From Republic to Empire

Results of Punic Wars

Rome is master of the Mediterranean Have Spain, North Africa, Greece Divide conquered territories into provinces-

each with a governor appointed by the senate Conquered citizens can become Romans-

made people want to conform

Problems with Victory

Suddenly Rome is HUGE- and new territories brought new problems

Government had been designed for a city, not an empire. Republic was supposed to be a “brotherhood”- but an empire cannot be

100 years of war had messed up the economy. (especially 2nd- when Hannibal had been invading)

People feel restless and unbalanced

From Republic to Empire

(3rd Punic) 146 bc.- 44 bc. (Julius Caesar) is a time of great transition.

Clear the Republic wasn’t working- but how do we fix it? (lots of ideas and attempts)

Often a time of chaos- some Romans used this period to try to gain power for themselves illegally.

Violence and Power

Rome is large and often unstable

place. Mob violence is common

when the people are unhappy. (that is why order is so important)

Smart leaders use techniques like entertainment or free food to keep people happy.

The army also plays a key role- they are the police. So whoever has the loyalty of the army has increasing power in Rome

Julius Caesar

One of the most famous men in history- his life is a turning point for Rome

Will help create the empire- but will never be emperor.

“Born lucky” wealthy, popular, handsome, skilled.

Admired Alexander- wanted to rule the world.

Became famous as a general for conquering Hispania (Spain) and Gaul (France)

The First Triumvirate

60 bc. Senate is unable to handle the gov’t. Agree to pass much of their power to 3 men.

Pompey (politician) Julius Caesar (army) Crassus (calm- trust)

Caesar sent to Gaul, which he conquers. Give away all his land there, which gets him the loyalty of the army, more popularity.

53 bc. Crassus dies in Greece 52. bc. Pompey orders Caesar to return to Rome-

without his army.

Ruling Rome

Caesar refuses to come when ordered. Stays in Gaul, and organizes a rebellion in the army.

49 bc. Caesar marches on Rome (Rubicon- “the die is cast”)

Pompey flees- Caesar chases (first to Greece where Pompey’s army switches to Caesar, then to Egypt, where Pompey is killed by Cleopatra)

46 bc. Caesar is back in Rome- with total control of the government. Declared “Dictator for Life”

Betrayal and Death

Many people are unhappy with the idea that Caesar is basically king- Rome isn’t supposed to have kings. Others are jealous of Caesar’s power.

44 bc a group of Senators led by Cassius and Brutus decide Caesar must be stopped to save the Republic

*** March 15th 44 bc*** (beware the Ides of March!) Caesar is stabbed to death on the Senate floor.

The Roman Empire

Immediate struggle for power

Octavian- (19 year old nephew) was Heir, but power seemed up for grabs

Violence was everywhere

The Second Triumvirate

Octavian/Mark Anthony/Lepidus join together to hunt down conspirators, and form a new government. Anthony goes to Egypt (falls in love with Cleopatra) Lepidus goes to Gaul/Hispania Octavian stays in Rome

Eventually Lepidus retires, Octavian and Anthony split empire- but both want it all

Civil war breaks out (again) 31 bc Octavian defeats Anthony/Cleopatra at Actium

and becomes undisputed leader of Rome