Last of Them All

After not having class for almost a week, we took a test! It's so exciting I know, especially because it was the last one before exams. Although I am glad we don't have to take anymore tests, I am dreading studying all week for final exams next week. Fun stuff!

The Importance of the Fall of Rome

The process of decline took place in three stages. First, there was a long time of turmoil known as the "crisis of the third century". During these years, the empire was beset by economic, military, and political problems.

Economic Decay:

Trade was disrupted by barbarian raids and by bands of pirates on Mediterranean sea lanes. Trade flowed over routes patrolled by Roman navies and armies. Treasuries were enriched by gold and silver collected as plunder; and the farms grew enough food to feed the population of the cities.

Inflation: increase in prices rapidly

Military Decay:

Tribes of northern barbarians called Goths repeatedly overran the legions guarding the Danube frontier. Asia minor was threatened by Persia. Roman soldiers now fought strictly for money, not for patriotism. They began to recruit barbarians who would accept lower pay. Loyalty in the barbarians was hard to find.

Political Decay:

 Political office had once been considered an honor. In the 200's, political leaders began to loose money because they usually lost money because they were required to pay for costly circuses and baths out of their own money.

*DIOCLETIAN*:

A.D. 284, Diocletian, an army leader and son of a slave, became emperor.        

• In A.D. 476, a barbarian king took over the rule of Rome

OUTDOORS

We went outside for class today! I don't think it was the best idea though. We had bugs and geese and apparently it was funny because the story was told to the others classes of the day. Using Roman government we looked at similarities and differences in theirs and our government. America is a lot like Rome.    

Empire or Republic?

After the world's easiest test on the Roman Empire's Emperors, we were told about a 'project' to do. We had to write about the Roman Republic and Empire. I'm almost finished! It'll be good to get it out of the way!

Religion in Ancient Rome

Christianity and Judaism- monotheistic

Romans had many gods, plus at times the emperor was viewed as one

AD 66: group of Jews called the Zealots tried to rebel, but roman troops put them down and burned their temple(except for the western wall).

Romans were harsh toward those who would not worship the emperor

Especially Christians, who were viewed as followers of a new, upstart religion (cult)

Often used for 'entertainment' purposes in the colosseum (thrown to the lions, etc..)

Despite the oppression, Christianity grew quickly- by AD 200, around 10% of the people in the Roman empire were Christians.

Roman VS Modern Time

Today we reviewed what we learned about the Roman Emperors. This slowly turned into a discussion that compared roman times and modern times.

Emperor's of Rome

Tiberius:

Was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD.  His mother divorced his father and was remarried to Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian. Tiberius would later marry Augustus' daughter Julia. He officially became a Julian, bearing the name Tiberius Julius Caesar. Tiberius was the stepson of Augustus and great-uncle of Caligula. Tiberius was one of Rome's greatest generals. He came to be remembered as a dark and somber ruler who never really desired to be emperor; Tiberius is considered to have lacked the political ability of his predecessor Augustus and was a jealous emperor; particularly distrustful of his popular general Germanicus. After the death of Tiberius’ son Drusus Julius Caesar in 23, the quality of his rule declined and ended in a terror. In 26, against better judgment, Tiberius exiled himself from Rome. Caligula, Tiberius' grand-nephew and adopted grandson, succeeded the emperor after his death.

Caligula:

Was Roman Emperor from 37 to 41. Caligula's father Germanicus, the nephew and adopted son of emperor Tiberius, was a very successful general and one of Rome's most beloved public figures. The young Gaius earned the nickname Caligula (meaning "little soldier's boot") from his father's soldiers while accompanying him during his campaigns in Germania. Caligula accepted the invitation to join the emperor on the island of Capri in 31. At the death of Tiberius in 37, Caligula succeeded his great-uncle and adoptive grandfather. Although he is described as a noble and moderate ruler during the first two years of his rule. After this, his cruelty and extravagance presented him as an insane tyrant. Caligula worked to increase the authority of the emperor. In early 41, Caligula was assassinated as the result of a conspiracy involving officers of the Praetorian Guard, as well as members of the Roman Senate and of the imperial court. On the same day, the Praetorian Guard declared Caligula's uncle Claudius emperor in his place.

Claudius:

Was Roman Emperor from 41 to 54 and was the first emperor to be born outside Italy. Afflicted with a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at a young age, his family excluded him from the public until his nephew Caligula died in 37. Claudius probably saved himself from the fate of many other nobles during the purges of Tiberius' and Caligula's reigns. His survival led to his being declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, at which point he was the last adult male of his family.

Despite his lack of experience, Claudius proved to be an able and efficient emperor. He began the conquest of Britain. However, he was seen as vulnerable throughout his reign. Claudius was constantly forced to give up his position; this resulted in the deaths of many senators. These events damaged his reputation among the ancient writers, though more recent historians have revised this opinion. After his death in 54, his grand-nephew and adopted son Nero succeeded him as emperor.