1. The Roman Empire
a) The traditional date for the founding of what eventually became the Roman empire is 753 B.C. This is the year, according to legend, that Romulus and Remus founded the city of Rome (also known as the Eternal City and the City of Seven Hills).
b) The Roman Republic began after the overthrow of the monarchy around 509 B.C. Two consuls, advised by the Senate, governed the Republic from its creation to about 27 B.C. The election of consuls took place annually. During this period a constitution gradually developed, based upon a separation of powers and a system of checks and balances within the government. Public offices during this era were generally limited to one year so that no single person could control and dominate the people.
2. Becoming a world power
a) The date of the Republic's transition to the Roman Empire is a subject of disagreement among historians, scholars and others. Some believe the change took place in 44 B.C. when Julius Caesar became perpetual dictator. Others believe the transition occurred at the defeat of Mark Antony at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C. or when the Senate granted extraordinary powers to Octavian (Augustus) in 27 B.C. The first true Roman Emperor is Augustus Caesar, who ruled from 27 B.C. to 14 A.D. After his reign came that of Tiberius (14 to 37 A.D.), Caligula (37 to 41 A.D.), Claudius (41 A.D. to 54 A.D.), and Nero (54 to 68 A.D.).
b) After the death of Nero, until the end of the first century, the empire was reigned by Galba (68 to 69), Otho (69), Vitellius (69), the Vespasian (69 to 79). After Vespasian General Titus became emperor. Titus was the man who led a campaign against Judea and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in 70 A.D. Domitian followed him as Emperor in 81 A.D. Emperor Domitian exiled the apostle John to the Island of Patmos in 95 A.D. Following him as ruler is Nerva (96 to 98) and Trajan (98 to 117).
3. The Year of Four Emperors
a) After the death of Nero, around May of 68, Rome entered a short period of chaos and civil war known as the 'Year of Four Emperors.' In this period, four Roman emperors would rule in quick succession. Galba reigned from June 68 A.D. to his murder by Praetorian guards in January 69 A.D. Otho then came to power and lasted only until he committed suicide in April 69 after losing a battle. Vitellius then took the reins of power but he too, like Galba, was murdered. After Vitellius' death, the Senate declared Vespasian Emperor on December 20th of 69.
The End ... |
Comments
Post a Comment