its value (inflation)
SEVERUS ALEXANDER (222 – 235)SEVERUS ALEXANDER (222 – 235)
• Continued practice of bribing the Continued practice of bribing the BarbariansBarbarians
• Murdered by his own troops who still had Murdered by his own troops who still had some pridesome pride
The The Decline Decline and Fall and Fall of the of the Roman Roman EmpireEmpire
PROBLEMS OF SUCCESSION PROBLEMS OF SUCCESSION MILITARY ANARCHY MILITARY ANARCHY (265 – 284)(265 – 284)
• 1OO claimants to the throne1OO claimants to the throne• 26 took the title for an average of 2 years26 took the title for an average of 2 years• All of them meet a violent endAll of them meet a violent end• Plagues and constant warsPlagues and constant wars• Taxes skyrocketedTaxes skyrocketed• Citizens tried to give up citizenshipCitizens tried to give up citizenship• Back to barter economy because of Back to barter economy because of
inflationinflation
Economic TroublesEconomic Troubles• Decline begins after the Decline begins after the
paxpax romanaromana in 3in 3rdrd Century Century
• Invaders made trade Invaders made trade unsafeunsafe on on seasea and on and on roadsroads
• The rich spent The rich spent goldgold and and silversilver on luxury items from on luxury items from Asia which drained Rome Asia which drained Rome of these of these preciousprecious metals metals
• Rome began making coins Rome began making coins with less silver which with less silver which caused caused inflationinflation..
Economic Economic TroublesTroubles• Inflation is a Inflation is a drasticdrastic
drop in the value of drop in the value of moneymoney coupled with coupled with risingrising prices for items. prices for items.
• Agriculture Agriculture decreaseddecreased because of infertile because of infertile soil, and soil, and farmlandfarmland destroyed by war.destroyed by war.
• Food Food shortagesshortages• Spread of Spread of diseasedisease
Military TroublesMilitary Troubles• GermanicGermanic tribes were tribes were
invading Romeinvading Rome
• Soldiers no longer had Soldiers no longer had discipline or discipline or loyaltyloyalty to Rome. to Rome.
• Soldiers had loyalty only to Soldiers had loyalty only to theirtheir commanders commanders, who , who fought not for Rome, but to fought not for Rome, but to try to become the try to become the emperoremperor..
• To defend Rome, To defend Rome, mercenariesmercenaries were recruited were recruited – foreign soldiers who fought – foreign soldiers who fought for money. for money.
Political TroublesPolitical Troubles• Troubles in the empire Troubles in the empire
made citizens lose made citizens lose patriotismpatriotism for Rome for Rome
• Being aBeing a political political official official was no longer thought to was no longer thought to be an be an honorhonor
• Few people wanted to Few people wanted to serve in the serve in the governmentgovernment
• Out of 26 Out of 26 generalsgenerals who who became emperors, 25 became emperors, 25 met met violentviolent deaths. deaths.
Temporary HelpTemporary Help• DiocletianDiocletian in A.D. 284 became in A.D. 284 became
a strong leader a strong leader
• He He doubleddoubled the Roman armies the Roman armies and hired German and hired German mercenariesmercenaries
• Persecuted ChristiansPersecuted Christians
• He He divideddivided the Roman empire the Roman empire into 2 sidesinto 2 sides
– EastEast: Greek speaking: Greek speaking
– West:West: Latin Latin speaking speaking
• He took over the East, but He took over the East, but CivilCivil warwar broke out after his death broke out after his death
Diocletian Splits the Diocletian Splits the Empire in Two: Empire in Two: 294 294
CECE
Diocletian Splits the Diocletian Splits the Empire in Two: Empire in Two: 294 294
CECE
CONSTANTINE CONSTANTINE
• Ruled with 4 others from 305 – 324Ruled with 4 others from 305 – 324• Ruled alone from 324 – 337Ruled alone from 324 – 337• 312 had a religious vision, seeing a cross 312 had a religious vision, seeing a cross
and so became a Christianand so became a Christian• Passed the Edict of Milan in 313 which Passed the Edict of Milan in 313 which
granted religious tolerationgranted religious toleration• As Western Empire collapsed, moved to As Western Empire collapsed, moved to
Constantinople (City of Constantine) and Constantinople (City of Constantine) and made it the capital city made it the capital city
ConstantineConstantine• Took over the West Took over the West
part of the empire in part of the empire in A.D. 312A.D. 312
• Moved the Moved the capitalcapital to a to a strategic location in strategic location in Greece in the East in Greece in the East in ByzantiumByzantium and and renamed it renamed it ConstantinopleConstantinople
• He accepted He accepted ChristianityChristianity
Constantinople: Constantinople: “The 2“The 2ndnd Rome” Rome”
(Founded in 330)(Founded in 330)
Constantinople: Constantinople: “The 2“The 2ndnd Rome” Rome”
(Founded in 330)(Founded in 330)
Byzantium:Byzantium:The Eastern Roman The Eastern Roman
EmpireEmpire
Byzantium:Byzantium:The Eastern Roman The Eastern Roman
EmpireEmpire
The West FallsThe West Falls• The The westwest faced worse problems than the east that was far from faced worse problems than the east that was far from
invadersinvaders• From A.D. 376 to 476, huge numbers of From A.D. 376 to 476, huge numbers of GermanicGermanic tribes poured into tribes poured into
Rome to get away from the Rome to get away from the fierce fierce HunsHuns
• AttilaAttila the Hun the Hun was a powerful was a powerful chieftain chieftain who swept who swept through the westthrough the west
The Empire in Crisis: The Empire in Crisis: 3c3c
The Empire in Crisis: The Empire in Crisis: 3c3c
Attila the Hun:Attila the Hun:“The Scourge of “The Scourge of
God”God”
Attila the Hun:Attila the Hun:“The Scourge of “The Scourge of
God”God”
EMPIRE SPLITSEMPIRE SPLITS• The Empire permanently is divided into The Empire permanently is divided into
East and West. TWO EMPERORS by 395.East and West. TWO EMPERORS by 395.
• Christianity becomes the state religion.Christianity becomes the state religion.
• Other pagan and religious festivals are Other pagan and religious festivals are banned.banned.
Barbarian Invasions: Barbarian Invasions: 44thth and 5 and 5thth Century CE Century CEBarbarian Invasions: Barbarian Invasions: 44thth and 5 and 5thth Century CE Century CE
END OF THE WESTERN END OF THE WESTERN EMPIREEMPIRE
• 410 Huns sack Rome410 Huns sack Rome
• 455 Vandals sack Rome455 Vandals sack Rome
• 476 Romulus Augustus the last Western 476 Romulus Augustus the last Western Roman Emperor is replaced by a German Roman Emperor is replaced by a German barbarian chieftainbarbarian chieftain
• This event marks the Fall of the Roman This event marks the Fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire
The West FallsThe West Falls• NegotiatedNegotiated with Pope Leo with Pope Leo
I and withdrewI and withdrew• He died in 453 and was He died in 453 and was
no longer a no longer a threatthreat• Germanic tribes Germanic tribes
continued to continued to invade invade and and finally the finally the westwest was no was no longer longer RomeRome
• But the But the EasternEastern Roman Roman empire willempire will continue continue as as the the ByzantineByzantine Empire that Empire that will preserve will preserve GreekGreek and and RomanRoman heritage. heritage.
The Byzantine EmpireThe Byzantine EmpireDuring the Reign of During the Reign of
JustinianJustinian
The Byzantine EmpireThe Byzantine EmpireDuring the Reign of During the Reign of
JustinianJustinian
The Byzantine The Byzantine Emperor JustinianEmperor Justinian
The Byzantine The Byzantine Emperor JustinianEmperor Justinian
The Legacy of The Legacy of RomeRome
The Legacy of The Legacy of RomeRome Republic GovernmentRepublic Government
Roman Law !!!Roman Law !!! Latin LanguageLatin Language Roman Catholic ChurchRoman Catholic Church City PlanningCity Planning Romanesque Architectural Romanesque Architectural
StyleStyle Roman EngineeringRoman Engineering
• AqueductsAqueducts• Sewage systemsSewage systems• DamsDams• CementCement• ArchArch