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An empire is a political system in which a group of people are ruled by a single individual, an emperor or empress.The Roman Empire began with the reign of Emperor Augustus. The power of the Senate was limited and became an organ to support the emperor. The period between Augustus and Diocletian is called High Empire, while the Low Empire is the era between Diocletian and the fall of the. Three Periods in Roman History. Rome as a Kingdom. The Etruscans. Horatius at the Bridge. Rome as a Republic. Comparison, US and Roman Republic Governments. Crime and Justice. Republic Fails. Rome as an Empire. Overview of Roman Government. Status of Women. Two Roman Empires.
The Roman government (in its entire history from founding to fall) was a strange mix of a democracy and a republic. An interesting fact is that the people of Rome took many of their ideas of government from the Ancient Greeks.The Roman state was described as the republic (respublica) and its consuls, or chief magistrates, continued to be appointed even after the establishment of one-man rule under the empire, but in its pure form it lasted only until the beginning of the first century B.C.At the creation of the republic, supreme power probably resided with a popular assembly, but early on the Senate became very influential, and the traditional formula, which survived for centuries, was S.P.Q.R. Senatus Populusque Romanus - the Roman Senate and People acting together.Since the Ancient Romans did not want one man to make all of the laws, they decided to balance the power of the government between three branches, there was first the executive branch, then the legislative branch, and finally the judicial branch.
Senators infighting caused the breakdown of Roman orderTwo thousand years ago, the world was ruled by Rome, but Rome could not rule itself. It took two men to wrestle Rome back from chaos and turn a republic into an empire.In the first century BC, Rome was a republic. Power lay in the hands of the Senate, elected by Roman citizens. But the were fighting for power between themselves.
Order had given way to anarchy and only might was right.Dirty politicswas convinced something had to change. Rising through the political ranks, he eventually became governor of Gaul.
This gave him the chance to make lots of money, while his abilities as a general brought him power and respect.By 50 BC, Caesar had made many powerful enemies. With his life under threat, he invaded Italy. Over the next few years, he defeated his enemies and seized power for himself.But his rule would be brief.
After just two years, he was murdered by senators who were fed up with his autocratic style. Rome was again threatened with chaos.New kid on the blockEnter, Caesar's nephew and heir.
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An ambitious man from an average family, this was Augustus' big chance. With his ally, Marc Antony, he fought and killed Caesar's old enemies.
Victorious, he divided the spoils: Augustus took Rome and Antony got Egypt.The peace did not last long. Antony was quickly seduced by Egypt's queen, Cleopatra. Augustus suspected that the two wanted Rome for themselves. Before they could threaten him, Augustus attacked.Run like an EgyptianThe Battle of Actium was a huge victory. Around three-quarters of the Egyptian fleet were destroyed and both Antony and committed suicide before they could be captured.In Rome, Augustus was a hero. In 31 BC, he became Rome's first emperor. The transformation from republic to empire was complete.Where to next:Emperors -Enemies and Rebels -Related Links: © 2006 Devillier Donegan Enterprises.
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