Ancient Roman civilization was characterized by government and dictated by emperors of the country. The Roman Empire is the most important empire of all of history. The 500 year old republic which preceded it was severely damaged in a sequence of battles and political matters, during which Julius Caesar was chosen as dictator and then murdered in 44 BC. Which came tension between Octavian and Antonius on who is going to rule the throne of Rome. Civil wars and executions continued, ending in the victory of Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and the takeover of Egypt. Octavian's power was now unstoppable and in 27 BC the Roman Senate formally granted him predominant power and the new …show more content…
title Augustus, effectively marking the end of the Roman Republic (“Roman Empire”). Rome was one of the most powerful civilizations in the era around 300 CE, because of the stronger government, engineering, and the army that Rome was most known for.
Civilization
Rome the most powerful civilization at one point in time in world history. The Roman Empire had much ownership around the Mediterranean Sea in Asia, Africa, and Europe. As such the Latin’s settled in the wider area of Rome around 1000 BC. Early settlements were not to be mistaken for anything like a city, rather more “country” plain region. They kept pigs, herded sheep, goats, cattle and lived in primitive, round huts. “So how could such archaic beginnings ever lead to a city of power which would rule the world? The rise of Rome was certainly not inevitable, but it had many advantages right from the start” (“The Roman Empire”). Rome lies only a few miles from the sea with many trade opportunities. What came with great land and trade routes came great powerful emperors. “Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus was awarded the honorific title of Augustus by a decree of the Senate. So began the Roman empire and the principal of the Julio-Claudians” (Lightfoot). Even though he did not rule for long, he gave Rome a since of hope and a whole dynasty of emperors. Between 58 and 50 BC, Caesar used his expertise in military strategy, as with the Roman army’s training and discipline to conquer
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the rest of Gaul, up to the river Rhine. Caesar scored some early victories and became dictator of Rome by 46 BC. After a year spent of battles he returned home by defeating his enemies, giving them all amnesties and even inviting some to join him in government (“Julius Caesar”). His wife could not have a male offspring so he needed an heir, so he choose his great nephew, Augustus. Even though the first to take the throne of Caesar was Marcus Antonius. Augustus had become Antonius rival to which he will be in control. Antony broke promises by not living up to Caesars will making the town angry at him. To humiliate Antony and get people’s attention and become a more popular figure, Octavius sold his own estates, borrowed money of his friends, and paid the legacies which Caesar had promised to the people. By this act Octavius expatriate Antony and his heir grew so rapidly in popular favor that his influence was sought both by Cicero, who represented the senate, and by Antony, who represented himself (Morey). Antony was in control of the East, and Octavius was parted to the West. Antony was to take control of the eastern areas, and to push the Roman overthrows into Parthia.
Octavius was to reserve the peace of Italy and the western provinces, and to destroy the fleet of Sextus Pompeius, which was interfering with Roman commerce. Octavius used force and craft to secure his position in the West. He first put down an insurrection incited by the partisans of Antony. The young conqueror won the affections of the people, and tried to show them that peace and prosperity could come only through his influence. While everything in the West was turning in favor of Octavius, all things in the East were also paying to his success as well. But this was not due so much to his own skill as to the feebleness and foolishness of Antony. Octavius tried giving his sister Octavia to Antony in marriage, But Antony became fascinated by Cleopatra, the “Serpent of the Nile”. He divided the Roman provinces with Cleopatra, who was called “the queen of kings.” The Roman people were in shock when he desired his disgraceful acts to be confirmed by the senate. They could not help contrasting this weak and infatuated slave of Cleopatra with their own Octavius, the strong and prudent governor of the West. While Octavius was
growing in popularity, Antony then grew more hatred and undesirable favors his way (Morey). As Augustus was undoubtedly one of the most talented, energetic and skillful administrators that the world has ever known, but was not a great military commander, so he relied on Agrippa to do his fighting for him. Agrippa was his only possible successor, Augustus wanted him to divorce his existing wife and marry the widowed Julia. Agrippa and Julia brought forth three sons and two daughters. Augustus adopted the sons Gaius and Lucius as his own, soon after in 12 BC Agrippa died (“The Roman Empire”). As both Gaius and Lucius died early in their lives, Augustus was left with only one choice of as his successor Tiberius, son of Livia. “On 26 June AD 4 he somewhat reluctantly adopted the equally reluctant 44 year old Tiberius, together with the 15 year old Agrippa Postumus” (“The Roman Empire”). Livia was Augustus current wife as Tiberius was the son of her previous marriage, Augustus had no other person to turn to but to him. Government Around 500 BCE, Romans made themselves independent and overthrew their kings. Creating a republic, by electing leaders, and forming a constitutional government. In about 405 BCE Romans adopted the Twelve Tablets which is a set of laws covering a variety of legal matters such as procedure, property, inheritance, constitution, crime, due process, and family laws all in it (208). By 287 BCE the Roman Republic was first set up as the people in charge were two men called consuls. Three of the government systems in ancient Rome were prefects, whose job was to run the city, tribunes, who were supposed to speak for the poorer people in the Senate, and Assembly of all the men who were grown up and had Roman citizenship (“Roman Government”). But the senate and council of commoners shared equal powers. When legionaries were formed the army became established and wars began. In 196 BCE Rome issued the Isthmus Declaration that said that the Greeks of Greece, Anatolia, and farther east were to be “free” of Antigonid over lordship and governed by their own laws. Greeks resented the agreement and rebelled, but were ruthlessly repressed by the Romans, eventually reducing Greece to provincial status. Rome expanded eastward and started becoming an empire. Continuing a republican government for another two centuries until around 27 BCE. Later on the Romans sacrificed for hundreds of gods and their polytheistic religious practices close to what Greeks and Persians did (209). “By about 50 BC, the time of Julius Caesar, these generals had begun to take over the government and not pay any attention to the consuls or the Senate anymore” (“Roman Government”). Then came the reign of Augustus he believed in no party, but as the ruler of everything in his control. He tried reconciling the conservative and the progressive men of his time. All the cherished forms of the republic he therefore preserved and he drilled his powers until they were understood which were not hateful to the senate or the people (Morey). In 31 BC, Augustus was one of the generals and became the next Ruler of the Roman Government. But instead of ignoring consuls and the senate. “He made the Senate vote to give him the powers of a tribune for the rest of his life” (“Roman Government”). Although he could veto anything the Senate tried without his permission and he kept control of most of the army as well to kill anyone who got in his way. Engineering Romans were really into engineering which led to incredible accomplishments that are still used throughout Western Europe. The most famous of engineering viewed today is the baths, theatres, and Hardrian’s wall. Engineering was used as a way of refining the routine of the Romans even on a day-to-day issues such as a frequent water supply. Aqueducts made public toilets, underground sewage systems, fountains and ornate public baths possible for the romans. The Romans did not invent the aqueduct, they used primitive canals for irrigation and water transport existed earlier in Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, and they used their mastery of civil engineering to perfect the process. Many ancient Roman structures are still standing for example the Pantheon, the Coliseum and the Roman Forum thanks to the development of Roman cement and concrete. Roads the Roman have built are still used today with a combination of dirt, gravel and bricks made from granite or hardened volcanic lava (Andrews). “Romans were the first to effectively harness their power in the construction of bridges, monuments and buildings” (Andrews). Roman engineers enhanced arches by flattening their shape to create what is known as a segmental arch and reiterating them at several intervals to build sturdier supports that could span large gaps when used in bridges and aqueducts. Along with columns, domes and arched ceilings, the arch became one of the defining characteristics of the Roman architectural style (Andrews). Romans were superior beings capable of taking on anything. Nothing could stop them from accomplishing what needed to be done. As civilization came together they had to protect what was there’s by forming an army. Army In the 300s BCE, Rome began to unify and organized its citizen’s army into heavily armed infantry called legionaries. Which formed the center of each legion, which consisted of landed citizens able to pay for their swords, javelins, helmets, shields, and scale armor. With legionaries, Rome unified Italy and in three wars (246 -164 BCE) conquered its strongest rival Carthage. Around 200 BCE, the second war Carthage still strong, Carthage established an alliance with the kingdom of Antigonid, Greece to defeat the Romans which Rome defeats the antigonids. In 196 BCE Greece issued the Isthmus Declaration that said that the Greeks of Greece, Anatolia, and farther east were to be “free” of Antigonid over lordship and governed by their own laws (209). The two rivals Octavius and Antony were split up and started a civil war for the throne of Rome. With the republic overthrown, it now continued to be seen who should be the master of the new empire, the triumvirs were growing to be spiteful of each other, but they contrived to smother their jealousy, and made a new division of the empire (Morey). Conclusion Rome was once a dictatorship empire with two of the most famous emperors in history. But after Augustus death the Roman Empire took a fall. The reason being for the fall is there was not great leadership like Julius and Augustus to have be such a superior being to replace them. What is physically left of Ancient Rome’s history is prodigious architecture, engineering techniques, and inspiring statues representing their art. The Roman Empire will never be forgotten, it was one of great empowering moments in history because of its stronger government, engineering, and the army that Rome was most known for. Even if it wasn’t the largest or longest lasting Empire, it influenced western culture in a way that no other did regarding its architecture and art during the period.
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” –Marcus Garvey. The U.S. is a combination of many cultures and influences over the centuries and because of this we are alike to many of them. We could name many of these influences: the Greeks, the Chinese Dynasties but the Romans were particularly like us. We might see them as barbaric is some ways but the reality is that the U.S. takes pages from many areas of the Romans, and comparisons could be drawn between both of us. Examples include government, our religions, and in some ways entertainment. The U.S. is much like the old Roman Empire was more than a millennium ago
In the beginning of the eighth century, B.C. Ancient Rome flourished from being a small town on the central Tiber River in Italy, to being an empire that engulfed most of Europe, Britain, Western Asia, Northern Arica and also the Mediterranean islands. Different languages were spreading among the people, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Romanian. Rome was a republic for 450 years then it became an empire in
Rome was kind of a democy it had it’s flaws but by its voting system it makes it a democy. In document C only 2% of Roman’s voted and these votes by the people even though it was few that makes it a democracy. In document C you had to be in Rome to vote which is far because they wouldn’t want an outsider to vote on things that were going on in Rome. In document B poor rich and the freed slaves could vote and for it’s time that is amazing that the poor and the freed slaves could vote. Rome definitely had it’s flaws but for it’s time it was a good democracy but in our fews we don’t think the Rome Republic was a good democy at all.
From about 50 BCE to the year 200 CE, the Roman Empire was a powerful nation. Rome was the city that became the center of the Roman Empire and by 200 BCE Rome became a powerhouse. The Romans conquered Scotland to Spain, controlled the Mediterranean Sea, and established colonies in North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Minor. By the year 44 BCE Julius Caesar became a Roman Emperor and Rome had a great military. Then around the 5th century CE the Roman Empire began to weaken. The primary reasons for the fall of Rome was because of the Roman Emperors, the Roman Army, and foreign invasion.
On 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated, and his will revealed that Caesar had adopted his great-nephew Octavius as his son, making him the heir to the thrown. This meant that Octavian’s name was to be changed to Gaius Julius Caesar. When Octavian returned to Rome, he found it being led by Mark Antony and Aemilius Lepidus. Octavian failed to convince Marc Antony to hand over Caesar’s assets and documents, however he was recruited into the senate and when Antony left Rome to take command in northern Italy, Octavian made war on Antony who was defeated and fled to Gaul. Now the senate had lost control over Octavian who marched on Rome and forced the senate to accept him as consul. Three months later, he completely cut off the senates’ power.
The Romans have had almost every type of government there is. They've had a kingdom, a republic, a dictatorship, and an empire. Their democracy would be the basis for most modern democracies. The people have always been involved with and loved their government, no matter what kind it was. They loved being involved in the government, and making decisions concerning everyone. In general, the Romans were very power-hungry. This might be explained by the myth that they are descended from Romulus, who's father was Mars, the god of war. Their government loving tendencies have caused many, many civil wars. After type of government, the change has been made with a civil war. There have also been many civil wars between rulers. But it all boils
Julius Caesar emerged. He was able commander who led many conquests for Rome. In 59 B.C. Caesar set out for a new conquest. After nine years of constant fighting, he finally conquered Gaul. Pompey grew jealous of his achievement and had the senate order him to disband his forces and return to Rome. Caesar secretly crossed the Rubicon and killed Pompey then entered Rome. After crushing many rebellions, Caesar forced the senate to make him a dictator. Caesar launched many reforms such as public work programs and giving land to the poor. According to legend those in the senate murdered Caesar on March 15. Caesar's Grandnephew, Octavian, and Marc Anthony joined forces to capture his killers. However bitter feuds grew it soon became a battle for power.
The Roman Empire was brought down by ball of fire. Rome was weak and catching from all the attacks and formed a ball from disease and famine. Balls of fire can be destroy cities they can also destroy empires. How was the Roman Empire brought down by a ball of fire. The Roman Empire fell because Military Problems, Economic and Civic decay and the most important reason was Political Instability.
The formation of the Roman Empire was begotten by way of the first Roman Emperor Augustus, whom formed the Roman Republic within the Italian Peninsula. Many wars were fought in efforts to expand itself along the vast Mediterranean. Territories acquired during this time are as follows:
The Roman Empire In 27 BC, Augustus became the first emperor of Rome, thus creating a strong leader figure, which could shape and mold the Republic system into what was best for the empire or themselves. During the reign of the emperors, the political policies for Rome would vary according to, which emperor was in power. Not only were politics shaky, but there never was a clear-cut method of succession for the man who controlled those politics. Rome had created the position of emperor in hopes that men like Augustus would continue to lead her into prosperity, however the office of emperor struggled in attempting to find great men to lead Rome. The office never truly evolved into something greater than when it had been created, but rather the office varied according to the personality of the man in the position.
As the story goes, Rome was founding in 753 B.C. by two brothers Remus and Romulus who were raised by wolves. The two brothers started fighting over the leadership of the land. Eventually Romulus killed Remus and took control own his own. The city was only a small settlement at that time. As the civilization grew, the Etruscans took over. The Romans drove out the Etruscans in 509 B.C. By this time Rome had become a city. As the empire came to its peak it included lands throughout the Mediterranean world. Rome had first expanded into other parts of Italy and neighboring places during the Roman Republic, but made wider conquests and made a strong political power for these lands. In 44 BC Gaius Julius Caesar, the Roman leader who ruled the Roman Republic as a dictator was assassinated. Rome descended into more than ten years of civil war. After years of civil war, Caesar's heir Gaius Octavius (also known as Octavian) defeated his last rivals. In 27 B.C. the Senate gave him the name Augustus, meaning the exalted or holy one. In this way Augustus established the monarchy that became known as the Roman Empire. The Roman Republic, which lasted nearly 500 years, did not exist anymore. The emperor Augustus reigned from 27 BC to AD 14 and ruled with great power. He had reestabl...
Every empire, dynasty, government, regime etc. has consisted of both good and bad leadership. This directly affects the society in which they oversee and/or control. The infamous Roman Empire experienced its share of triumphs and depression through its leader’s actions. Run as a monarchy, the kings of Rome had various ways of implementing their authority. Many of them chose to rule based on their interests and desires while others catered to the welfare of Rome’s booming population. Depending on the leader some received accolades and others faced a tragic ending due to their ignorance. Prior to the formation of the republic Rome the people endured both the spoils and hardships of war. The actions and/or qualities of the good and bad leaders of Rome had a direct correlation with its well being. Opinions vary but there were definitely standouts on both ends of the spectrum.
The Roman Empire was a political, economic, and military superpower throughout the ancient European world, governed by an Emperor based on an imperial structure. Formed in 27 BCE after Augustus Caesar's proclamation as the first emperor of Rome, it rapidly expanded before reaching its territorial peak in 117 CE, spanning all of western Europe and much of the Mediterranean Basin. To create and administer such a vast expanse of territory, the Roman Empire utilized various methods of hard and soft power. Though the use of hard power was vital in expanding the borders of the Roman Empire, it was the use of soft power that ultimately integrated conquered territories and people alike under Roman rule, thus creating a sense of unity between all its
The Roman Republic began in 509 B.C.E. with the overthrow of the Etruscan monarchy. In 27 B.C.E the Roman Empire began with Octavian Caesar becoming the emperor, this ended almost 500 years of republican self-government. There is much debate over why Rome became so powerful so quickly. Many think it had to do with Rome’s military strength. Others think that it was because Rome knew of and controlled most of the trade routes. Still others believed it had to do with the technology that was advanced during the Roman Republic. All of these factors played significant roles, but which one played the most important role?
The Roman Republic began approximately around 509 B.C. when the nobles drove the King and his family out of Rome. This monumental incident helped shape the start to the transformation of the monarchy into a republican governmental system. This is known to have begun by that of the Roman nobles trying to hold their power that they had gained. The Republic was “[a] city-state [which] was the foundation of Greek society in the Hellenic Age; in the Hellenistic Age, Greek cities became subordinate to kingdoms, larder political units ruled by autocratic monarchs” (Perry 105)