What titles did the Senate "give" Octavian following his defeat of Antony and Cleopatra and his assumption of sole control of all Roman legions? What title did Octavian avoid? Why? And yet what was his true level of power?
exalted one, principus (first citizen), king. romans hated it. absolute, like a king
What Roman era ended with the rise of Augustus Caesar (Octavian)? What new era began? What were the years of Augustus' rule? Review the chart of Roman emperors.
old republic. roman empire. 27 BC - AD 14
What policies and reforms did Augustus implement to help Rome recover from the decades of civil war? Why did he leave the Senate intact?
firm, moderate policies. to create a civil service to enforce the laws
What did Augustus create to execute policy and enforce Roman law? How was this bureaucracy different? How did Augustus cement Rome's ties to the other Roman cities and Provinces?
civil service. high-level jobs open up to men, regardless of class. by allowing a large amount of self-government
What were some of the text cited economic reforms made by Augustus? How often was Augustus' new census taken?
ordered census to make tax system fairer. postal service, new coins for easier trade. jobless built roads, temples, and farmed. every 5 years
For how long did the system established by Augustus "function well?" What is the term for this period? Even during this time period, what problem would continue to haunt the Roman government? With what consequence?
200 years. pax romana. idea of passing power to son. death of emperor led to intrigue and violence
Identify and describe Nero and Caligula. Make sure you give examples of the "quality" of their leadership. How did Rome survive such incompetence and insanity? Why did Nero persecute Christians?
early emperors considered evil and perhaps insane. caligula appointed favorite horse as consul. nero persecuted christians and was blamed for the great fire that destroyed rome. he was blamed for the fire, so to cover it up he blamed them
Identify and describe the "Good Emperors." What are the cited achievements of Hadrian?
hadrian codified roman law, made it same for all provinces. had soldiers build wall across Britain to hold back attackers. rulers from AD 96-180
Compare the Structure of Government for the Roman Republic versus Empire. Which structure was better for plebeians?
roman republic run by two positions at each level instead of one at each. republic.
How was Emperor Marcus Aurelius like the philosopher king, Plato envisioned for his ideal society?
meditations show commitment to duty: "hour by hour resolve firmly.. to do what comes to hand with correct and natural dignity
Identify and describe the Pax Romana. What is the literal meaning of this term? What was the comparative size of Rome during this period? Who enforced the Pax Romana? What are the cited examples of the extent of Roman prosperity during this period?
200-year span began with Augustus ended with Marcus Aurelius. "Roman Peace". equal in size to continental united states. roman legions and fleets. trade flowed freely from distant lands. Egyptian farmers supplied romans with grain
In addition to trade goods, what else was spread throughout the Empire? What culture had a particularly significant impact on the Empire?
ideas and knowledge from people. hellenistic east
Identify and describe the Circus Maximus. What is meant by the term "Bread and Circuses" and how does this apply to the Empire? What is the underlying problem from which "Bread and Circuses" were meant to distract attention?
romes largest race course. entertainment and giving grain to the poor. distracted city's restless mobs. underlying social and economic problems
After ruling the Mediterranean world for hundreds of years, what threats did the Roman Empire face? Review the chart, The Roman Empire Declines. When did the decline of Rome begin? Explain.
political and economic problems, as well as foreign invasions. late republic. decay had set in but some emperors tried to halt the decline
What was the "new" pattern of Roman politics, following the Pax Romana? For example, how many emperors ruled in one 50 year period? What is the term for this period?
ambitious generals seized power with support of legions. ruled for a few months or years, then overthrown/assassinated by a rival, then made himself emperor. at least 200
What disturbing economic and social trends shook the Empire after the Pax Romana? How did many small farmers respond to the loss of productivity due to over cultivation?
high taxes to support army and bureaucracy placed heavy burdens on business people and small farmers. left land and sought protection from wealthy land owners. worked for landowners and formed small plots for themselves
What political action was taken by Diocletian in A.D. 284, in response to the growing Roman turmoil? What steps did Diocletian take to address Rome's economic problems? How effective were these actions?
divided empire into two parts. fixed prices of goods and services. laws forcing farmers to remain on land. sons were required to follow fathers occupations in the cities. ensured study production of food and other goods
When did Constantine assume the Roman throne? How did he affect the status of Christians? Where did he locate the new Roman capital? Why? What did he call this "New Rome?
AD 312. granted toleration to Christians. Byzantium. made already wealthier/more populated eastern half of empire center of power. constantinople
How does your text evaluate the reform efforts of Diocletian and Constantine? Ask me if I agree.
revived economy and by increasing power of government helped hold empire together for another century. failed to stop long-term decline. internal problems, along with attacks from outside brought empire down