ROME: REPUBLIC TO EMPIRE
The Rule of Augustus
The rule of Caesar Augustus marked the beginning of a new era. For nearly two hundred years the Roman world enjoyed peace and prosperity. The time period lasted until A.D 180. It is known as the Pax Romana. During this time Rome reach the height of its power.
What Reforms Did Augustus Make?
As Emperor Augustus was determined to protect the empire. To do this, he created a permanent professional army. About 150,000 soldiers. All Roman citizens made up this powerful military force. In addition, Augustus created a special unit known as the Praetorian Guard. The 9,000 men in this select unit guarded the emperor. Augustus thought it should be easier to defend Rome's borders. He established the empire's boundaries along natural physical features. Augustus also wanted to display Rome's power. Augustus had many public buildings, fountains and palaces rebuilt to reflect the greatness of Rome. He also worked to improve Rome's government. To maintain control over the empire, Augustus appointed an official called proconsul to oversee each of Rome's provinces. Those new local officials replaced the politicians who had been appointed by the senate. Augustus himself visited the provinces to inspect the work of the proconsuls. Augustus also changed the tax system. Augustus made tax collectors permanent government officials and paid them regular wages. Augustus also changed Rome's legal system. He created a code of laws for people living in the provinces who were not Roman citizens. However, the legal system often favored the authority of the empire over individual citizens rights. Despite all the reforms Augustus feared people might still be unhappy. So Augustus imported grain from Africa and distributed it to the poor. So people wouldn't revolt.
Emperors After Augustus
Augustus ruled over Rome for almost 40 years. After he died in 14 B.C, his adopted son, Tiberius became emperor. After Tiberius, three other emperors from Augustus' family ruled Rome. Caligula ,Cladius and Nero ruled Rome. Caligula and Nero proved to be cruel rulers. Caligula murdered many people and spent money recklessly. He even appointed his horse as consul. The Praetorian guard murdered him and made Claudius emperor. Nero also killed many people. He killed himself after the Senate sentenced him to death for treason.
The Roman Peace
After Nero died, violence erupted throughout the empire. Then in A.D 69 a general named Vespasian became an empire. Vespasian restored order, but he treated anyone harshly who opposed Roman rule. Vespasian crushed several uprisings throughout the empire. For example, the Jewish revolt in the eastern province of Judaea. Vespasian son Titus, commanded troops that defeated the Jewish rebels. Vespasian began the construction of the Colosseum. After Vespasian died, his sons Titus and Domitian governed each province of Rome. While Titus was emperor, two disaster struck the empire. In A.D 79, the volcano Mount Vesuvius erupted, destroying the city of Pompeii. A year later, a great fire damaged Rome badly. But, both sons ruled during an era of growth and prosperity.
Five Good Emperors
During the A.D 100s, several emperors who were not related to Augustus or Vespasian ruled the empire. Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, and Marcus Aurelius are known as good emperors. The 5 good emperors didn't abuse their power. They were among the most capable rulers in Rome's history. They governed at a time of economic growth. Agriculture and trade flourished during this period, which lasted A.D. 96 to A.D. 180. The five emperors introduced programs to help the empire people. Trajan made money more available so that poor people could receive an education. Hadrian made Roman laws easier for ordinary citizens to understand. The emperors also improved Roman cities. They spent tax money to build arches and monuments, bridges, roads and harbors. They also built aqueducts to bring water from the country to the city.
The United Empire
The Emperor Trajan expanded the Roman Empire to its biggest size. The Empires borders extended to Britain in the northwest and Mesopotamia in the east. Trajans successor believed that the empire was too large to rule effectively. They withdrew forces from regions the coudnlt defend. Hadrian withdrew from Mesopotamia but strengthened defenses at the Rhine and Danube rivers. By A.D. 100s, the Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. Its land was about 3.5 million square miles. Almost the size of the United States. Many groups of people lived in the Roman Empire. Roman law, Roman rule, and a shared Roman identity united them all.
The Empire's Economy
Agriculture remained the most important economic activity in the Roman Empire. Most people were farmers. Farmers in north Italy and in the provinces of Gaul and Spain grew grapes and olives to make wine and live oil. Grain from Britain. Sicily, and Egypt supplied Romes people with food. Industry thrived in the cities and trade flourished. A network of paved roads, extended throughout the empire which allowed goods and armies to move easily. Goods were shipped safely through the Mediterranean sea due to Rome's Navy. Traders from all over the world arrived in Rome's ports. The Romans also imported raw materials. Trade made people wealthy. Wealth did not extend to all Romans. Most city dwellers were poor, and many other people remained enslaved.