Why did Civil War break out in
Rome?
Difference started to grow larger between the rich and the poor. Some
reformers attempted to give land to the poor, but the wealthy Romans in the
Senate were threatened by that, and had the reformers killed. As this was
happening, Roman generals who were conquering land were becoming
power hungry. As armies grew, people’s loyalty shifted from the Republic to
the generals. Civil war finally breaks out between a general named Sulla,
who was backed by the Patricians, and a general named Marius, who was
backed by the Plebeians. Sulla was victorious and became a dictator.
Describe how Julius Caesar won
fame and fortune.
Caesar was one of Rome’s great generals. His
military campaigns gained land in Gaul and
brought more wealth to Rome. These victories
brought with it the fame and fortune.
Describe why Caesar was
popular with the plebeians.
Caesar used politics to help make reforms for the
common people of Rome. Along with that, Caesar’s
military fame led to his popularity. Roman people
loved successful generals that brought glory to Rome.
Who was Cicero and why did he
distrust Caesar?
Cicero was a patrician Senator, and was known as
one of the greatest speakers in Roman history.
He was a strong supporter of the republic and
believed that Caesar had a great desire for power.
Describe some of the reforms made
by Caesar while dictator of Rome.
Caesar expanded the Senate. He
created jobs for the poor and
enforced laws against crimes.
Why do you think Caesar was
assassinated in 44 B.C.?
Answers will vary.
In 44 B.C. a group of Roman senators led a conspiracy to
assassinate Caesar. All who were involved were eventually killed
or killed themselves. Most people believe the senators
responsible killed Caesar because of how powerful he was, and
because that power was not representative of the ideals
established by the Roman Republic.
Who was Octavian and what
name did he eventually take?
Octavian was the nephew, and adopted son of Julius
Caesar. After another Roman Civil War, Octavian
became the unchallenged ruler of Rome. He took the
name Augustus, which means “exalted one”. He was
Rome’s first emperor in 27 B.C.
Describe some of the things that
Augustus did during his time as the
first emperor of Rome.
Augustus restored some of the Roman republic aspects, but
still had power over all. He was able to bring all the
provinces under control. Augustus also created the Roman
civil service, which collected taxes and managed grain supply.
Lastly, Augustus rebuilt and beautified Rome.
What was the Pax Romana? How
long did it last? How large did the
empire become during this time?
The Pax Romana was a period of Roman peace that
lasted for almost 200 years. The empire grew to its
largest size, two million square miles.
Describe how agriculture and trade
helped the Roman Empire.
Farming was the basis for the economy. Industry, such as
pottery, metal and glass grew. Foods like wine, olive oil
were also produced. These items were traded throughout
the Mediterranean as well as other parts of the world. This
trade allowed Rome to gain valuables that were not
produced at home such as gold, silk and ivory.
Why did the division between rich
and poor become deeper during the
Pax Romana?
The expanding economy really only
benefited those in Rome who were
already wealthy.
Who do you think was more
influential? Caesar or Augustus?
Answers will vary.