an empire across three continents (roman empire)

Embark on a captivating journey through the mighty Roman Empire, exploring its rise from a small city-state to a vast and influential power.

1. Roman History

2. Empire building and trade netwrok Mesopotamian Empires : Over two millennia of empire-building. Iranians: Controlled major parts of the Assyrian empire by the 6th century BCE. Trade Development: Overland and Mediterranean coastal trade networks. Greek cities and colonies benefited from improved trade. Close trade with nomadic people to the north of the Black Sea.

3. geography of rome

4. regime of augustuys His autocratic regime is known as the principate because he was the princeps , the first citizen , at the head of that array of outwardly revived republican institutions that alone made his autocracy palatable Augustus officially “restored the Republic” (27 BC), it was essential to preserve—at least outwardly—the prestige of the Senate. Although the emperor did not share his basic power with the Senate, he did allow it to cooperate with him in most of the spheres of government.

5. senate Augustus officially “restored the Republic” (27 BC), it was essential to preserve—at least outwardly—the prestige of the Senate. Although the emperor did not share his basic power with the Senate, he did allow it to cooperate with him in most of the spheres of government. the Senate lost all its control of foreign policy; and, though it was occasionally consulted by the emperor, it was entirely subordinate to him in this department. The emperor could convene and preside over the Senate, his report and other communications taking precedence; his name also headed the list of senators. He could also select new senators virtually at will. They numbered ordinarily 300.

6. ARMY He created a standing army for the first time, and embarked upon a vigorous campaign of expansion designed to make Rome safe from the 'barbarians' beyond the frontiers, and to secure the Augustan peace.

7. Augustus was determined to be succeeded by someone of his own blood, but he had no sons, only a daughter, Julia, the child of his first wife. His nephew Marcellus and his beloved grandsons Gaius and Lucius pre-deceased him, so he reluctantly made Tiberius his heir. Military disaster, the loss of his grandsons and a troubled economy clouded his last years. He became more dictatorial, exiling the poet Ovid (8 AD), who had mocked his moral reforms. He died on 19 August 14 AD

8. The ablest of the line was Tiberius. He was undoubtedly a capable and vigorous ruler, who enforced justice in the government of the provinces, maintained the integrity of the frontiers, and husbanded the finances of the empire; but he became intensely unpopular in Roman society and in his last years became a cruel tyrant. successors Julio-Claudian dynasty, (AD 14–68), the four successors of Augustus , the first Roman emperor: Tiberius (reigned 14–37), Caligula (37–41), Claudius I (41–54), and Nero (54–68). It was not a direct bloodline.

9. 1.Reduced Warfare: The Roman Empire engaged in fewer external wars compared to its earlier periods. 2. Reason for Reduced Warfare: The vast territory inherited by Tiberius from Augustus, the first Roman emperor, made further expansion seem unnecessary. 3. The Augustan Age: This period, named after Augustus, is known for peace and stability following a long history of internal conflicts and external conquests. 4. Trajan's Expansion: The only significant attempt at expansion during this era was Emperor Trajan's campaign across the Euphrates River (113-117 CE). However, this expansion proved unsuccessful and was abandoned by his successors.

10. how rome was able to adminster such a large empire Romanization: Cities became centers of Roman culture and assimilation. Roman customs, laws, and language were often concentrated in urban areas, gradually spreading outwards and influencing the surrounding populations. Local Elites: Roman authorities often relied on local elites to manage specific regions within the provinces. These elites were integrated into the urban administration, benefiting from Roman citizenship and trade opportunities while maintaining some level of control over their local communities. Taxation and Revenue: Cities were hubs for economic activity and trade. This concentration of wealth made tax collection more efficient. Roman authorities could rely on urban centers to generate significant revenue for the empire. Military Presence: Strategically placed cities often housed Roman legions or military garrisons. This allowed for a rapid military response to threats or rebellions within the provinces, maintaining control and deterring potential uprisings. In essence, urbanization provided a skeletal framework that helped the Romans manage their sprawling empire. Without a vast and well-connected network of cities, the task of administration would have been significantly more challenging.

11. Administration of the Vast Roman Empire Urbanization as a Tool for Control: - The Roman Empire leveraged urban centers to manage and administer its extensive territories effectively. Organization into Provinces: - The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by officials appointed by Rome. - These provinces facilitated efficient governance and better resource management. Taxation System: - Provinces were subjected to taxation, which was essential for funding the central government, military, and public works. Key Cities as Foundations of the Imperial System Carthage: A major trade hub on the Mediterranean, contributing significantly to the empire's wealth through commerce. Alexandria: A center of learning and culture, strategically important for trade and military presence. Antioch: An administrative and military center connecting the eastern and western parts of the empire.

12. Role of Major Cities in Tax Collection: - The government collected taxes from the provincial countryside through these key cities. - These cities served as central points for economic activities and tax collection, thereby generating much of the empire's wealth. Involvement of the Local Upper Class: - The local upper class actively collaborated with the Roman state in administering their territories. - They played a crucial role in collecting taxes from their regions, facilitating efficient governance and revenue generation for the empire. 1 denarius contained about 4.5 grams of pure silver. 5.4 million denarii would be 5,400,000 * 4.5 grams = 24,300,000 grams of silver .

13. Summary of the Roman Empire in the Late First to Early Third Centuries 1. Integration of the Provinces: Citizenship, previously limited to Italians, began to spread to residents of the provinces. This led to increased participation of provincial people in the Roman army and administration. 2. Decline of Italian Dominance: The rise of wealthy, urbanized provinces, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, challenged the traditional political and economic dominance of Italy. This shift is reflected in the Senate, where provincial senators gradually outnumbered Italian senators by the third century. 3. The Role of Cities: The passage defines a Roman city as an urban center with its own governing structure and surrounding territory under its jurisdiction. Villages could be incorporated into a city's territory or become cities themselves, sometimes as a reward from the emperor. 4. Advantages of City Life: Cities offered a crucial advantage of better food security compared to rural areas during times of scarcity. Overall, the passage highlights a gradual shift within the Roman Empire: a decline in Italy's dominance and a rise in the power and influence of the provinces. This process is seen in the changing demographics of the military and administration, the growing importance of provincial elites, and the advantages associated with urban life.