Chapter 6: The Roman Empire Section 2 Guided Reading

Gaul

Caesar appointed himself governor of Gaul (now France) and led successful campaigns to conquer Gaul, which boosted his popularity within Rome

Absolute Rule

Caesar governed as an absolute ruler (one who has total power)

Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius

Caesar's assassination was plotted by a number of important senators, led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius

Triumvirate

Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey joined forces and dominated Rome as a triumvirate (group of three rulers)

Values

Discipline, strength, loyalty; gravitas; strength > beauty; power > grace; usefulness > elegance

Entertainment

Government provided free games, races, mock battles, and gladiator contests in the Colosseum. Both rich and poor attended.

Social Structure

Lots of slaves, who were vital in the economy; large gap between rich and poor; few rich, many poor

Importance of Augustus and Pax Romana

Augustus stabilized the frontier, glorified Rome, established a strong government, and set up civil service. Pax Romana, meaning Roman Peace, was a period of peace and prosperity for Rome that lasted 207 years.

Religion

Polytheistic; worshipped powerful spirits / divine forces (numina); honored powerful gods and goddesses through various rituals

Form of Government

Republican; efficient government, able rulers; Augustus glorified Rome, stabilized the frontier, set up civil service by paying workers to manage the affairs of the government

Civil War

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus wanted to help Rome's poor, but this caused a civil war. Military leader Julius Caesar took control during this time.

Economy

Very large gap between rich and poor; thousands of slaves worked on huge estates owned by rich landowners; 1/3 of the Roman population was enslaved by 100 BCE