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Roman Governance in Action. Laws and the Emperors. Laws. Early laws were not written down Lots of problems 12 Tables Like a constitution Many crimes; murder, robbery, kidnapping, tomb robbing, and adultery were punishable by death. More minor crimes- flogging, severed hand
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Roman Governance in Action Laws and the Emperors
Laws • Early laws were not written down • Lots of problems • 12 Tables • Like a constitution • Many crimes; murder, robbery, kidnapping, tomb robbing, and adultery were punishable by death. • More minor crimes- flogging, severed hand • Roman law influenced our law
Question... • What are the basic rights that you expect as a Canadian? • What do you think of the Roman 12 tables? • Why do you think that those types of things were important to Romans?
Roman Emperors The good, the bad, and the ugly.
Augustus 27 BC to 14 AD • Recognized as first emperor • Built roads across the empire • One of the first “emperor gods” • Huge Roman territory expansion • Made police service, fire fighters, professional army
Tiberius 14 AD to 37 AD • He and Augustus’ wife Livia possibly poisoned Augustus • Started reign good, got worse over time • Moved far away, had many wild parties • Had many people who didn’t like him killed, • Including his neice and her children, and his best friend
Caligula 37 AD to 41 AD • “Little Boots” • Started off good, became ill, got CRAZY! • Invade Britain- Collect seashells • Declared himself a god • Ran through streets dressed as Venus, Bacchus, or Apollo • Loved horse. Gave it consulship. • Horse invited people over for parties • Spent all of Rome’s money • Killed richest people, stole their money. • Assassinated. Hated.
Claudius 41 AD 54 AD • Emperor by military • Hiding behind curtain shivering • Limp, speech impediment, sickly • First to expand empire since Augustus (Britain) • Poisoned by wife with mushrooms.
Nero 54 AD to 68 AD • Emperor at 16 • Started good, got bad • Great fire • Arson? Lyre and dancing • Blamed Christians. Killed them in horrible ways • Mother wanted him out, put her out to sea on sinking boat. • Terminator mother • Military dethroned him • Committed suicide
Year of the Four Emperors 68 AD to 69 AD • Lots of wars and strife • Galba, Otho, Vitellus, and then Vespasian
Titus 79 AD to 81 AD; Domitian 81 AD to 96 AD Titus Domitian
“The 5 Good Emperors” It’s Not All Bad!!!
Nerva 96 AD to 98 AD • Lowered taxes • Very cautious with wars and diplomacy • Not much happened during his reign • A good thing!
Trajan 98 AD to 117 AD • Lived free of vice • Built public schools so the poor could be educated • Built many buildings • Strictly followed the laws • More conquests: Empire at its largest
Hadrian 117 AD to 138 AD • Put on many games, gladiatorial shows • Made donations to poor • Cancelled unpaid debts • Travelled all over empire, really wanted to govern well • Reluctant to get into wars
Antoninus Pius • Lots of funding for public works: schools, roads, etc. No war • Super laid back, loved his subjects.
Marcus Aurelius • Philosopher • Thought about everything very carefully • Main focus was on the senate and legislating • Also fought revolts in Parthia • Old man, very peaceful
Question... • Do you think Rome is better off with emperors or just being governed by the 12 tables?