The Roman EmpireAncient Rome - Lesson 3

Important People

Augustus - Ancient Roman emperor whose rule began a long period of prosperity and peace called the Pax Romana for the Roman Empire (63 B.C. - A.D. 14)

Caligula - Cruel ancient Roman emperor who was assassinated by his bodyguards (12 - 41)

Important People

Claudius - Ancient Roman emperor after Caligula who tried to improve conditions in the Empire (50 B.C. - A.D. 54)

Nero - Ancient Roman emperor upon whose death civil war broke out (37 68 )

Important People

Marcus Aurelius - Ancient Roman philosopher, general, and emperor (121 - 180)

Seneca - Ancient Roman writer

How do you think events that happened prior to Augustus coming to power set the stage for his success?

There had been a period of disorder in Rome. People wanted peace and order and were probably relieved to have a good ruler to lead the way.

Why do you think people were proud to be Roman citizens?

Their empire was peaceful, prosperous and successful.

What did Augustus do to bring order to Rome?

★ He centralized the government★ Improved the economy★ Started a fire brigade★ Created a police force

Summary:The Pax Romana

Augustus used his power to bring order to Rome. Peace reigned, trade and business grew, and people were proud to say that they were citizens of Rome.

Compare and contrast Caligula and Claudius.

★ Cruel★★ Mentally unstable

★ Attempted to make life better by …○ Granting citizenship

to more people○ Enacting improved

laws

Caligula Claudius

How was Rome affected by good and bad emperors?

Bad - brought assassinations and civil war

Good - brought peace and prosperity

Summary: The Good Emperors and the Bad

Despite unstable rulers such as Caligula, a period of good rule returned, marked by peace and prosperity.

Why do you think the Romans worked to extend their empire?

The Romans may have been motivated by economic gains.

What do the basic principles of law guarantee for Roman citizens?

Look at page 290, in the green box, and write each of those laws in your own words.

What did all citizens of the Roman Empire have in common?

The protection of the legal system.

Summary:Government and Law

The Romans were able to unite people throughout the empire by establishing roads, a system of measurement, a common language, and a unified code of laws.

Map Skills: In what places were Roman roads built outside of the Roman Empire?

● Near the coast of northern Africa● In Asia Minor near the Tigris and Euphrates

Rivers● To the southwest of the Black Sea

Map Skill: How did the borders of Rome change between 133 B.C. and A.D. 14?

They expanded to include more land.

What do the Romans’ many celebrations tell you about the empire?

Things were going well in the Empire. Romans could enjoy themselves because they did not need to work too hard or defend themselves in any wars.

Why do you think that Seneca put his feelings about gladiator fights into his writing?

He wanted to tell people how wrong the practice was and help put an end to it.

What did Seneca mean by “Death is the fighter’s only exit”?

The only way a gladiator could exit the arena was by dying.

Summary:Entertainment

Romans entertained themselves by celebrating holidays and watching various shows. Although some thought the practice was cruel, many Romans enjoyed watching gladiators fight animals or each other.

What parts of their culture did Romans bring to lands they conquered?

★ Building skills (architecture) ★ Language (Latin)

What effect do Roman builders, artists, and writers have on the world today?

● Roman architecture still influences modern building

● Many languages are based on Latin● We still admire Roman literature and artwork

Summary:Roman Arts

Engineering, architecture, and the Latin language were all sources of pride for Romans and fueled their belief that their empire was destined for greatness.

Essential Question 1: Who was Augustus and why was he important?

He was Rome’s first emperor. His reign brought order, peace, and prosperity.

Essential Question 2: How did wise rule make the Roman Empire very powerful?

It brought honest government and more trade to the Empire, and continued to help it expand.

Essential Question 3: What is the difference between a republic and an empire?

A republic is a form of government in which citizens have the right to choose their leaders; whereas an empire is a large territory consisting of many different places under the control of a single ruler.