the decline and fall of the roman republic

12
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Republic 82b.c.- 27 b.c. FROM SULLA TO AUGUSTUS

Upload: jtretter

Post on 19-May-2015

6.945 views

Category:

Education


2 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: The decline and fall of the roman republic

The Decline and Fall of the Roman Republic

82b.c.- 27 b.c.

FROM SULLA TO AUGUSTUS

Page 2: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Historical Background

~1100 B.C Aeneas Founds what would become Rome. Descended from the goddess Venus.753b.c. Rome founded by Romulus – begins “Etruscan line of Kings”.Romans despise Monarchy – depose last of Etruscan kings “Tarquinius Superbus” by force.In place of of Monarchy – establish a Republican form of gov’t 509b.c. – that is - 2 consuls and a senate. System of “checks and balances”. No one person could have too much power.

Page 3: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Rome as World Leader

Punic Wars (264-202b.c.) Rome Established a “World” superpower.

Occupied Hispania, Gallia, Britannia, Italia, Africa, Graecia, and Asia(minor)

Page 4: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Political Turmoil

Even though the Republic had a system of “checks and balances” – there was always constant struggle over how much control or power a leader could gain – without being too powerful or “Kingly”.

Page 5: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Rise of Sulla

83-82b.c. L. Cornelius Sulla wages a civil war on Rome.81b.c. Sulla appointed dictator and reforms the constitution.Remember Cinicinnatus!79b.c. Sulla resigns the dictatorship – over amount of turmoil it created – yet the precedent was set.

Page 6: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Pirates and Spartacus

75 b.c.Caesar captured by pirates.73-71b.c.Slave war of Spartacus.Forms a bond with Pompey the Great – one of the generals who helped defeat Spartacus – important political union.The 6,000 survivors are crucified down the length of the Via Appia.

Page 7: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great

67b.c. The tribune A. Gabinius passes a law. This gives a command to Gn. Pompeius Magnus, who is given unlimited imperium on water to fight against the growing pirate menace.

Page 8: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Julius Caesar and Pompey the Great

62b.c.Pompey settles matters in the east, returns to Italy and disbands his army.

59b.c. Caesar elected Consul and the First Triumvirate is formed by M. Licinius Crassus, Gn. Pompeius Magnus and G. Julius Caesar.

Pompey marries daughter of Caesar. (Julia) 59b.c.

Page 9: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Caesar and The Gallic Wars 58-51b.c.

Caesar elected Consul in 59b.c.He has risen to unparalleled authority in Rome.Must serve a as a Pro-consular governor in Gaul for 1 year before he can return to Rome.He decides to invade Gaul – so that he is not forgotten.“Gallic Commentaries” are reports sent back to Rome as “Propaganda”.Caesar’s legend and popularity grows back in Rome.

Page 10: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Caesar “Crosses the Rubicon”

52b.c. Caesar builds two sets of fortifications 42 miles and lays Siege to Alesia. With approximately 42,000 men, Caesar besieges 100,000 Gauls within the fort and holds out 250,000 men in a relief force on the outside. This ends war.

Caesar still must serve his one year of Pro-consular governorship before going back to Rome.

Faces a big decision (Sulla) whether or not to declare civil war on Rome.

Page 11: The decline and fall of the roman republic

Caesar “Crosses the Rubicon”49b.c Caesar crosses the Rubicon. Declares Civil War.49-45b.c Civil War between Populares “outlaw” Caesar and Optimates forces of Pompey.Pompey defeated at Battle of Pharsalus in 48b.c. Pompey escaped but was captured and decapitated by King Ptolemy XII of Egypt.(Cleopatra)45b.c. Civil War ends at Battle of Munda – Caesar back in control of Rome.

Page 12: The decline and fall of the roman republic

End of the Republic – Beginning of the Empire

44b.c Caesar appoints himself “Dictator Perpetuum” – Dictator for Life.

44b.c. Ides of March. March 15, Caesar murdered by Brutus, Cassius, and their co-conspirators acting for the Optimates. Octavian returns from Greece.

27b.c. Octavian named Augustus and is officially the first Emperor of Rome.