The Roman Empire began as a Kingdom ruled by tyrants

A Republic develops

• (a form of mixed government where many people’s voices were heard.)

Julius Caesar, a military leader

• Julius Caesar won many military victories and expanded Rome

• Julius Caesar named himself dictator during the civil wars

• Senators murder Julius Caesar

• Julius Caesar leads Rome to become an Empire

• The Emperor is worshiped as a God

The Roman Empire experienced a golden age called Pax-Romana, during the first 200 years of its empire.

• Trade grew

• The rule of law expanded

• Roads and aqueducts improved lives

• People lived safely in cities

• People had a voice in the government

Third-Century Crisis of the Roman Empire

• After the pax-Romana era of the Roman Empire, the government declined

• Emperors grabbed more power for themselves

• Christians were persecuted, particularly because they refused to worship the emperor.

• The Empire is too big to govern

• The military is stretched out too thin

• Barbarian invasions weaken and destroy the empire

• Leads to the dark ages and feudalism