The End of the Republic

The End of the Republic Chapter 11.3

Tennessee State Standards •

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6.64 Describe the influence of Julius Caesar and Augustus in Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire and explain the reasons for the growth and long life of the Roman Empire. (C, E, G, H, P) · Military organization, tactics, and conquests and decentralized administration · the purpose and functions of taxes · the promotion of economic growth through the use of a standard currency, road construction, and the protection of trade routes · the benefits of a Pax Romana 6.65 Reflect on the impact of the lives of Cleopatra, Marc Anthony, Nero, Diocletian, and Constantine, city of Constantinople on the Roman Empire. (H, P) 6.71 Explain the spread and influence of the Roman alphabet and the Latin language, the use of Latin as the language of education for more than 1,000 years, and the role of Latin and Greek in scientific and academic vocabulary. (C, H, G) 6.72 Compare and contrast the Roman gods and goddesses to the Greek gods and goddesses, including Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Pluto, and Hera and their inclusion in modern society.

Problems in the Republic • Republic faced many economic troubles – Gap between rich and poor grew – Farmers faced financial ruin – Cities were overcrowded and dangerous It appears the republic really is falling!!!!!!!

Romans-Rich and Poor • Most Romans were plebeians • Power was held by the patricians • Farmers fell into poverty – – – – –

Farmers neglected fields while fighting wars Some farms were destroyed by the Carthaginians Farmers could not pay back loans Small farms were pushed out of business Thousands of poor unemployed moved to the cities looking for jobs – To prevent a revolt, leaders offered policy of “bread and circuses” which was cheap food and free entertainment

Roman Reformers • Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus • Thought problems were caused by rich – Urged the Senate to take some land from rich and return it to the poor – Senate disagreed – Senators killed Tiberius and Gracchus – People who made laws-broke laws

Roman Politics and the Army • Marius – Military general became consul – Plebian – Recruited poor for army and paid them wages – Plan weakened government • Soldiers were more loyal to generals than republic • Generals passed laws that gave land to soldiers

Sulla • Marius was opposed by Sulla – Sulla drove his enemies out of Rome – Named himself dictator – First time ever a general led his army into capital – Reduced power of tribunes – Gave senators more power – Sulla stepped down as dictator – Started a conflict that lasted 50 years

The Rise of Julius Caesar • After Sulla, 3 men ruled the Republic – Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar – Formed the First Triumvirate to rule Rome – A Triumvirate is a political group of 3 people who share equal power

Caesar’s Conquests • • • •

Each Triumvirate member commanded a military Pompey led in Spain Crassus in Syria Caesar in Gaul-France and Belgium – Poor supported Caesar – Senators feared Caesar was becoming to popular

First Triumvirate • First Triumvirate no longer existed – Crassus had died in battle – Pompey emerges as Caesar’s main rival – Senate supported Pompey – Ordered Caesar to give up army – Caesar refused

Caesar crossing Rubicon • Caesar gathered troops and crossed Rubicon River • Refused to obey the Senate • Marching on Rome • Started a civil war • Captured all of Italy • Drove Pompey’s forces out

Caesar Takes Power • Caesar took over the Roman Government • Declared himself dictator for life • Introduced reforms – Became popular with poor – Gave citizenship to people – Ordered landowners to hire free workers

Julian Calendar • Caesar introduced calendar – 12 months – 365 days – Became known as Julian calendar – Used until A.D. 1582

Caesar • Many Romans praised Caesar as a wise ruler – Brought peace and good government to Rome – Senators Brutus and Cassius plotted to kill him – On March 15, 44 B.C. Caesar’s opponents gathered around him and stabbed him – Became known as the “Ides of March”

Julius Caesar • Caesar’s murder was made famous in the play “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare. In play, Caesar was warned to “Beware the Ides of March”

From Republic to Empire • After Caesar’s death, civil war broke out • Caesar’s 18-year old grandnephew Octavian joined Mark Antony and Marcus Lepidus • This was the Second Triumvirate

Second Triumvirate • Divided the Roman Empire – Octavian took Italy and the west – Antony ruled in Greece and the east – Lepidus took North Africa

Antony and Cleopatra • Second Triumvirate did not last – Lepidus retired from politics – Octavian and Antony became rivals

Antony and Cleopatra • Antony fell in love with Cleopatra • Together they formed an alliance • Octavian accused Antony and Cleopatra of plotting against Rome • Octavian declared war on Antony

Octavian and Antony • Octavian and Antony’s navies clashed off the coast of Greece • At the Battle of Actium – Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra – Octavian captured Alexandria, Egypt – Antony and Cleopatra killed themselves to avoid being captured by Octavian

Octavian-a New Direction • Octavian became the supreme ruler of Rome • Civil war ended and so did the Roman Republic

Cicero • Cicero – Political leader – Supported the representative government – Died before Octavian rose to power – Influenced the writers of the United States Constitution

Octavian • Octavian became consul, tribune, and commander-in-chief for life • Took the title Augustus or “the majestic one” • Caesar Augustus became the first emperor, or all-powerful ruler