Julius Caesar and Punic Wars

500 Years of Expansion 1st Period 509-264 BCE 2nd Period 264-246 BCE 3rd Period 145 BCE – 44 CE 4th Period 44-14 CE 2nd of Expansion: The Punic Wars • Rome’s biggest enemy: Carthage (North Africa) • 3 Major Wars: The Punic Wars 1 Winner: Rome TKO: The fight for Sicily is won by the strong Roman fleet. 3 2 Winner: Rome TKO: Rome burns Carthage to the ground Winner: Carthage TKO: Hannibal brings Elephants to the Alps! How do we know what happened? 3rd Period of Expansion • Rome rules entire Mediterranean World: the sea is nicknamed “mare nostrum,” or our sea • Controlled Asia Minor, Egypt, Syria • Roman general Julius Caesar conquered Gaul (Spain) • Trouble in Rome, Sweet Home! • Civil Wars divided the city – generals became dictators • Caesar’s triumvirate: a trio of powerful individuals 4th Period of Expansion: The First Emperor! • Caesar assassinated: why? • The men who killed Caesar thought they were saving the power of the Senate • Caesar’s grandnephew, Octavian, seized power • The Senate named him Augustus, meaning “honored one”  Rome is officially an empire with one supreme ruler 4th period of Expansion: The First Emperor! • Augustus • Pushed empire to natural boundaries (rivers, seas) • Easier to defend Julius Caesar • Military hero who made reforms, or changes to help society in Rome • Member of a triumvirate, a political alliance of three, with Crassus and Pompey • Roman Senate chooses Pompey as consul and orders Caesar to give up command of legions POMPEY CRASSUS X Dies in battle Senate chooses Pompey to be Consul CAESAR My army is stronger than yours…it’s on! Caesar’s Rise • Caesar’s army was loyal to him • Challenged Pompey and marched his armies into Rome – essentially declaring a Civil War • “Crossing the Rubicon” – making a decision you cannot take back Caesar in Power • 44 BCE – Caesar declares himself dictator for life • Filled Senate with loyal, new members • Reformed Society • Granted citizenship to people living in Rome’s territories – treated his old enemies with generosity • Started new colonies to provide land for the landless • Created work for jobless Romans • Ordered landowners to hire free workers instead of slaves • Created a new calendar (12 mos., 365 days, a leap year!) • Brought order and peace to Rome Caesar’s Demise • Caesar had many supporters, but also had enemies • Opponents led by Senators Brutus and Cassius • March 15th, 44 BCE “Beware the Ides of March!” • Feared that Caesar was more like a king • Stabbed…in the Forum?