Transcript Rome #4

Pax Romana, “Roman Peace”
-207 years of peace and prosperity for
Rome (27 BC - 180 AD)
A Time of Progress
1.
2.
Roman borders measure 10,000
miles/enclosed area of 3 million square
miles.
The population of the Roman Empire=
between 70-90 million people.
Population of Rome= 1 million people.
Augustus Caesar (Octavian)
1.
2.
3.
His rule started the Roman
Empire.
Augustus would die at the
age of 76 in 14 AD. His
adopted son Tiberius was
hailed successor.
His speeches convinced
people that he would
restore Rome.
Augustus Caesar (Octavian)
4.
His policies as a ruler:
Encouraged trade:
common coinage (denarius);
eliminated taxes on all trade
goods; built aqueducts.
Glorified Rome with
construction: used concrete to
do so.
Augustus Caesar (Octavian)
Created long-lasting system of government:
center of imperial gov’t= senators were allowed to
keep titles and money making positions in
provinces but left the “real” duties of the running
the empire to plebeians and slaves; set up civil
service (salaried, experienced workers)
Building and Civil Service
Public Building
Program
Created a new
material
(concrete) for
building that
was much
cheaper than
marble.
Decorated
outside with
marble.
Civil Service
Made
government jobs
mostly for
plebeians and
slaves. Created a
work force with
people who were
salaried and
experienced in
their jobs.
Succession Problem
1.
The transfer of authority; every time an
emperor died there was a potential crisis.
2.
Sometimes the successor was selected by
the senate, dying emperor, provincial army
or Praetorian Guard.
The Julian Emperors
1.
2.
3.
Tiberius (14-37) improved
the government, later years
marked by trials and
executions.
Caligula (37-41)was
assassinated after
short rule.
Claudius (41-54) was an able
leader who added Britannia
to the empire.
The Julian Emperors
4.
Nero (54-68) abused his power and had many of
his political enemies murdered. Rebuilt Rome
after the great fire in 64 AD.
5.
Army Emperors: Galba,
Otho, Vitellus all
chosen by their armies
(succession crisis)
The Five Good Emperors (Adopted)
1.
2.
3.
Nerva (96-98) was appointed
emperor by senate.
Trajan (98-117) saw the
empire reach its greatest height
by defeating the barbarians of
central Europe.
Hadrian (117138) created
stronger military
defenses.
The Five Good Emperors (Adopted)
4.
5.
Antoninus Pius (138-161) expanded programs
for education, army declined.
Under Marcus Aurelius (161-180) the
empire was invaded for the 1st time, but
defeated these barbarian tribes from the
north.
The end of the Pax Romana was
marked by his death.