For a time ancient Rome was the first Republic. Roman citizens were able to vote for elected officials. As time past and the empire expanded Julius Caesar would name himself dictator of Rome. The Republic was no more. For several hundred years various Caesars (or emperors) would rule the empire. Some would increase Rome’s power and greatness, others not so much.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar was a Roman general and politician who lived during the first century BCE. He is one of the most famous historical figures in the world. Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE by a group of senators. This event led to a series of civil wars that resulted in the rise of the Roman Empire.
Caesar was born into a noble family in Rome, and he quickly rose through the ranks of the military. He became governor of Gaul (modern-day France) in 58 BCE, and he led his troops to victory against several barbarian (non-Roman) tribes.
Caesar then invaded Britain in 55 BCE, but he was forced to withdraw due to bad weather.
As he gained more power Julius also gained more enemies, especially in the Senate. He believed the only way to protect himself was to seize power over Rome.
In 54 BCE, he crossed the Rubicon River in northeastern Italy, marched his army to the city of Rome, and defeated Pompey, another Roman general who was an ally turned rival.
Caesar then became the ruler of Rome, and he began to make several reforms. He increased the size of the Roman Senate, gave citizenship to many people living outside of Rome, and built several public works projects.
Caesar also formed an alliance with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt. In 46 BCE, he invaded Greece and defeated Pompey’s sons at the Battle of Pharsalus.
Caesar was assassinated on March 15, 44 BCE by a group of senators afraid of his power. His assassination led to a series of civil wars that eventually resulted in the rise of the Roman Empire.
Caesar’s nephew, Octavian, was the first emperor of Rome, and he is known as Augustus. Under Augustus, Rome became a great empire that ruled over much of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Octavius aka Augustus
Octavius was the first emperor of Rome. He was born into a wealthy and powerful family, and he rose to prominence through his military accomplishments. He was a skilled general and politician and played a key role in the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire.
Under his rule, Rome became one of the most powerful empires in the world.
Octavius became known as Augustus after he was given the title of Princeps by the Senate. Augustus was the first emperor of Rome, and he ruled for over 40 years. During his reign, Augustus reformed the Roman government, expanded the empire, and patronized the arts.
He also initiated a series of military campaigns that helped to consolidate Rome’s position as a major world power.
Augustus is best known for his role in the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.” The Pax Romana was a period of peace and prosperity that lasted for over 200 years.
Augustus was a skilled military commander, and he initiated a series of campaigns that helped to expand the Roman Empire. In addition, Augustus reformed the Roman government and established new laws that contributed to the stability and prosperity of the empire.
The Pax Romana was a golden age for Rome, and it was during this time that the city became one of the most advanced civilizations in the world. Augustus played a crucial role in making this possible, and his reign is considered one of the most significant periods in Roman history.
Octavius was assassinated in CE 14 by his bodyguard, Marcus Brutus. His death sparked a period of chaos and conflict known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Octavius was one of the most significant figures in Roman history, and his reign was a turning point for the empire.
Caligula
Caligula was a Roman emperor who ruled from 37 to 41 CE. He is known for his tyrannical (dictatorial) rule and for his outrageous actions, which earned him the nickname “the mad emperor.” Caligula was assassinated by his own guards in 41 CE.
During his reign, Caligula made several changes to Roman law and government. He also ordered the construction of several lavish temples and monuments. However, it was his personal life and behavior that earned him infamy.
Caligula was married three times and is rumored to have had affairs with many other women. He was even said to have had an inappropriate relationship with his sister, Drusilla.
In addition to his sexual exploits, Caligula was known for his cruelty and violence. He ordered the execution of many Roman citizens and even had his own mother and brother killed.
Examples of Caligula’s cruelty include ordering a man to be eaten by lions and forcing another man to watch as his family was executed.
Strange behavior of Caligula included declaring himself a god, ordering the construction of a bridge between his palace and Rome so that he could be carried across on a litter (carriage without wheels), and commissioning a set of statues of himself made from gold. Caligula’s horse, Incitatus, was given a marble stall, an ivory manger, and purple blankets. He planned to make his horse a consul (political leader) in the Roman empire.
Caligula is considered one of the most notorious rulers in history. His short reign was marked by terror and bloodshed. However, some historians believe that Caligula’s actions were not entirely unprovoked and that he was largely a product of the chaotic and unstable times in which he lived.
Despite his short reign, Caligula left a lasting mark on Rome. His rule was characterized by extravagance, debauchery (indecency), and bloodshed. He remains one of the most infamous rulers in Roman history.
Vespasian
Vespasian was a great emperor who accomplished many things during his reign. One of his main accomplishments was to bring peace and stability to the Roman Empire after the chaos of the Civil War.
He also reformed the government and economy, which helped to make Rome a prosperous empire. However, Vespasian faced many challenges during his reign, such as natural disasters and rebellions. Overall, he was a successful emperor who left a lasting legacy.
Specific challenges during Vespasian’s rule was the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE, and the Jewish Revolt led by Simon bar Giora and John of Gischala which broke out in Judea in 66 CE.
The revolt spread to Syria, Egypt, and Greece, and caused great damage to Roman provinces and cities. In 70 CE, the Romans crushed the rebellion and destroyed the city of Jerusalem. This was a huge blow to the Jews, who had been living there for centuries.
Vespasian also faced economic challenges due to the high cost of maintaining such a large empire. He taxed the people heavily, which caused some unrest.
He also enjoyed many accomplishments such as the construction of the Colosseum, the Flavian Palace, and the Temple of Peace. He also reformed the government and economy, which helped to make Rome a prosperous empire.
Vespasian was a great emperor who accomplished many things during his reign. One of his main accomplishments was to bring peace and stability to the Roman Empire after the chaos of the Civil War. He also reformed the government and economy, which helped to make Rome a prosperous empire.
Overall, Vespasian was a successful emperor who left a lasting legacy. He is remembered for his accomplishments in peace and stability, reform, and public works. Even though he faced many challenges during his reign, Vespasian was able to overcome them and leave a positive mark on history.
