Julius Caesar

Crossing the Rubicon

The Rubicon was a stream that, once Caesar and his army crossed it, they would exit the Roman provinces and enter Roman Italy in violation of orders form the Roman Government (Senate). He knew that doing this would declare him an enemy of the Roman state, and start a civil war. The phrase is used to describe any situation in which someone makes an irreversible decision. Caesar ignores the Senate's order and commands his army into Italy to confront this patrician opposition. This started a civil War within Roman Republic.

Augustus

The Senate appoints Octavian as consul, tribune, and commander in chief for life. They also give him the title "Augustus"=majestic one

Romulus Augustus

The last Roman emperor (Romulus Augustus) gives up the throne.

Vicar

living substitute of jesus, what Catholicism believed is the Pope

Antoninus Pius

maintained empire's prosperity he acquired the name "Pius" because he saves Senators who were sentenced to death by Hadrian (in his later years)

"Qualis artifex pereo" ("what a loss I shall be to the arts")

or "What an artist died in me!" Nero's last words

Unsuccessful reforms

2 emperors tried to stop the decline of the Roman Empire

Catholicism vs. Protestantism

2,3 billion followers, making it he world's largest religion, most common in Europe, Americas and Australia. Most Christians belong to one of three major groups: Roman catholic (50% of christians), Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox. Protestants believe in the Sola Scriptura. Catholics believe the pope, is a vicar (living substitute) for Jesus, and acts as the visit;e head of the Church, whereas protestants believe no man is infallible and only Jesus is head of the Church.

The Julio-Caludians (4 rulers with great faults)

Agustus died, and the next 4 rulers were known as... all showed promise, but each had great faults.

Marc Anthony, Lepidus

Antony marries Octavian's sister, but shortly after deserts her for beautiful Cleopatra (Queen of Egypt). Octavian forces Lepidus to retire, and convinces the Senate that Antony intends to conquer all of Rome with Cleopatra. With legions of Octavian troops headed their way, Cleopatra and then Antony both commit suicide so as to evade capture.

Cleopatra

As Ceasar marched his army into Rome, Pmpey flees to Greece. Within a few years, Caesar would defeat Pmpey in Greece and also seize all control over Spain and parts of Egypt. This was when Caesar allowed Cleopatra (descendant of the Ptolemy family) to rule Egypt as a Roman ally.

The First Triumvirate

Due to a Senate threatened by his popularity, Caesar unofficially allies with two other generals: Pompey and Crassus

Christianity becomes official Roman religion

Due to effective missionary work and gov. support the religion increased in size and influence throughout the Roman Empire.

Inflation

Emperors fearing internal revolt, cut international regions into smaller provinces (each have less power), thereby creating more local governments (more people and more money needed to run each location). Tome minted more coins but gov ran low on solver and debased it so merchants want to get the same value were forces to raise prices even higher. Inflation got so bad that people bartered.

The Good Emperors

Emperors who had the backing of the army ruled for 28 years. Then the Senate began to select emperors. Over the next 100 years, the Roman Empire was governed by a series of 5 emperors who were known for their skills as effective administrators.

Caesar's ascent to power

Despite every effort of the Senate to prevent it, Caesar is elected as consul. To gain more power, Caesar leaves Rome to command the Roman army in Gaul (France).

Tiberius

the adopted son of Agustus, was an adequate ruler, but his fault was that he accused many innocent people of treason against him

Pax Romana

the period after Augustus reign until the death of Marcus Arelius is known as Pax Romana (Roman Peace). During this period, the empire prospered through farming and trade, and it was strong enough to defend its borders.

Diocletion

to hold back Germanic invaders from the north he a. increased the size of the Roman army and b. set up separate administrative units to supervise the eastern and western parts of the empire. Set up edict of Prices... To combat food shortages he also required all workers to remain at their same jobs throughout their whole lives..

Heavier Taxation

to sustain armies, Rome had to keep raising wages of soldiers, so landowners were taxed even more. High taxes made farming unprofitable, many abandoned their lands causing an even greater food shortage.

Byzantium: Byzantine Empire

It would last about 1000 years longer than its western counter part. Aspects of the Roman culture were gradually diminished, by the Greek replaced Latin as the language of the Byzantine Empire.

Nerva

-first Roman emperor appointed by the Senate -became emperor at 65; attempted to restore liberties to Roman citizens but had little control over Roman army and struggled to implement reforms.

Augustus' improvements

-tax collectors replaces with permanent, honest government officials -grain was imported from North Africa to ensure all of Rome was fed -new roads were built throughout the empire -Spectacular public buildings were built throughout the empire

Political instability

28 different emperors: Roman armies fought each other, less able to defend nation's borders against growing Germanic tribes that successfully attacked the empire. Emporeres often assassinated by Rome's own soldiers, soldiers had no loyalty to Rome Empure, but to generals and/or political factions that would pay them higher wages.

Economic decline

3 part: -constant internal and external warfare--> disrupted trade and destroyed farmland causing diminished food supplies ($ of food shot up) -inflation due to increased government expenses, defined as "a rise in price that corresponds to a decrease in the value of money."

Trajan

A popular general who conquered new areas that brought the Roman Empire to its largest size. He freed people who had been unjustly imprisoned, returned property that had been unjustly seized. The Roman Senate bestowed upon him the honor of "optimus" (means "best")

Augustus' failing

Although he appointed his own successor, he did not develop a formal policy of succession. Thus it was left to each emperor to name his own successor.

Roman discrimination against Jews

Augustus turned the kingdom of Judah into the Roman province of Judea. As monotheists Jews could not honor the Roman gods, Romans began to treat Jews cruelly. Jews prayed for messiah.

Marcus Brutus

Caesar returned from military campaigns and was named dictator for life by a fearful senate. Marcus Brutus, considered like a son to Caesar, began to resent Caesar's king like behavior. Many of the Senate envied Caesar's great power and with Brutus formed a plot to kill Caesar. Caesar suspects possible conspiracy and attempts to send Brutus to govern Macedonia.

Octavian

Caesar's 18 year old grand-nephew, in his will, Caesar adopted Octavian as a son and made him his legal heir. A brilliant, calculating politician, Octavian utilized the loyalty of Ceasa's army to force reluctant senate to name him Consul.

Claudius

Caligula's uncle: -an ambitious builder, constructing many new roads, aqueducts, and canals across the Empire -became quite elderly and developed trouble focusing -he was poisoned by his wife (Agrippina) possibly with tainted mushrooms

Constantine's reforms

Came to power after Diocletian retired- allowing landowners to chain their workers to keep them on the farms, making jobs hereditary so sons had to follow in their father's occupations- set up a new capital in the Eastern Roman Empire. Greek town of Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinope located on a stip of land connecting Greece w/ Asia Minor. Orman renamed capital of western Empire. ( A reform in the sense that this capital was ideal for trade/ well- protected by natural barriers)

Huns

Chief= Atilla, the huns were nomadic barbarians from central Asia that raided the declining Roman Empire. Huns used knives to deeply slash the cheeks of infants so as to introduce them to pain early on. Unlike Visigoths, they massacred without limits. They were the most feared and reviled of all invaders. It took a combined effort by the Romans and Visihoths to stop the Huns invasion. The Huns raided large Italian cities until they were mostly wiped out by a plauge... Attila died

Nero

Claudius's adopted son; very cruel unpredicted ruler. Like Tiberius, he suspected many of plotting against him. He married his stepsister when he turned 16, he even suspected and killed his own mother and wife for these reasons. He spent public funds on his own hobbies (music/horse racing). legend: Nero played the fiddle and sang at the time of a great fire (which likely started in order to claim land he desired) in Rome that destroyed 3 of Rome's 14 main districts. He was arrested for treason, but committed suicide b4 his trial. His final quote was...

Agrippina

Claudius's wife, that killed/poisoned him with tainted mushrooms on purpose.

Julius Caesar

Considered a historical figure that helps transform Rome from a Republic into an Empire. Ceaser is a Roman general and statesmen; a nephew of Marius, and a political rival of Sulla's. After Sulla's death, Caesar engaged in political maneuvers and speeches that made him popular with the people.

Ostrogoth

Germanic Ostrogoth barbarians sacked Rome.Leader Odoacer names himself of Italy. The Roman empire "fell." The Ostrogoth invasion however, was not the sole trigger. Rome's unthinkable defeat and their inability to effectually defend itself at this time in history traces its origins back to the political and economical mistakes that were discussed throughout this unit.

Barbarian Invasion into the Roman empire

Germanic tribes including Visigoths, Franks, Angles, Saxons, and the Huns, front eh North invaded the Roman Empire for four main reasons: warmer climate, better grazing land, fleeing the Huns,

Edict of Prices

He issued this law ____; froze wages and set maximum prices for goods. The punishment for violating the law was death. Law fails anyway, people traded illegally.

Rise of Christianity, Spread of Christianity

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, traveled through Judea, and preached messages that included: -G-d cares more for people than for laws and rituals -practice deeds of kindness -everyone should be forgiving towards other no matter what evil was done/commited As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem some people claimed and holed him the son of G-d, and thus thought he was the coming of messiah. Orthodox Jews denounced this message, informing the community that he was not messiah, that instead he was a revolutionary. Romans feared Jesus was developing such a large following, that he would want to lead an uprising, and hence considered him an enemy of the state. Jesus was tried before the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and the governor agreed to crucifixion. After death, followers claim he rose from the dead and appeared to them, citing this as evidence of him being messiah. Followers began to preach new religion, with alleged resurrection as the central event. Those who believed these notions became known as Christians (messiah=greek=christos)

Battle of Beth Horon

Jews rebelled against the Roman army in Jerusalem, and overtook the shocked Roman army in Jerusalem in the battle of Beth Horon. Considered the worst defeat the Romans suffered at the hands of the rebels. The shock caused Nero to bring huge legions of the Roman army to Judea to face off against the Jewish rebellion. 4 years after the successful Jewish revolt, the Romans violently retook Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and slaughtering thousands of Jews. Jews unsuccessfully tried to rebel again, and the Romans banned Jews from living in Jerusalem.

Decline of the Roman Empire

No one factor caused Rome's decline, but a combination of reasons.

The Second Triumvirate

Octavian allies with Marc Antony (Roman general and ally of Ceaser's) and Lepidus (Caesar's second in command) to form the Second Trumvirate. the three arrange to slaughter thousands of political enemies so as to firmly control the Roman government.

Caesar's downfall, "Eh tu Brute"

Plot to murder Caesar=March 15th Ides of March Caesar is delayed in going to the Senate because his wife Calpurnia begs him not to go. Conspirators feel the plot had been found out. When Caesar arrives the Senate attacks him in a mob like fashion, stabbing him repeatedly. Shakespeare says that a dying Caesar looks up at Brutus and said, "Eh tu, Brute?"=even you Brutus=symbolizes utmost betrayal

Pompey, Crassus

Pompey married Caesar's daughter Julia as part of the alliance, stayed behind and formed a new alliance in the Roman Senate. -With stunning and brilliant military victories by the Roman army he led, Caesar quickly brought all of Gaul under Roman rule. -Crassus dies in a separate battle -Caesar's popularity and legend began to grow and Pompey rightly feared Caesar's legions bc they were personally loyal yo Caesar rather than to the state. -Pompey convinces senate to order Caesar to relinquish command and return home without army. So Caesar refused to give up command and takes a second place to Pompey, instead he chose to march his entire army home to take control of Rome.

Constantine

Roman Emperor Constantine was leading his army into battle. Legend has it that he saw blazing cross in the sky and a message saying, "In this sign, conquer." He ordered his soldiers to paint the sign on their swords, he was victorious, and declared himself a Christian and supported Christianity throughout the Empire.

Visigoths, Franks, Angles, Saxons, Huns

Roman refers to these and other tribes as barbarians. This term originates in the the barbarian languages sounded like babbling to the Romans- "bar bar bar"

Initial Roman Reaction to Christianity

Romans feared that the Christian rejection of the Roman idols would bring diving punishment. Romans often threw Christians (refusing to give up beliefs) into stadiums to be killed by wild beasts in fort of cheering crowds. Romans though Christians at first to be a sect of Judaism, but more dangerous because they were apt to try to convince/convert others to their beliefs than were Jews.

Disciples, missionaries

Such as Paul (a Jews named Saul changed his name to Paul and became a missionary of Christianity) Paul, Peter, and other missionaries set up christian churches in Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt, and Spain.

Sola Scriptura

The belief that is in contradiction to Catholicism, that Protestants hold is that the Bible alone is the sole source of divine revelation to mankind, that it teaches all that is needed for salvation from sin. This is one of the primary ideas to come out of the Protestant Reformation.

Ides of March

The day they killed him.. Brutus delivers final blow after which Caesar covers his face with his toga resigning himself to death. Popular uproar after death caused Brutus and other conspirators to flee to the island of Crete for several years thereafter.

Pope

The head bishops in large cities w/in the empire (Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, etc) were called patriarchs, over time the head patriarch Rome assumed the title of pope (latin word for father)

Theodosius

Theodosius made Christianity he official religion of the Roman Empire, banning the old Greek and Roman religions.

Separation of the Roman Empire

Theodosius took over after Constantinople's death- he willed upon his death that the easter and western parts of the empire be officially separated. Why? Internal strife in the West was plaguing the East. Eastern: Greece, Asia Minor, Egypt Western: Italy, North Africa, Spain, Gaul (France), and Britain Eastern empire name change- Historians distinguish the 2 empires as follows Eastern=Byzantium empire Western=Roman Empire

Caligula

Tiberius's grand nephew, shortly after taking over, he became mentally disturbed. Noble and moderate ruler for the first 2 years, and thereafter suddenly turned "brutal" and "insane." -he appointed favorite horse as consul of Rome -first emperor to be assassinated, the result of a conspiracy involving Palace guards and members of the Senate. The conspirators attempt to use the opportunity to restore the Republic was thwarted and Caligula's uncle Claudius was named empire in his place.

Alaric

Visisgoths were led by chief Alaric. Invaded Italy and captured Rome. Treated inhabitants humanely. After Alaric's death a few years later, they retreated back into Gaul (France).

Eastern Orthodox

belief of a Holy Trinity, which is a belief in 3 distinct holy persons- father, son, and holy spirit

Marcus Auerlius

philisopher ruler who preferred studying philosophy to fighting wars As emperor he permitted free speech. This was made clear when comedy writer Marullus was able to criticize marcus without suffering retribution. Any other time, under other emperors, he would have been executed. he brought the empire to its height of economic prosperity, he did defend against invaders when necessary.

Hadrian

protected boundaries by: building walls/fortification and encouraging people to join the army... He disapproved of conquering neighboring regions, and gave up lands Trajan had conquered in Asia