THE ROMAN EMPIRE

30 BCE - 15 CE

Rule of Augustus

46- 44 BCE

Rule of Gaius Julius Caesar as dictator

451 BCE

Twelve Tables written (First set of laws)

First Century BCE

Civil war in Rome (Bold letters indicates winner) Sulla vs. Gaius Marius (Sulla victorious) Julius Caesar vs. Pompey (Caesar victorious) Octavius and Mark Antony vs. (Liberators) Caesar's assassin's Octavius vs. Mark Antony and Cleaopatra

313 CE

Emperor Constantine legalized Christianity.

509 BCE

Establishment of the Roman republic

753 BCE

Founding of Rome

GERMANIC "BARBARIANS" (OSTROGOTHS, VISIGOTHS, VANDALS, ETC.)

Huns placed pressure on Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, Franks, and other Germanic peoples that they streamed in mass into the Roman Empire in search of refuge. They established settlements throughout the western half of the empire- Italy, Gaul, Spain, Britain, and North Africa. Vandals and then Visigoths Governed Spain, Franks rules Gaul, Angles and Saxons invaded Britain, and Italy fell under the sway of a variety of peoples, including Visigoths, Vandals, and Lombards. Visigoth- (most notable) come from Scandinavia and Russia. They settled, adopted agriculture, and drew deep inspiration from Roman society, like adapting the Roman law and Christianity. They contributed a large number of soldiers to the Roman armies. Relationship changed with the Romans dramatically when nomadic Huns began an aggressive westward migration from their homeland in central Asia. Under command of Alaric they stormed and sacked Rome in 410 C.E. In 476 C.E. Germanic general Odovacer deposed Romulus Augustulus, the last of the Roman emperors in the western half of the empire.

30 BCE- 180 CE

Pax Romana (Peace and Prosperity throughout the empire).

265- 165 BCE

Punic Wars (Rome and Carthage at war) Rome became the dominant power in the Mediterranean.

44 BCE

Assassination of Julius Caesar

476 CE

The Fall of Rome

CARTHAGE

WHAT- Carthage is a city in Tunisia. Carthage is a key importance to Roman history. WHEN- Founded in the late 9th century WHERE- Rome. It was a Roman Empire SIGNIFICANCE- Carthage grew to be the most powerful city in the Mediterranean before the rise of Rome

EDICT OF MILAN

WHAT- Constantine and Licinius met in Milan and agreed on a proclamation that allowed Christians to practice their faith openly in the Roman Empire. WHEN- During Constantine's reign, 313 C.E. WHERE- Roman Empire SIGNIFICIANCE- Fully legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire, for the first time. Also because of the tolerance of Christianity, Christianity started to spread.

IMPERIUM

WHAT- Refers to the sovereignty of the state and the individual in Ancient Rome. WHEN- First century BCE and CE WHERE- Rome SIGNIFICANCE- Refers to the sovereignty of the state and the individual in Ancient Rome. Once Augustus claimed power, he recreated Imperial Rule in the old Republic form by reuniting the Roman people and involving the State. Imperium could be used as a term indicating a characteristic of people, the wealth held in items, or the measure of formal power they had

PAX ROMANA

WHAT- Was the long period of relative peace and minimal expansion by the Roman military force experienced by the Roman Empire after the end of the Final War of the Roman Republic and before the beginning of the Crisis of the Third Century. WHEN- 27BC-180AD WHERE- Roman Empire SIGNIFICANCE- Established peace among the Roman Republic. The Roman road network—Allowed for centralized government. For movement of soldiers, administrators, traders, missionaries, and so forth. "All roads lead to Rome." Roman Law—under the conditions of peace and prosperity, Roman jurists constructed an elaborate system and this was a rational legal system, based on settled principles and justice. Economy and Society under the Pax Romana—27 BCE—180 AD Growth of new cities at sites of Roman military camps—London, Paris, Lyon, Cologne, Toledo—as woodland society of northern society was brought into contact with old urbanized world of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Regional economic specialization- made possible by extensive Imperial commercialization of agriculture. Cheap gain from Spain, Gaul, and Anatolia, circulated around empire, keeping prices down and allowing other regions to specialize in other commodities---Greece—wine, grapes, olives, Italy—pottery, glass, bronze and metal ware Sea Trade- entire Mediterranean linked by was allowing for Vigorous exchange of goods and communication of peoples cultures and ideas. Urbanization—old cities like Alexandria grow, but especially Rome, which was rebuilt on a very large scale, becoming the most Populous city in the western world. Palaces, treasuries, temples, public buildings Cities become centers not only of specialized artisanal production But of mass consumption, including of culture.

LATIFUNDIA

WHAT- a large landed estate in Rome. Mostly worked by slaves. Unequal distribution of wealth and land WHEN- Ancient Rome WHERE- Rome, but more recently Spain or Latin America SIGNIFICANCE- upper-class romans that owned enough Latifundium grew a lot of crops putting peasants at a disadvantage. Eventually, helped to undermine Republican institutions and brings about authoritarian rule of the Caesars.

SULLA

WHO- A veteran Roman general and statesman, held the office counsel twice. Dictator of the Roman Republic WHAT- Sided with the conservative aristocratic classes. As well as reviving the dictatorship in the republic. Marched his army into Rome and Defeated Marius in battle WHEN- 138 BC - 78 BC WHERE- Roman Republic WHY- Wanted to be in power of the republic and knew the only way that would be possible through warfare SIGNIFICANCE- Notable Dictator of his republic. Also was awarded a grass crown, the most prestigious and rarest Roman military honor, during the Social War.

GIBBONS DECLINE AND FALL

WHO- Book written by Edward Gibbon WHAT- traces the trajectory of Western civilization (as well as the Islamic and Mongolian conquests) from the height of the Roman Empire to the fall of Byzantium When: WHEN- First published in 1776. SIGNIFICANCE- known for the quality and irony of its prose, its use of primary sources, and its open criticism of organized religion

OCTAVIAN/AUGUSTUS

WHO- Caesar's nephew WHAT- After Caesar's death, Octavian, triumphed over his two main political rivals, Lepidus and Marc Anthony, and assumed sole power in the Roman state. WHEN-27 BCE-14 CE WHERE- Rome SIGNIFICANCE-Octavian took power and become known as Augustus. He wanted to end civil war and set the Roman state on new foundations that provided stability up until the early 200s. He gradually assumed all offices and powers to himself, taking responsibilities of the offices of Tribune, Chief Priest, Consul, Censor, etc. He reconnected the Roman army to the state and reinstated the idea of Republic Rule in Rome. He ruled until 14 CE and many of his successors carried on many of his ideas.

PUNIC WARS

WHO- Carthage and Rome WHAT- Rome clashed with Carthage in three devastating conflicts caused by friction from economic competition, particularly over Sicily, the most important source of grain, in the western Mediterranean. They later struggled for supremacy over the region. WHEN- 264-164 BCE SIGNIFICANCE- The wars ended when Rome conquered Carthage and became the dominant power broker of the western Mediterranean region.

CONSTANTINOPLE

WHO- Classical Roman empire. Under provision of Constantine (324-337), capitol was moved to Constantinople in the Byzantine period . WHAT- capitol of the Byzantium Roman empire in the late Roman empire, as it was declining (c. 330) WHEN- Byzantium empire in late Roman empire (c. 330-1204) WHERE- Eastern half of the declining Roman empire. Constantinople was named the capitol by Constantine around 330. SIGNIFICIANCE- The city was instrumental in the advancement of Christianity during this time. Largest and richest urban center in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea during the late Eastern Roman empire. It was also later named the capitol of the Ottoman Empire until 1924

TRIBUNES

WHO- Elected officials WHAT- Represented the interest of the plebeians WHEN- 5th Century BCE SIGNIFICANCE The elected officials the plebeians chose to represent them. They had the power to intervene on all political decisions and they possessed the right to veto measures that they judged as unfair. The Tribunes would be the voice of the plebeians who eventually would dominate the assemble and be instrumental in the creation of Roman law

CONSULS (ROME)

WHO- Highest political office in the Roman Republic WHAT- Each year, two consuls were elected together, to serve for a one-year term WHEN- In 509 BCE the consul was believed to be established but the succession of consuls was not continuous in the 5th century BCE. But by 300 BCE the Consul was fully functional WHERE- The Republic of Rome SIGNIFICANCE- The basis and lead position in the Roman Republic which was a new idea for government. It was a change from the traditional monarchy of King and Emperors and gave people more choice in political decisions

PRINCEPS

WHO- Means First one, or leader. the unofficial title used by the Roman emperors from Augustus (reigned 27 bc-ad 14) to Diocletian (reigned ad 284-305) WHAT- the first member by precedence of the Roman Senate. WHEN- 27BC-305 WHERE- Ruled in Rome SIGNIFICANCE- Princeps were basically in charge of everyone and were the one with the most power.

ROMAN SLAVERY

WHO- Slaves From Foreign Lands Conquered By The Romans WHAT- Made Up 1/3 Of Population Of The Roman Empire WHEN- During The Second Century (73 B.C.E. Slave Revolt) WHERE- Worked In The Country Side, Mines, And Domestic (Urban Slaves) In Italy SIGNIFICIANCE- Early Form Of Human Trafficking, Harsh Treatment Of The Slaves Leading To Three Slave Revolts (Servile Wars).

SENATE ROME

WHO- The Roman Republic WHAT- It was a position in the Roman Republic that elected the consuls WHEN- Its origins date back to the founding go the Roman Republic in 509 BCE WHERE- the Republic of Rome SIGNIFICANCE- controlled money, administration, and the details of foreign policy, it had the most control over day-to-day life

JULIUS CAESAR

WHO- Was a Roman emperor WHAT- His conquest of Gaul became a political crisis and as his popularity with the mob grew, he became bigger than the state. In 49, he brought his army from Gaul into Rome and centralized army and politics under him. He confiscated property to give to his army, extended Roman citizenship, and built largescale buildings to help the poor. The elite, political leaders considered him a tyrant and he was murdered on March 15, 44 BC. Would be the first in the line of Ceasars (ruler). WHEN- 50'S-44 BCE. WHERE-ROME SIGNIFICANCE- Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE brought not peace and a restoration of the Republic (for this could not be restored) but a fresh round of civil war, that lasted until 27 BCE, when Caesar's adopted nephew, Octavian, triumphed over his two main political rivals, Lepidus and Marc Anthony, and assumed sole power in the Roman state.

THE GRACCHI BROTHERS

WHO- Were Romans that both served as tribunes in the late 2nd century BC. WHAT- Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were a pair of tribunes of the plebs from the 2nd Century BC, who sought to introduce land reform and other populist legislation in ancient Rome. WHERE- Rome 2nd century BC WHEN- 2nd century BC SIGNIFICANCE- They were very important to Roman history. They were both members of the Populares, a group of politicians who appealed to the average citizens and that opposed the conservative Optimates in the Roman Senate. They have been deemed the founding fathers of both socialism and populism.

MARIUS

WHO- a prominent Roman general and statesmen, counsel of the roman republic WHAT- sided with the social reformers who advocated land redistribution, reformed the Roman armies by recruitment of landless citizens, eliminating the manipular military formations, and reorganizing the structure of the legions into separate cohorts. WHEN- 157 BC - January 13, 86 BC WHERE- Roman Republic WHY- Wanted to keep the roman republic strong and remain one of the most powerful republics in the world. SIGNIFICANCE- career were significant in Rome's transformation from Republic to Empire.

ROMAN LAW

WHO- law binding citizens of Rome and those peoples with dealings with Romans. WHAT- Roman law- legal system of ancient Rome that is also the basis of many legal systems present in our world today, particularly in Western Europe. This law system was denoted as the legal system for most of Western Europe until the end of the 18th century. Civil law- laws that applied to Roman citizens Laws of peoples- laws that applied to foreigners and their dealings with Roman citizens Natural law- philosophy that certain rights or values are inherent by virtue of human nature. WHEN- evolved under the Pax Romana (c. 27 BCE- 200 CE) WHERE- Rome, and set foundation for many legal systems used today, particularly in Western Europe. SIGNIFICIANCE- served as a basis for legal practice in Western continental Europe until the end of the 18th century. English and North American common law were influenced by Roman law.

PLEBIANS

WHO- the working class, Roman citizens WHAT- the plebeians were the Roman's equivalent of the working class, and in order to maintain peace between the classes and the patricians granted the plebeians the right to elect officials, known as tribunes, who represented their interests in the Roman government. WHEN-5th Century BCE SIGNIFICANCE- In 449 BCE patricians made a further concession to plebeians by promulgating Rome's first set of laws known as the Twelve Tables. The Plebeians became eligible to hold almost all state offices and gained the right to have one of the consuls come from their ranks. Eventually the assemblies were plebeian-dominated and had power to make decisions binding on all of Rome

POPULARES

WHO- were leaders in the late Roman Republic. Notable people include: Gaius Marius, Julius Cesar. Tiberius Gracchus was the first and Mark Antony was the last. WHAT- Ideology consisted of populism, democracy and Plebes interests. relied on the people's assemblies and tribunate to acquire political power WHEN- Founded 509 BC and Ended in 27 WHERE- Roman Senate in Rome WHY- Most all had conservative and republican values SIGNIFICANCE- reigned for many years and can be credited with using the assemblies of the people rather than the aristocratic senate to further their agendas.

DICTATOR

WHO/WHAT- A leader selected by the Roman Senate during times of civil or military crises for a period of six months. WHEN/WHERE- Era of the Roman Republic: 509 - 27 BC, particularly appointed during the Conflict of the Orders from 494 - 287 BC, when the plebeians fought for equality with the Patricians. SIGNIFICANCE- By having strong leadership in place during troublesome times, the republican governing bodies could maintain a relatively stable society throughout most of the republic's history. *Interestingly, Julius Caesar appointed himself "dictator for life" which the Senate was none too pleased about

PATRICIANS

WHO/WHAT- Ruling class families in ancient Rome. Typically wealthy, determined by birth into a patrician family. WHEN/WHERE- Era of the Roman Republic: 509 - 27 BC, particularly significant during the period of the early Republic.500 - 370 BC is referred to as the Patrician era. SIGNIFICANCE- Held a majority in the Senate when they acted in one accord, so they dominated Roman politics for centuries. During the Conflict of the Orders from 494 - 287 BC, plebeians fought for equality with the Patricians

REPUBLICAN GOVERNMENT

WHO/WHAT/WHERE- A democratic system of government used by ancient Rome. In a Republican government, the power resides with the people with a large base of people who are both knowledgeable about and involved in politics. Although it is a Democratic form of government, it differs from a direct Democracy, in which all people are free to vote on anything, whereas in a Republican democracy, the people elect representatives to speak and vote on their behalves. WHEN- Era of the Roman Republic: 509 - 27 BC SIGNIFICANCE- This is the first use of this system of government on such a grand scale and the first of its kind in the Western world.

CONSTANTINE

WHO: Reigned after Dyecletian and created Constantinople (current Istanbul) WHEN- 306-337 CE WHERE- Western Roman Empire SIGNIFICIANCE- Legalized Christianity the Roman Empire and created the Edict of Milan