What Happened in the roman empire?
- There were two periods of Roman government.
- Roman Republic
- 509 BCE-30 BCE
- Roman Empire
- 30 BCE-476 CE
- Rome technically had an “empire” under the Roman Republic.
- But the term “Roman Empire” refers to the time period, beginning with Augustus, when Rome was ruled by emperors.
Octavian becomes emperor
- Octavian was sole ruler of Rome after his forces defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium
- The Senate gave him the name “Augustus,” meaning “most high”
- 23 BCE – Octavian, now referred to as Augustus, was made consul for life by the Senate
- Also made “Princeps,” meaning “first citizen”
- Origin of the word “prince”
- Also made “Imperator,” meaning “successful general”
- Origin of the word “emperor”
- Also made “Pontifex Maximus,” or “chief religious leader
- Origin of the word “pontiff” (used to describe the pope today)