31 B.C. Octavian defeated Antony

Octavian (Augustus) r. 31 B.C. - 14 A.D.

• Pax Romana, "Roman Peace" 31 B.C. - 180 A.D.
• accorded the title "Augustus": eminent, distinguished, important; therefore, we refer to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus as Augustus Caesar
• Princeps, First citizen; "Augustan Principate", Augustus's Regime

Augustan Policies:

1. Augustus held one or more of the old republican magistracies, but he permitted regular elections to be held. (appeared to share power with others, seemingly)
2. Augustus retained control of the richest and the most militarily insecure provinces. (army and money)

Augustus named Tiberius as his heir.

Tiberius Ruled 14-37 A.D. orderly succession of power which was a seismic achievement

14-68 A.D. Rome ruled by the Julio-Claudian family (direct or indirect family member of Julius Caesar and Augustus)

• Tiberius (14-37)
• Caligula (37-41)
• Claudius (41-54)
• Nero (54-68)

Rome Empire conquered Britain.

68-69 A.D. A year of civil war

69-96 A.D. The Flavian Dynasty

• Vespasian (69-79)
• Titus (79-81)
• Domitian (81-96)

96-180 A.D. The Five Good emperors

• Nerva (96-98)
• Trajan (98-117)
• Hadrian (117-138)
• Antoninus Pius (138-161)
• Marcus Aurelius (161-180)

The empire reached its greatest extent in territory (conquered Dacia, roughly Romania)

Edward Gibbon 1737-1794

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Tacitus, Historian, 56-120

"The Romans made a great dessert and called it peace"; the army could make and unmake an emperor; defensive imperialism, just war; partnership between the emperors and the senatorial; Roman Republic was gone

Roman Benefits:

1. An enormous free trade zone
2. Provincials accorded protection
3. Roman Law
4. A vast system of roads
5. Urban amenities and public buildings, such as theaters, bath houses and forum