From Republic to Empire: Rome

Document Based Question

1. Thesis (1)- Needs to present an argument, something to prove. 2. Documents (1)- 7 out of 8 used, and interpreted. 3. Documents and Thesis (2)- 7 out of 8 show relevance to Thesis4. Groupings (1)- 3 groupings for Credit5. Point of View (1)- Two documents must include POV/Bias6. Outside Source (1)

Agenda

1. Bell Ringer: Is written law necessary? Explain2. Finish Hellenism3. The Roman Republic and Empire: A Brief Look4. Crash Course: Roman Republic5. Classic Civilization Map6. Document Based Question, question session.

7. HW: Scan Chapter 5, Small comparative essay on Rome and Han China or Persia next class.

A Republic• Decline begins through

greed and oppression.• Gracchi brothers work for

the poor, and the prosperous Senators kill them.

• Revolts plague Rome through 45 BCE– Spartacus and the slaves

revolt 71 BCE• Violence Replaces Respect

for law. – Armies trust Generals more

than government.

Caesar and the end of the Republic• Julius Caesar takes power,

marching on Rome and becoming dictator in 46 BCE.– He increases Senate to 900

members, and reduced their power.

• Conspiracy forms against his power– Assassinated 44 BCE

• Octavian takes over, and eliminates Antony and Cleopatra. Sole Emperor of the Roman Empire.

Roman Empire

• Octavian becomes Augustus.

• He leads empire into the Pax Romana, the Roman Peace.

• Why an empire?– Now authority to govern

provinces was given to the emperor.

– Emperor reigns supreme.

Pax Romana• Supported beneficial

domestic policies.• Treated ruling classes with

respect.• Capable Men chosen to

succeed the prior Emperor.• Imperial Officials controlled

the government. • Population rivaling Han

China by 2nd Century CE. (50 million)

Culture and Society

• Rome took ideas from Greece.– Columns, Rectangular

forms.

• Excelled in arches and domed structures. – Aqueducts, Colesseum

• Realistic Frescoes adorned walls of wealthy citizens.

Civil Law• Twelve Tables created

during the Republic. – Adapted into a code of

Civil Law.– Added law of nations to

deal with foreign conquests.

• Standards of Justice– Innocent until proven

guilty. – Allowed a defense

• Universal laws based on reason.

The Late Empire

• Crisis– Empire becomes too large– Military dictators take

over, most of which meet a violent death.

• Inflation causes monetary issues.– Couldn’t pay or enlist more

soldiers, end up hiring Germans to fight under Roman Commanders.

Division

• Diocletian• 284 A.D. – 305 A.D. • Empire too large for

one person. • Co-Emperor for

Western half.• Government controlled

everything. • Succession Rule.

Constantine and End of Empire