Ancient Rome: Republic to Empire

Create 3 column Cornel NotesWord Description Drawing

Rome-An overview

• Roman Republic: A system of government in Ancient Rome where individuals elect representatives from a class called the Patrician Class

• Punic Wars: A series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 BC to 146 BC

• Carthage: The ancient city that sprang from a Phoenician seaport in Northern Africa.

• Hannibal: Famous Phoenician General-Attacked Rome, defeated them at the Battle of Cannae. Eventually Defeated at the Battle of Zama

• Julius Caesar: Roman General who invaded the City of Rome, leading to civil war. Brought about the end of the Republic.

• The end of the republic- 509 BCE-27 BCE.• The rise of the Empire-The first Emperor was

Julius’ Nephew.• The first Emperor, Augustus Caesar was a

powerful leader who ruled for over 40 years, greatly strengthening the Empire.

• Claudius, Caligula, and Nero-Ineffective or poor emperors

• Diocletian: Roman Emperor from 284 to 305, made great reforms to the Empire

• Constantine: Made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire

Rome at the Time of the Republic

The Empire at its height

Roman Politics• Government– The Senate was made up of patricians, rich and powerful

Romans, elected by the patrician class. Everyone could vote, but only the patricians could hold office.

– The Consuls were the highest elected political office-they made some political decisions but were still under the emperor.

• Political theory and Rhetoric of Rome– Cincinnatus and the nature of leadership: The legend of

Cincinnatus influenced Roman ideas of nobility and leadership.

– Marcus Tullius Cicero- A political philosopher– The 12 Tables-the constitution of Ancient Rome, developed

over time.

Reflection Question

• In what ways do you see the United States and Ancient Rome being similar? Are we in the Pax Americana?

• After reflecting and sharing with the class, begin :Fall of the Empire” Activity.