Roman Governance in Action

Laws and the Emperors

Laws Early laws were not written down

Lots of problems 12 Tables

Like a constitution Many crimes; murder, robbery, kidnapping,

tomb robbing, and adultery were punishable by death.

More minor crimes- flogging, severed hand Roman law influenced our law

Question... What are the basic rights that you expect as a

Canadian? What do you think of the Roman 12 tables? Why do you think that those types of things

were important to Romans?

Roman Emperors

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Ides of March

Augustus 27 BC to 14 AD Recognized as first

emperor Built roads across the

empire One of the first

“emperor gods” Huge Roman

territory expansion Made police service,

fire fighters, professional army

Tiberius 14 AD to 37 AD He and Augustus’ wife

Livia possibly poisoned Augustus

Started reign good, got worse over time

Moved far away, had many wild parties

Had many people who didn’t like him killed, Including his neice and

her children, and his best friend

Caligula 37 AD to 41 AD “Little Boots” Started off good, became ill,

got CRAZY! Invade Britain- Collect

seashells Declared himself a god

Ran through streets dressed as Venus, Bacchus, or Apollo

Loved horse. Gave it consulship. Horse invited people over for

parties Spent all of Rome’s money

Killed richest people, stole their money.

Assassinated. Hated.

Claudius 41 AD 54 AD Emperor by military Hiding behind curtain

shivering Limp, speech

impediment, sickly First to expand

empire since Augustus (Britain)

Poisoned by wife with mushrooms.

Nero 54 AD to 68 AD Emperor at 16 Started good, got bad Great fire

Arson? Lyre and dancing Blamed Christians. Killed

them in horrible ways Mother wanted him

out, put her out to sea on sinking boat. Terminator mother

Military dethroned him Committed suicide

Year of the Four Emperors 68 AD to 69 AD Lots of wars and

strife Galba, Otho, Vitellus,

and then Vespasian

Titus 79 AD to 81 AD; Domitian 81 AD to 96 AD

Titus Domitian

“The 5 Good Emperors”

It’s Not All Bad!!!

Nerva 96 AD to 98 AD Lowered taxes Very cautious with

wars and diplomacy Not much happened

during his reign A good thing!

Trajan 98 AD to 117 AD Lived free of vice Built public schools

so the poor could be educated

Built many buildings Strictly followed the

laws More conquests:

Empire at its largest

Hadrian 117 AD to 138 AD Put on many games,

gladiatorial shows Made donations to

poor Cancelled unpaid

debts Travelled all over

empire, really wanted to govern well

Reluctant to get into wars

Antoninus Pius Lots of funding for

public works: schools, roads, etc. No war

Super laid back, loved his subjects.

Marcus Aurelius Philosopher

Thought about everything very carefully

Main focus was on the senate and legislating Also fought revolts in

Parthia Old man, very

peaceful

Question... Do you think Rome is better off with emperors

or just being governed by the 12 tables?