TA 6B

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire Brings Change

I. Expansion Creates ProblemsA. The unequal distribution of land1. Large estates called latifundia were owned by rich

landowners.

The Roman Empire Brings Change2. These farms were worked by slaves. (Cheap labor

that made up one third of Rome’s population.)

The Roman Empire Brings Change3. Small farmers and soldiers could not compete and

they lost their farms and became part of the urban poor.

The Roman Empire Brings Change4. Tensions are created between classes and this helps

cause the collapse of the Roman Republic.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeII. The Republic CollapsesA. The brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, try to

reform Rome in order to help the poor.B. Both of them die violently and a civil war follows.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeC. Roman generals now use the promise of land to the

urban poor in order to gain recruits that are loyal to them and not to Rome.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeD. Julius Caesar1. Two generals, Gaius Marius and Lucius Sulla fight a

civil war. Caesar emerges after the war as a virtual dictator.

The Roman Empire Brings Change2. Caesar leads a group of three rulers called the First

Triumvirate

The Roman Empire Brings Change3. After serving as consul for a year Caesar is

appointed Governor of Gaul (France) which he conquers.

4. Fear of his power is rising in Rome and he is ordered to disband his legions and return to Rome.

The Roman Empire Brings Change5. Caesar refuses and marches his legions to Rome

which causes another civil war.

The Roman Empire Brings Change6. He defeats his opponents and returns to Rome in 46

B.C.. He is appointed dictator for life in 44 B.C.. The Empire is formed.

The Roman Empire Brings Change7. He attempts to reform Rome but he is assassinated

in 44 B.C..

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeE. Civil War begins again1. A second triumvirate is formed2. Octavian, Caesar’s nephew, becomes sole ruler in 31

B.C..

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeIII. A Vast and Powerful Empire.A. Peace lasts for 207 years and it is called Pax

Romano.- The Roman Empire has 60-80 million people- One million live in Rome.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeB. The Empire is based upon agriculture and trade.1. 90% of people are farmers, and most food is locally

produced.

The Roman Empire Brings Change2. Trade is made easy with common currency the

denarius.3. Trade is also fostered by Roman roads. These made

travel, trade and communication easier.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeIV. Life in Imperial Rome.A. Rome was administered by a well trained civil

service which assured the grain supply, tax collection and the postal service.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeB. Political stability was assured by what were called

the 5 Good Emperors 96 – 180 A.D.. These were men who led Rome with the support of the Army and the people.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeC. The heart of Roman society was the family.1. Paterfamilias – father of the family – he ruled.

The Roman Empire Brings Change2. Women had nearly the same status as men- They could own property and testify in court.- They could not vote.- Women stayed at home, were not formally educated

but privately.

The Roman Empire Brings ChangeD. Slavery was an integral part of Roman life and they

made up one third of the population.1. Slaves were war captives.2. Children of slaves were also slaves.

The Roman Empire Brings Change3. Roman law stated that slaves were property.4. Strong healthy males were often made to become

gladiators and fight in the arena.5. Slave revolts occurred – Spartacus was the most

successful.

HW: TA 6 C• Read pages: 168 - 172• Copy and Define Terms (8)

page: 172• Copy and Answer Questions 13

& 14 page: 184• Copy Chart on Page 164