A brief overview of Rome from the Kingdoms to Augustus' Empire.

1. Rise of the Roman
Empire

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

6. AND THEN…
In 27 BC
Rome becomes an Empire!

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

22. But Peace could not last
forever…
To Be continued…