In 27 BC, Octavian became known as Augustus, which means "venerable".
First, he eliminated his enemies and pacified the situation starting the Pax Romanaperiod. Then, he introduced
a new form of government: the Empire.
Augustus was the first emperor of Rome. He presided over the senate, he
was the head of the army and also the highest religious leader. He directed foreign policy, dictated laws and decided upon taxes. The institutions of the
Republic and the Senate continued to exist but under the control of the
emperor.
During Pax Romana (1st and 2nd century AD), the Roman Empire reached its peak with emperors such as
Claudius, Vespasian, Trajan and Marcus Aurelius.
Watch this video to find out more interesting things about Pax Romana. Then do the true-false exercise below.
Now it's your turn
Augustus did not retain many of the forms of the old Republic.
True.
False.
Incorrect. He did it while concetrating power in his own hands.
Correct. He did it while concetrating power in his own hands.
However, he did not do the every day tasks of running the government.
True.
False.
Correct. He trusted a group of efficient civil servants to do it.
Incorrect. He trusted a group of efficient civil servants to do it.
The consequence of this was that he had more time to do all the necessary reforms.
True.
False.
Correct. He focused on improving and strengthening the empire.
Incorrect. He focused on improving and strengthening the empire.
The fresh water supply was not guaranteed.
True.
False.
Incorrect. The Roman emperors erected aqueducts for this purpose.
Correct. The Roman emperors erected aqueducts for this purpose.
Did the inhabitants of the provinces enjoy more rights?
True.
False.
Correct. Not only rights, they had better connections by road (viae).
Incorrect. Not only rights, they had better connections by road (viae).
The motto panem et circenses ("bread and circuses") summarizes quite well what emperors did to make people happy.
True.
False.
Correct. They gave them free food and lavish entertainment to suppress any discontent.
Incorrect. They gave them free food and lavish entertainment to suppress any discontent.
One emperor demanded that people address him as a god.
True.
False.
Correct. Emperor Caligula did.
Incorrect. Emperor Caligula did.
A horse was appointed to a high government post.
True.
False.
Correct. It is said that Caligula appointed his horse Incitatus for consul and priest.
Incorrect. It is said that Caligula appointed his horse Incitatus for consul and priest.
The Christians set fire to Rome.
True.
False.
Incorrect. It is said that Emperor Nero did it and he accused the Christians of having done it.
Correct. It is said that Emperor Nero did it and he accused the Christians of having done it.
Despite these abuses, the Roman Empire prospered for 100 years.
True.
False.
Incorrect. It had 200 years of prosperity.
Correct. It had 200 years of prosperity.
This period was called Pax Romana.
True.
False.
Correct. The Latin motto means "Roman peace".
Incorrect. The Latin motto means "Roman peace".
The Europeans have enjoyed several periods as long and prosperous as Pax Romana.
True.
False.
Incorrect. Pax Romana is the longest period of prosperity the Europeans have ever enjoyed.
Correct. Pax Romana is the longest period of prosperity the Europeans have ever enjoyed.
The Romans introduced Romanisation into the conquered territories to
make them assimilate the Roman culture. The instruments of Romanisation were:
- the towns - the army - the Latin language - the roads (viae)
- the worship of the Emperor.
Activity: Omnes Viae
It is said that "All roads lead to Rome", but
was it really true? Have you ever tested this popular motto? Do it now with this awesome tool: Omnes Viae, Roman Routeplanner.
You might like to listen to this song while doing the activity.
Activity: Roman Emperors
This crossword puzzle contains the names of the most relevant Roman emperors. Just click on the numbers to get the definitions (text, voice or images).
Now it's your turn
