Italy - Section 3

Julius Caesar

Became one of Rome’s greatest generals and political leaders.

Triumvirate

In 60 BC, Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed a governing group of three people with equal power.

Military victories

Needed to expand his political career; won many battles and expanded the Roman Empire.

Crossing the Rubicon

In 49 BC, Caesar defied the Senate and started a civil war by leading his troops across the Rubicon River.

Dictator

In 45 BC, Caesar took over the government and made himself dictator.

Death of Julius Caesar

March 15, 44 BC; stabbed by a group of senators.

Division of the Empire after Caesar

Octavian Caesar ruled Italy, Marc Anthony ruled Greece, Marcus Lepidus ruled North Africa.

Octavian

Led an army to defeat the other two and became ruler of Rome, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire.

Augustus

Octavian gave himself the title Augustus, meaning “Majestic One,” and became the first emperor of Rome.

Augustus accomplishments

Constructed magnificent public buildings, began the Pax Romana, imported North African grain, but failed to create a law for selecting later emperors.

Roman Empire territories

Included the Balkan Peninsula, Egypt, and Asia Minor.

Jus gentium

Law that applied to noncitizens as Rome won more provinces; became unnecessary by A.D. 200 because most free males were Roman citizens.

Pax Romana timeframe

31 BC to 180 AD; period of peace and prosperity, stability, flourishing trade, and construction projects.

Pax Romana accomplishments

Built roads, public buildings, aqueducts, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus; chariot races could hold 150,000 spectators.

Trade during Pax Romana

Extended as far as China and Britain.

Education during Pax Romana

Wealthy families sent sons and daughters to academies for learning.