Age of Age of Augustus and Augustus and

the Early the Early Roman EmpireRoman Empire

A. The Age of AugustusA. The Age of Augustus 1. Julius Caesar’s grandnephew, Octavian

became Rome’s first emperor when the Senate elected him consul, tribune, commander in chief (imperator) for life in 27 B.C. a. Also became “princeps” (first citizen) & pontifex maximus (head of the official Roman religion)

1. Octavian was given the title, Augustus, which mean means “Majestic One” or “Revered One”

3. Augustus’ Reign (27 B.C.-14 A.D.)a. Highly popular with the people of Romeb. Rebuilt the city of Rome & became a patron of the arts c. Maintained an army of 28 legions (5,000 men per legion= almost 150,000 men)d. Conquered many new areas to be under Roman Empire e. Defeat in conquering Germany showed Augustus that Rome’s power was not unlimited

B. The Early Roman EmpireB. The Early Roman Empire

1. Early Empire lasts from A.D. 14 – A.D. 180

2. Augustus est. the political system where emperor was allowed to select his successor

3. The Julian Emperors

a. All related to Augustus in some way

b. As they became more powerful they became more corrupt

c. Emperors took more of the responsibilities given to the Senate by Augustus

• Tiberius- accused many innocent people of treason against him (Augustus’s adopted son)

• Caligula- mentally disturbed (Tiberius’ grandnephew)

• Claudius- difficulty focusing on

affairs of the Senate

(Caligula’s uncle)

• Nero – cruel, insane leader who

killed people he wanted

out of the way, including

his wife and mother Nero

C. The Five Good Emperors C. The Five Good Emperors

1. Nerva (A.D.96-98)

a. Reformed land

laws in favor of the

poor

b. Revised taxation

2. Trajan (A.D. 98-117)

a. Expanded the empire to its greatest extent

b. Constructed many public works (aqueducts, bridges, roads)

3. Hadrian (A.D. 117- 138)

a. Constucted Hadrian’s Wall in Britain

b. Built more Roman buildings

4. Antoninus Pius (A.D.138-161)

a. Promoted art and science

b. Legal reforms

c. New provisions for orphans

5. Marcus Aurelius (A.D. 161-180)

a. Helped unify the empire economically

b. Made legal reforms

c. Brought the empire to its height of its economic prosperity

D. Pax Romana (31 B.C.-A.D. 180)D. Pax Romana (31 B.C.-A.D. 180)1. “Roman Peace”

a. Boosted trade

b. Achievements in art

c. Peace maintained within empire

d. Time of economic growth