Rome: Empire
1. calendar with leap year; 2. citizenship to many people living in Roman territories,3.jobs for the unemployed, 4. new settlements for landless laborers; 5. ordered landowners to hire more free workers
Reforms (changes) by Julius Caesar while he served as dictator (5)
Claudius
Roman Emperor after his nephew Caligula was murdered, 41-54 AD
Constantine
Roman Emperor between 306 and 337 AD. He issued the Edict of Milan which outlawed the persecution of Christians. He also founded the city of Constantinople, the future capital of the Byzantine Empire.
Nero
Roman Emperor notorious for his fantastic luxury (was said to have started a fire that destroyed much of Rome in 64) but the Empire remained prosperous during his rule (37-68)
"Bread and Circuses"
Roman bribery method of coping with class difference: entertainment/food was offered to keep plebeians quiet without actually solving unemployment problems
Pompeii
Roman city which was buried during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE
Trajan
Roman emperor and adoptive son of Nerva and who brought Rome to its greatest size in year 117 CE
Trajan
Roman emperor from 98-117 AD; Ruled over the empire at its height
Julius Caesar
Roman general and dictator. He was assassinated by a group of senators and his former friend Brutus who hoped to restore the normal running of the republic.
Proconsul
Roman governor of a province under Caesar Augustus (Octavian)
Veni, vidi, vici
"I came, I saw, I conquered" - Julius Caesar in the Battle of Zela 47 BCE
Pax Romana
"Roman Peace" beginning under Caesar Augustus; 200 year period of peace in Rome until 180 AD as Rome reached the height of its power (last emperor was Marcus Aurelius)
Octavian was crowned by Roman Senate the _________ ____________ _______________ for life in (27 BCE)
"consul, tribune, and commander-in-chief (so much for term limits, people)"
What are some advantages of the capital of the Roman Empire being moved to Byzantium?
crossroad for trades, easy to defend, easy to move troops to the most challenging frontiers
Diocletian
emperor of Rome (284-305) who divided the Roman empire into east and west (286) in an attempt to rule the territory more effectively, appointed two rulers for each section with direct sub-rulers for each, appointed a co-emperor which lead to power struggle, army leader and the son of a slave who tried to restore order to the empire
Attila the Hun (405-453 CE)
emperor of the Huns from 434 CE until his death in 453 CE. He was leader of the Hunnic Empire which stretched from Germany to the Ural River and from the River Danube to the Baltic Sea. He was a legendary general who forced the Goths and Visigoths into increased contact with the Romans.
Constantine the Great
emperor of the western Roman empire who moved the capital to the east and named it after himself, moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium, adopted the Christian faith and ended the persecution of Christians (280-337), made Christianity a state religion
Pax Romana
era of peace ushered by Augustus
Huns
fierce, nomadic people from Asia led by Attila, warlike people who migrated from Eastern Europe into territory controlled by Germanic tribes, forcing them to move into areas controlled by Rome
Princeps
first citizen, word 'prince' comes from it
Tribune
in ancient Rome an official elected by the plebeians to protect their rights
Senate, Senator
in ancient Rome the supreme governing body, originally made up only of aristocrats
Triumvirate
in ancient Rome, a group of three leaders sharing control of the government.
What caused the Roman empire to fall?
inflation, weakened military, movement of capital, split of empire
Eastern Roman Empire
later known as Byzantine Empire, continuation of Roman empire after it was divided in 395 CE
Ides of March, 44 BC
on March 15, Julius Caesar was assassinated by the Roman Senate
Vandals
one of a group of Germanic tribes who invaded and destroyed territory in the Roman empire
Marcus Aurelius
philosopher (stoicism), opposed war but had to defend the empire, wrote "Meditations" personal reflections of his beliefs, ruled at the end of the Pax Romana, 180 AD
"Crossing the Rubicon" meaning
point of no return
Julio-Claudian Dynasty
refers to the first five Roman Emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula (also known as: Gaius), Claudius, and Nero, or the family to which they belonged; they ruled the Roman Empire from its formation, in the second half of the first century until AD 68, when the last of the line, Nero, committed suicide.
Roman accomplishments
roads, aqueducts, engineering, language, sculptures, laws, etc..
Tetrarchy
rule by four
Tiberius
second emperor of Rome; ruled during the time of Jesus' death, 14-37 AD
31 BC battle in which Octavian's forces defeat M. Antony and Cleopatra & Octavian became the supreme ruler of Rome (and result?)
the Battle of Actium and end END of the ROMAN REPUBLIC
a new calendar under reign of Julius Caesar; has 12 months, 365 days, & a leap year; was used throughout Europe until 1582 AD
the Julian calendar
Byzantium
the city was later renamed Constantinople and briefly became the imperial residence of the classical Roman Empire, this ancient Greek city was located at the crossroads of three continents and was an ideal location for the Roman capital
Octavian (also known as Caesar Augustus)
the first Roman emperor and a descendant of Julius Caesar, introduced the Pax Romana, a time of peace and unity for the Roman Empire
Consul
the highest elected office of the Roman Empire and an appointive office under the Empire.
Constantinople
the new capital of the eastern Roman empire located between Europe and Asia in the eastern Roman empire, named after Constantine
Western Roman Empire
the western part after the Roman Empire was divided in 395 AD, collapsed first (476 AD)
Over-expansion of the Roman Empire led to
weak frontiers, possible invasions, and inefficiency in government
Fall of Rome
476 AD
The Roman Empire Officially ends in...
476 AD
Jesus
A Jew from Galilee in northern Israel who sought to reform Jewish beliefs and practices. He was executed as a revolutionary by the Romans. His teachings form the basis of the world's largest religion.
Bread and Circuses
A Roman bribery method of coping with class difference. Entertainment and food was offered to keep plebeians quiet without actually solving unemployment problems
Christianity
A monotheistic system of beliefs and practices based on the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus as embodied in the New Testament and emphasizing the role of Jesus as savior.
Pax Romana
A period of peace and prosperity throughout the Roman Empire, lasting from 27 B.C. to A.D. 180.
Octavian new title was _____ ("the majestic one") and was now called "____ ______", Rome's first emperor, or all-powerful ruler.
Augustus; Caesar Augustus
dictator
Early Roman leader who temporarily speaks/rules with total power during crisis and then steps away from power, usually serves for 6 months
Byzantine Empire
Eastern half of Roman Empire following collapse of western half of old empire; retained Mediterranean culture, particularly Greek; later lost Palestine, Syria, and Egypt to Islam; capital at Constantinople
Vespasian
Emperor of Rome and founder of the Flavian dynasty who consolidated Roman rule in Germany and Britain, reformed the army, and brought prosperity to the empire, 69-79 AD
Theodosius
Emperor who made Christianity the official religion of the empire, divided the empire into two: Roman and Byzantine
476 AD
Fall of Western Roman Empire
Torah
First five books of the Hebrew Bible
Goths
Germanic tribe made up of the Visigoths and the Ostrogoths who threatened invasion to the empire
Antoninus Pius
Good Emperor • 138-161 • Reign largely a period of peace and prosperity
How did Constantine come into power?
He was one of four people competing for power after Diocletian. He fought Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.
Battle of Milvian Bridge
In 312 AD, battle between Constantine and Maxentius outside of Rome. Constantine was victorious after Maxentius had to retreat back across the bridge over the Tiber river, which collapsed, drowning him and most of his army. Constantine sole ruler of the Roman Empire
Edict of Milan
Issued by Constantine in 313, ended the "great persecution" and legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire
"Crossing the Rubicon" event
Julius Caesar famously crossed this river on his return to Rome (though he was warned to stay away by his rival, Pompey)
Dictator for life
Julius Caesar was named this in 44 B.C. because of his defeat of Pompey's armies.
Marcus Aurelius
Last of the "Good Emperors", Wrote "Meditations" personal reflections of his beliefs, End of the Pax Romana, 161-180AD
Gaul
Modern day France conquered by Caesar
Judaism
Monotheistic religion originated with Abraham and the Hebrew people. Yahweh was responsible for the world and everything within it. Early history preserved in the Old Testament.
Augusti
Name of the emperors of Rome after the reforms of Diocletian
Period of 5 good Emperors
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, known as the Five Good Emperors, were a series of excellent emperors who ruled in Rome from 96-180 CE. following the Flavian Dynasty. So called because they succeeded in winning the support and cooperation of the senate, which is something their predecessors had failed to accomplish.
Were Diocletian's reforms successful?
No, but they did stop the decline of the empire and protected the borders so there were less invasions for a while.
In Rome's SECOND Triumvirate, WHO commanded WHICH military post in the Roman Republic?
Octavian = Italy and the west. M. Antony = Greece and the east Lepidus = North Africa
Who become rivals in the Second Triumvirate?
Octavian and Antony
Caesar Augustus
Octavian's new name after he become Imperator
Nerva
One of the five "Good Emperors", 96-98 AD, ended many harsh policies, and began the practice of choosing a successor (instead of handing down power through the family)?
Causes of the fall of the Roman Empire
Political instability Economic decline Unsuccessful reforms Barbarian invasions
In Rome's first Triumvirate, WHO commanded WHICH military post in the Roman Republic?
Pompey = Spain Crassus = Syria Caesar = Gaul (today's France & Belgium)
1. created permanent professional army + Praetorian Guard; 2. used PROCONSULS to govern/protect empire's lands; 3. tightened tax collection; 4. imported grain from Africa for the poor; 5. made legal system favor empire's authority over individuals' rights
Reforms (changes) by Caesar Augustus (Octavian) while EMPEROR (5)
-appointed people to Senate that supported him -gave citizenship for people living in Roman territory -hired more paid laborers
Reforms (changes) by Julius Caesar while he served as dictator (3)
Crisis of the 3rd century: Political reasons
-Roman pride decreased -Lless taxes coming in -17 emperors murdered and 2 forced by Senate to commit suicide
Crisis of the 3rd century: Military reasons
-attacks from the Persians and Goths -soldiers fight for money -used Barbarians for military
Crisis of the 3rd century: Economic reasons
-trade disrupted by barbarians and pirates -too much import not enough export -made more money -poor harvests
10 theories on Rome's Decline
1. Excessive Military Spending to Defend the Empire 2. Inferior Technology 3. Inflation 4. Political Corruption 5. Rise in Christianity 6. Unemployment 7. Urban Decay 8. Barbarian Invasions 9. Decline in Morals and Values 10. Environmental and Public Health Problems
Diocletian reforms
1. doubled the size of the army to secure the borders 2. all sons had to take over their fathers businesses to guarantee economic stability 3. price and wage controls to try and beat inflation 4. ordered persecution of Christians to restore faith in Roman gods 5. split the empire into east and west to improve administration
Battle of Adrianople
376 CE, victory by the Goths that started the final collapse of the Western Roman Empire
Hadrian
AD 117-138. He ordered the construction of this wall. He traveled though his empire to strengthen its frontiers and encourage learning and architecture.
1. Octavian (grandnephew/son) 2. Mark Antony & 3. Marcus Lepidus (Caesar's top generals)
After death of Caesar, WHO (3) defeat those Caesar's enemies & formed the SECOND Triumvirate (43 BCE)
Goths
An array of Germanic peoples, pushed further westward by nomads from central Asia. They in turn migrated west into Rome, upsetting the rough balance of power that existed between Rome and these people.
3 phases of decline of Roman Empire
The crisis of the 3rd century, the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine, and invasions
Flavian Amphitheater
The first name for the Roman Colosseum
Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero
The four Julio-Claudian Emperors who follow Caesar Augustus (Octavian)
455 AD
Vandals sack Rome
410 AD
Visigoths sack Rome
Hadrian's Wall
Wall built by Hadrian, split Rome from Brittania, kept soldiers and barbarians from entering Roman lands
Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Ceasar
What 3 men formed the First Triumvirate?
March 15
When is the Ides of March?
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius
Who were the Five "Good Emperors"?
"too ambitious", thought he wanted to be king
Why did some oppose Caesar?
In WHOSE famous play Julius Caesar was Caesar warned to "Beware the Ides of March"?
William Shakespeare
Flavian Dynasty
a dynasty of Roman emperors from 69 to 96 including Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian
