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The Emperors of Rome: Augustus & His Successors

The Emperors of Rome: Augustus & His Successors. Western Civilization University High School 2011-12. Augustus. 31 BCE – Restored peace to Rome – Pax Romana Period of security, order, harmony, flourishing culture, expanding economy, growth of empire

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The Emperors of Rome: Augustus & His Successors

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  1. The Emperors of Rome: Augustus & His Successors Western Civilization University High School 2011-12

  2. Augustus • 31 BCE – Restored peace to Rome – PaxRomana • Period of security, order, harmony, flourishing culture, expanding economy, growth of empire • Declared self PrincepsCivitatis, “First Citizen of the State” • Tribuniciapotestas - full power of the tribunes • Pontifex maximum – chief priest of state • Commander of Roman army

  3. Changes to Army • Permanent, professional force • Rome’s first standing army • Regular training for soldiers • Necessary for expansion of empire • Spain, Gaul, Germany

  4. A Time of Transition • Augustus dies in 14 CE • Julio-ClaudiansandFlavians • the next wave of Roman emperors (27 BCE – 96 CE) • some were capable (Tiberius, Claudius) • some less so… (Caligula, Nero)

  5. Julio-Claudians • Praetorian Guard: • segment of Roman military established by Augustus • imperial bodyguard • 41 CE: kills Caligula, declared Claudius emperor • Senate agrees (under threat of force) • 54 CE: Claudius killed by 4th wife • allow her son (from previous marriage), Nero, to take power

  6. Emperor Nero • 64 CE: Great Fire of Rome • many believed he started it to clear room for palace complex • “Nero fiddled while Rome burned” • 68 CE: facing rebellion & assassination, Nero commits suicide

  7. Flavians • clan that took control after Julio-Claudians • Vespasian • emperor from 69 – 79 CE • re-conquered Judea to stop civil unrest • Titus & Domitian • Vespasian’s sons; subsequent emperors • Domitian hated by many (Senate), assassinated

  8. Age of “Five Good Emperors” • 96 – 180 CE • wise, fair, just emperors • wars were at the frontiers only, generally won • Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, & Marcus Aurelius

  9. Hadrian • emperor from 117 – 138 CE • took over for Trajan • noted for building Hadrian’s Wall

  10. Hadrian’s Wall • built across Great Britain (begun in 122 CE) • marked northern border of Roman empire • Purposes of the Wall? • defense • expression of Roman power • control over immigration, customs, trade?

  11. Imperial Rome • Rome pop. 500,000 – 750,000 • Most people lived in apartments • Fire, crime, sanitation frequent issues • Empire provided free grain, olive oil, wine • Prevented food riots • Rome too big to feed on its own – required imports

  12. Free entertainment – Gladiators & Chariots! • Criminals sentenced to death • Slaves • Free men showing off • Women! • Exotic animals • Staged at Coliseum • Kept general population happy and complacent

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