lecture recording on 25 February 2025 at 13.08.45 PM

Julius Caesar and Brutus

• Last Words of Caesar:

  • Not entirely known, but mythicized as something like "Et tu, Brutus?"

  • Reality possibly more mundane like "Ow, that hurts."

After Caesar's Assassination

• Leadership Transition:

  • After Caesar's death, three leaders came to power.

  • Octavian (Augustus):

    • Fought against Antony in the Battle of Actium (Northern Africa).

    • Crowned as Rome's First Emperor; post-victory changed name to Augustus.

Mark Antony

• Identity:

  • Fought alongside Cleopatra, known for his military prowess.

  • Had a prior relationship with Julius Caesar.

• Demise:

  • After a failed rebellion against Rome, Antony impales himself, leading to the phrase "falling on your sword."

Pax Romana

• Definition:

  • Refers to an extended period of relative peace in the Roman Empire (27 BCE to 14 CE).

  • Lack of civil wars, and suppression of rebellion and dissent.

  • Led to stability and prosperity in the Empire.

Government under Augustus

• Principate Structure:

  • A mix of republic and monarchy elements; Augustus held ultimate power.

• Senate's Role:

  • Senate remained but needed Augustus’s approval for decisions.

  • Comparing to the U.S. government system with checks and balances.

Augustus's Successor Strategy

• Challenges of Succession:

  • Augustus had no biological son and had to choose a successor.

• Adoption as a Solution:

  • Adopted Tiberius as heir when biological successors died before him.

Notable Emperors Post-Augustus

• Tiberius (14-37 CE):

  • An effective administrator but perceived as cruel.

• Caligula:

  • His reign was marked by extreme measures, including spending extravagantly and humiliating the Senate.

• Nero (54-68 CE):

  • Initially left the administration to advisers but became a tyrant.

  • Famous for his extravagance and for the Great Fire of Rome.

  • His reign ended with his damnatio memoriae (memory erasure).

Features of Roman Governance and Society

• Development of Laws:

  • Roman laws considered complex with a codified system recognized in later centuries.

• Taxation System:

  • Establishing a systematic approach to taxing landowners.

Roman Infrastructure and Engineering

• Road Networks:

  • Roads facilitated trade, military movements, and efficient communication.

  • Construction skills needed were advanced for the era.

• Aqueducts:

  • Essential for water transport and sanitation in cities.

  • Included elaborate systems for inspection and maintenance.

Cultural Legacy of Rome

• Language:

  • Latin as a dominant language in the Empire, essential for Roman citizens.

• Historical Figures:

  • Prominent writers and thinkers like Cicero and Virgil emerged during the Roman period.

• Influence on Western Civilization:

  • Rome's achievements in governance, law, and public works had long-standing impacts.