Transcript Pax Romana
Pax Romana Madnick/Global History 9 The Basics Pax Romana • Latin for “Roman Peace” • 27 BCE-180 CE • 200 years of peace and great achievement in the Roman Empire • the Golden Age of Rome The Background Julius Caesar • 59-51 BCE conquered Gaul (France) • Became a famous military hero in Rome • 49 BCE “Crossed the Rubicon” – crossed the Rubicon River with his army & entered the city of Rome --fought for 5 years against the rest of the Roman army civil war -war between people in the same country The Background Julius Caesar 49 BCE made himself dictator of Rome dictator- a single ruler with absolute power By doing this... Caesar created the Roman Empire Empire- a collection of regions and people led by a ruler with absolute power March 15, 44 BCE— Killed on the Senate floor by 2 unhappy senators, Brutus & Cassius The Background Caesar’s nephew took over Augustus Caesar Won a famous battle--Battle of Actium,31 BCE -defeated his sworn enemy, Marc Antony -added Egypt to the Roman Empire -became very popular in Rome The Senate made him dictator for 10 years -Augustus stayed in power for over 40 yrs. -every leader after Augustus was called an Emperor Under Augustus, Rome went from Republic to Empire Pax Romana The Pax Romana started under Augustus (27 BCE-180 CE) Augustus…. • brought Roman justice and laws to all provinces • built a huge army to protect Roman borders from invasion • united Roman people under one leader • Romans could concentrate on art, architecture, technology, literature, etc “Augustus found Rome built of brick, and left it built of marble.” Technology Transportation system connected all parts of the empire Roman roads & aqueducts --bridge-like structures that carry water by using gravity allowed people, armies, and trade caravans to travel quickly through empire Architecture • Rome borrowed Greek columns and building designs • Added arches and domes to post and beam architecture Art Rome borrowed Greek ideas of beauty and realism Took realism further by making people look really real, not just perfect and beautiful Cultural Diffusion during the Pax Romana Roman culture spread through the Empire • Roman laws & justice for all • Latin language blended with local languages to form: Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese • Gladiator sports/coliseums everywhere • Religion: Roman polytheism; eventfully Christianity