Rise and Fall of the
Romans
By Aaron Kravitz
History of Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome began on the Italian Peninsula as early as 8 th
century B.C.
Expanded to become one of largest empires in the ancient
world.
Ancient Roman society contributed to modern government,
law, politics, engineering, art, literature, architecture,
technology, warfare, religion, and society.
And it contributed some great stories as Rome turned from a
monarchy to republic and empire and finally declined..
The Roman
Monarchy:
Tarquin
Tarquinius Priscus/Tarquin: 5th
Roman King (616-579B.C.)
Tarquin and his wife, Tanaquil, were
unhappy with social status and moved to
Rome.
His wealth won him friends including King
Ancus who appointeded Tarquin the
guardian of his children.
Tanaquil intepreted an eagle swooping
down on Tarquins head as the gods
selection of her husband as king.
After Ancus died, Tarquin, acting as
guardian, sent Ancus sons on a hunting
trip, while he persuaded Romans that he
was best choice for king.
The Roman Kings
Servius Tullius
Servius Tullius: 6th Roman King
(578-534 B.C.)
Legend is the he was born a slave
in Tarquins household, and married
his daughter.
He succeeded Tarquin as 6th King of
Rome.
He was referred to as Second
Founder of Rome because he did
many things to improve city:
Build monuments
Take 1st Census
Reorder Military
Develop Servian Constitution
Add People Eligible for Voting
The Roman Kings
Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the
Proud): 534-510 B.C.
Tarquin the Proud was last of kings
Rome would tolerate.
Tarquin not interested in working with
senators and put many to death.
Also legend has it that Tarquins son
raped Lucretia, and her husband and
Brutus Family raised a rebellion.
Tarquin and his family were expelled
from Rome, and the monarchy was
abolished and republic set up in 509
B.C.
The Roman
Republic:
The First Triumvirate
(Caesar, Pompey, Crassus)-60-53
B.C.
Combined together to have
Caesar elected consul in 5 B.C.
Caesar gave Pompey his
daughter, Julia, in marriage.
Strong alliance because combined
Caesars popularity with Crassus
wealth and Pompeys wealth and
military reputation.
Allowed The Triumvirate to
dominate Roman politics until fell
apart due to ambitions and
jealousy.
The Roman Republic:
Murder of Caesar
The Murder of Caesar (15 March 44
B.C.)
Senators suspected that Caesar
would choose to rule as dictator.
Conspiracy formed by Cassius
and Brutus to murder Caesar to
protect republic; other motives
of jealousy as well.
At meeting of Senate, senators
gathered around him on pretext
of urging a petition, and stabbed
him to death.
The Roman Republic:
The Second Triumvirate
The Second Triumvirate (43-33 B.C.)
Alliance between Octavian, Mark
Antony, and Lepidus formed after
assassination of Caesar to defeat
armies of Brutus and Cassius.
Octavian and Antony did defeat them,
but tensions began to rise.
Alliance ended with Lepidus forced
into exile, and Antony, who allied with
Queen Cleopatra, committing suicide.
Octavian (Augustus) became sole
ruler of Rome.
The Roman
Empire:
Rise of
Augustus
Augustus and the Pax Romana
Augustus made many reforms
which helped bring about a
period of peace.
Reduced size of army and made cash payments to
soldiers who served 20+ years
Created Praetorian Guard.
Senate took oath of allegiance
to August as emperor, and was
granted authority for life.
His reforms stabilized
economy and showed Romans
they were chosen people who
could bring peace.
The Roman Empire:
Neros Abuse of Power
Nero and Abuse of Power (54-68 A.D.)
Neros Reign is known for his
instability and abuse of power;
some suggest he had an illness,
like lead poisoning.
Nero is famed for watching Rome
burn, then blaming Christians and
using the area for his palace.
Some of his infamous acts include:
Sexual perversions
Marauding and Murdering Romans
Charging citizens with treason to
confiscate their property
Murder of his mother and aunt
The Roman Empire:
The Finale
Romulus Augustulus(475-476
A.D.)
Significant because was last
Roman emperor of West.
Crowned in 476 A.D. when he
was 10-14 years old.
Was deposed Romulus the
following year; didnt bother
to assassinate him and sent
him to live in Campania with a
stipend.
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