2. Phases of Roman History
1. Roman Kingdom (753–509 B.C.)
2. The Republic (509–27 B.C)
3. The Roman Empire
(27 BC–476 A.D.)
3. Roman Kingdom: 753 BC—509 BC
• Legend from Roman Republic
• 7 Kings from Romulus (Founder)
to Lucius Tarquinius Superbus
• Superbus was
overthrown
4. Roman Republic: 509 BC—27 BC
• Representative Democracy:
People can vote for their 2
Consuls (leader)
• Struggle between the landholding
aristocracy and the commoners
• The formation of the Roman
Constitution was a long
process
5. Julius Caesar (49-44 BC)
• Very successful Roman general who
became leader
• “Dictator in perpetuity” (Dictator Forever) but
not emperor
• Was killed by the Senate and after…
• Sparked riots
• A civil war
• Ends the Republic
7. Roman Empire
• Rome is now officially
an Empire because it is ruled
by one person!
Who?
Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD)
• Senate changes Octavian’s name
to Augustus “exalted one”
• He brings 200 Years of Peace
8. Augustus’ Reforms
• Restored traditional Roman values:
• Patriotism, close family ties, hard work,
discipline, simple living
• Passed laws encouraging early
marriage and raising large families
• Helped the poor by providing free or
low-cost grain
• Sponsored public works projects:
• roads, buildings, water systems
(improved life for Romans and provided
jobs for those in need)
9. Pax Romana – Roman Peace
• Rome controlled the entire
Mediterranean region and
beyond
• Complete control = almost no warfare
• There was 200 years of peace
• More and more provincials were granted
official Roman citizenship
10. Growth for 200 Years
• Time of stability, expansion, power, and
prosperity
Time of Growth:
•Art & Architecture
• Literature & Drama
• Science & Medicine
• Entertainment & Sport
• Religion & Spirituality
• Law