Roman
Empire
27 - 476CE
Where We Left Off
• (146BCE) The Roman Republic was taking over the North of Africa
• (70BCE) Despite trying, Rome still could not take over Egypt
• (69-30BCE) Cleopatra and her relationships with Julius Ceasar and Mark
Antony severely impacted Rome
• (44BCE) Ceasar was assassinated
• (27BCE) Octavian took over the Roman Republic and later began the
Roman Empire as Emperor Augustus
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(28BCE - 30CE) The Roman Empire is tearing its way through Europe
becoming one of the largest empires to ever exist
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• (30CE) Boudica was born in the British tribe called Iceni
• (43CE) The Roman Empire begins its conquest into Britannia
The Start of an Empire
From Republic to Empire
• 1st century BCE, turmoil and civil conflicts signified Rome's shift from a republic to an empire.
• This era was defined by Julius Caesar's dominance, as he assumed control as Rome's dictator.
• Following Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, a triumvirate comprising Mark Antony, Lepidus, and
Caesar's nephew Octavian governed Rome.
• Octavian later clashed with Antony in northern Africa, culminating in his triumph at Actium in 31 BCE,
leading to his coronation as Rome's first emperor, Augustus.
The Emperors
• Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE) - The First Roman Emperor
• Tiberius (14–37 CE)
• Caligula (37–41 CE)
• Claudius (41–54 CE)
• Nero (54–68 CE) - Where this unit finishes
Conquests
Early Republic Mid Republic Late Republic Early Empire
Samnite Wars (343–290 BCE) The Punic Wars (264-146 BCE) Conquest of Gaul (58–50 BCE) Germania (12 BCE–9 CE)
A series of wars fought against the Three conflicts between Rome and Julius Caesar conquered modern- A failed initial Roman expansion
Samnites in central Italy, leading to Carthage. Rome won all three, day France and Belgium. into Germania
Roman dominance in the region gaining Sicily, defeating Hannibal,
and ultimately destroying Carthage, Annexation of Egypt (30 BCE) Britannia (43–84 CE)
becoming the dominant power in Following the defeat of Mark Emperor Claudius began the
the Mediterranean. Antony and Cleopatra, Egypt conquest of Britain, which was
became a Roman province. largely completed under
subsequent emperors.
The Roman Empire
Roads and Architecture
• The Romans constructed over 250,000 miles of roads for trade and military use.
• Their aqueducts provided cities with fresh water, with some still functioning today.
• Colosseum, Pantheon, Amphitheaters
Law and Military
• The development of Roman law, particularly the Twelve
Tables and later the Corpus Juris Civilis, laid the foundation
for many modern legal systems.
• The Roman legions were highly disciplined, professional
soldiers, setting a standard for future military organisations.
Culture
Language
• Latin, the language of Rome, evolved into the Romance languages (Spanish,
French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian) and influenced many others.
Urban Planning
• Roman cities were well-planned with forums, baths, theatres, and public
buildings, setting a standard for urban development.
Art & Literature
• Roman literature by Virgil, Ovid, and Horace influences Western culture.
• Roman art, often inspired by Greek models, has a lasting impact on the arts.