Chapter 5: An Age of Empires: Rome and Han China, 753 B.C.E - 330 C.E.

Rome’s Creation of a Mediterranean Empire, 753 B.C.E - 330 C.E.

Rome's Creation of a Mediterranean Empire (753 BCE - 330 CE)

Founding of Rome (753 BCE)
- Legend of Romulus and Remus
- Establishment of the Roman Kingdom
Transition to Republic (509 BCE)
- Overthrow of the last king, Tarquin the Proud
- Establishment of a Senate and elected magistrates
Socio-Economic Structure
- Dominance of agrarian society
- Role of patricians and plebeians
- Hierarchy (Men above Women)
Conflict of the Orders
- Struggle between patricians and plebeians
- Key reforms: Twelve Tables, Lex Hortensia
Military Expansion
- Conquest of neighboring tribes and cities
- Development of the Roman legions

Punic Wars (264 - 146 BCE)
- First Punic War: Control of Sicily
- Second Punic War: Hannibal's invasion and Scipio's victory
- Third Punic War: Destruction of Carthage
Conquest of the Hellenistic Kingdoms
- Macedonian Wars and annexation of Greece
- Expansion into Asia Minor and North Africa
Cultural Integration
- Adoption of Greek culture, art, and philosophy
- Spread of Roman law and citizenship

Internal Strife and Civil Wars
- Rise of populist leaders: Gracchi brothers, Marius, Sulla
- Caesar's crossing of the Rubicon (49 BCE)
End of the Republic
- Assassination of Julius Caesar (44 BCE)
- Rise of the Second Triumvirate: Octavian, Antony, Lepidus
Social and Economic Issues
- Wealth disparity and land reforms
- Slave revolts and unrest

Establishment of the Principate
- Octavian becomes Augustus (27 BCE)
- Creation of a façade of republicanism while holding power
Pax Romana (27 BCE - 180 CE)
- Period of relative peace and stability
- Expansion of trade and infrastructure (roads, aqueducts)
**Cultural