The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire

Learn about how the Roman Empire expanded and some of the main emperors during that time

The Poet Virgil

In his epic The Aeneid, the poet Virgil says that other cultures may produce beautiful art or learned philosophers and astronomers. But Romans are most fit to govern he says, and will do so wisely and with fairness. In his poems, Virgil expresses his hopes for Rome and its rule under Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. Many Romans probably agreed with Virgil's opinion and shared his hopes for the empire. 

Multiple Choice

What does the poet Virgil think Romans are the best at?

• art

• government

• philosophy

• astronomy

Augustus' Rule

When Augustus came to power after Caesar's death, Roman control had already spread far beyond Italy. Imperialism continued under Augustus and the emperors who followed, as Rome gained even more territory. Look at the territory controlled by the Romans on the map of the Roman Empire.

Open Ended

What do you think can happen when many territories like the Roman Empire are under control of one emperor?

Pax Romana

With the rule of Augustus, a period of stability and prosperity known as the Pax Romana, or "Roman peace" began. The Pax Romana lasted for about 200 years. During this time, people and goods traveled easily within the empire, and trade with Asia and Africa thrived.

Multiple Choice

What does "Pax Romana" mean?

• Roman Wealth

• Roman Trade

• Peace and War

• Roman Peace

Power of Augustus

Augustus was an intelligent ruler. When he was struggling for power, he often ignored the Senate and its laws. But after he won control, he changed his manner. He showed great respect for the Senate and was careful to avoid acting like a king. He did not want to have the same fate as Julius Caesar.

Multiple Choice

Why did Augustus show respect to the Senate when he was in control?

• he ignored their laws

• he didn't want to end up like Caesar

• he wanted to act like a king

Conquered people

 The Roman rulers treated conquered peoples wisely. They took some slaves after a conquest, but most of the conquered people remained free. To govern, they divided their empire into provinces. Each province, or area of the empire, had a Roman governor supported by an army. Often, the Romans built the city in a new province to serve as its capital.

Multiple Choice

What did Romans do with conquered people?

• most were free

• more were enslaved

• they were killed

Multiple Choice

What is an area of an empire called?

• empire

• state

• province

• capital

Conquered people (continued)

 Generally, the Romans did not force their way of life on conquered people. They allowed them to follow their own religions. Local rulers were allowed to run the daily affairs of government. As long as there was peace, Roman governors did not interfere in conquered people's lives. Rather, they kept watch over them.

Multiple Choice

The Romans forced conquered people to follow the same religion and beliefs as them.

• True

• False

Peaceful provinces

Rome wanted peaceful provinces in which the conquered people would supply the empire with the raw materials it needed, buy Roman goods, and pay taxes. Many of the conquered people adopted Roman ways. Many learned to speak Latin, the language of the Romans, and to worship Roman gods.

Multiple Choice

What was the language of the ancient Romans?

• Roman

• Greek

• Latin

• Italian

Evil emperors

 In AD 14, Augustus died. Although the Pax Romana continued after his death, good, bad, and terrible emperors ruled for the next 82 years. Two of the worst emperors during this time were Caligula and Nero. Caligula was a cruel, insane ruler who named his horse consul. Nero murdered his half-brother, his mother, and his wife, among others.

Multiple Choice

Which cruel emperor murdered his family?

• Caligula

• Nero

• Augustus

• Caesar

5 Good Emperors

 In AD 96, Rome entered what is called the age of the “five good emperors.” The five emperors were Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius . They gained the support of the Senate and ruled fairly.

Multiple Choice

Which one of these is NOT one of the "five good emperors?"

• Hadrian

• Nerva

• Marcus Aurelius

• Caligula

Hadrian

 Perhaps the greatest of these five emperors was Hadrian, who ruled from AD 117 to 138. He issued a code of laws, making laws uniform throughout the empire. Hadrian reorganized the army so that soldiers were allowed to defend their home provinces. This gave them a greater sense of responsibility. Hadrian also encouraged learning.

Open Ended

Explain why having soldiers defend their home province would make them more responsible.

End of Peace

 The last of the “good emperors”, Marcus Aurelius, chose his son Commodus to follow him. Commodus ruled with great brutality, or cruelty. He loved gladiator fights. His reign ended the age of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.

Multiple Choice

"Commodus ruled with great brutality." What does brutality mean?

• strength

• bravery

• cruelty

• prosperity