Marmoream relinquo, quam latericiam accepi. The Julio-Claudian Emperors.

Marmoream Marmoream relinquo, quam relinquo, quam

latericiam latericiam accepiaccepi

The Julio-Claudian Emperors

From Republic to EmpireFrom Republic to Empire

Imperial expansion brought wealth to Rome, Imperial expansion brought wealth to Rome, but the wealth was unequally distributed but the wealth was unequally distributed which aggravated class tensionswhich aggravated class tensions Conflicts arose over political and social policiesConflicts arose over political and social policies Optimates and PopularesOptimates and Populares During the 1During the 1stst Century B.C. and the 1 Century B.C. and the 1stst Century Century

A.D., Roman civil and military leaders will A.D., Roman civil and military leaders will gradually dismantle the republican constitution gradually dismantle the republican constitution and replace it with a centralized imperial form of and replace it with a centralized imperial form of governmentgovernment

Marius, Sulla, 1Marius, Sulla, 1stst Triumvirate, 2 Triumvirate, 2ndnd Triumvirate Triumvirate

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar Caesar centralized military and political functions Caesar centralized military and political functions

and brought them under his controland brought them under his control He confiscated property from conservatives and He confiscated property from conservatives and

distributed it among veterans of his distributed it among veterans of his

army and other supportersarmy and other supporters He launched large scale building He launched large scale building

projects to provide employment forprojects to provide employment for

the poorthe poor He extended Roman citizenshipHe extended Roman citizenship

to people in the imperial provincesto people in the imperial provinces

Julius CaesarJulius Caesar But Caesar’s reforms But Caesar’s reforms

alienated many of alienated many of Rome’s elite who Rome’s elite who considered him a tyrantconsidered him a tyrant In 44 B.C. they In 44 B.C. they

assassinated himassassinated him However it was too late However it was too late

to return to the old to return to the old conservative ways and conservative ways and a new round of civil a new round of civil crisis ensued for crisis ensued for thirteen yearsthirteen years Octavian emerged in Octavian emerged in

powerpower

OctavianOctavian Octavian was a Octavian was a

nephew, nephew, protégé, and protégé, and adopted son of adopted son of Julius CaesarJulius Caesar

He defeated his He defeated his principal rival, principal rival, Mark Anthony, Mark Anthony, and Anthony’s and Anthony’s ally Cleopatra at ally Cleopatra at Actium, Greece Actium, Greece in 31 B.C.in 31 B.C.

Anthony and Cleopatra by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema

OctavianOctavian Octavian centralized political Octavian centralized political

and military power like Julius and military power like Julius Caesar did, Caesar did,

but he was careful to but he was careful to preserve traditional preserve traditional republican offices and forms republican offices and forms of government of government

and included members of the and included members of the Roman elite in his Roman elite in his governmentgovernment

Octavian Octavian Octavian called himself Octavian called himself

"princeps," or "first" "princeps," or "first" (from which we get the (from which we get the

word, "prince"); word, "prince"); his full title that he his full title that he

assumed was "first assumed was "first among equals." among equals."

So, in language at least, So, in language at least, nothing had really nothing had really changed in Roman changed in Roman freedom and equality.freedom and equality.

His successors, His successors, however, would however, would name themselves name themselves after their power,after their power, the "imperium," the "imperium," and called and called

themselves themselves "imperator.""imperator."

Where we get Where we get Emperor. Emperor.

Government under OctavianGovernment under Octavian

He radically reformed the governmentHe radically reformed the government to curb corruption and ambition;to curb corruption and ambition; he also extended Roman citizenship to he also extended Roman citizenship to

all Italians. all Italians. he allowed elections to public office, he allowed elections to public office,

he rigged those elections so that only the he rigged those elections so that only the best candidates would fill the office, best candidates would fill the office,

and so many members of the lower classes and so many members of the lower classes entered into government. entered into government.

AugustusAugustus Octavian built massive roads bridges, Octavian built massive roads bridges,

government buildings, and huge public baths. government buildings, and huge public baths. He said,He said, Marmoream relinquo, quam latericiam Marmoream relinquo, quam latericiam

accepiaccepi ““I left Rome a city of marble, though I found it a city of I left Rome a city of marble, though I found it a city of

bricks.” bricks.” The Roman people awarded Octavian with the The Roman people awarded Octavian with the

title Augustus, title Augustus, ““respected one.” respected one.”

Many Romans deified Augustus after his death. Many Romans deified Augustus after his death. This means they worshipped him as a god.This means they worshipped him as a god.

Pax RomanaPax Romana

By stopping the civil wars, Augustus By stopping the civil wars, Augustus inaugurated an era known as inaugurated an era known as pax pax romana romana (“Roman peace”) which greatly (“Roman peace”) which greatly facilitated trade and communicationfacilitated trade and communication Lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.Lasted from 27 B.C. to 180 A.D.

Also included applying standards of Also included applying standards of justice and a basic code of law justice and a basic code of law throughout the empirethroughout the empire

AUGUSTUS (31 B.C. - 14 AUGUSTUS (31 B.C. - 14 A.D.)A.D.)

Augustus is arguably the single Augustus is arguably the single most important figure in most important figure in Roman history. Roman history.

Augustus ruled Rome for 41 Augustus ruled Rome for 41 years, years, though he did not call himself an though he did not call himself an

emperor. emperor. He was careful to not meet the He was careful to not meet the

same fate as his great uncle. same fate as his great uncle. Augustus was very respectful Augustus was very respectful

to the senators, to the senators, but the Senate knew he but the Senate knew he

controlled the army controlled the army and could do as he pleased. and could do as he pleased.

Tiberius 14-37 A.D. Tiberius 14-37 A.D. The reign of Tiberius is important The reign of Tiberius is important

because it was the first occasion because it was the first occasion when the powers designed for when the powers designed for Augustus alone were exercised by Augustus alone were exercised by somebody elsesomebody else

His reign abounds in contradictions. His reign abounds in contradictions. Despite his keen intelligence,Despite his keen intelligence,

he allowed himself to come under the he allowed himself to come under the influence of unscrupulous men who, as influence of unscrupulous men who, as much as any actions of his own, much as any actions of his own, ensured that Tiberius's reputation ensured that Tiberius's reputation would be unfavorable;would be unfavorable;

Despite his vast military Despite his vast military experience, experience, he oversaw the conquest of no new he oversaw the conquest of no new

region for the empire; region for the empire; despite his administrative abilities despite his administrative abilities

he showed such reluctance in running he showed such reluctance in running the state as to retire entirely from the state as to retire entirely from Rome and live out his last years in Rome and live out his last years in isolation on the island of Capri. isolation on the island of Capri.

Gaius 'Caligula' CaesarGaius 'Caligula' Caesar (A.D. 37-41)(A.D. 37-41)

Son of the deceased GermanicusSon of the deceased Germanicus Appointed heir of Tiberius by AugustusAppointed heir of Tiberius by Augustus

As a baby he accompanied his parents on As a baby he accompanied his parents on military campaigns in the north and was shown military campaigns in the north and was shown to the troops wearing a miniature soldier's to the troops wearing a miniature soldier's outfit, outfit,

including the hob-nailed sandal called including the hob-nailed sandal called caligacaliga, , whence the nickname by which posterity whence the nickname by which posterity remembers him.remembers him.

Loosely translated as “Little Boots”Loosely translated as “Little Boots” 25 years old when he takes power25 years old when he takes power Initially, the young Emperor's rule was very Initially, the young Emperor's rule was very

promising. promising. 'Gaius' was initially welcomed with great joy by 'Gaius' was initially welcomed with great joy by

both the masses and the Senate. both the masses and the Senate. Being the son of the once revered Germanicus Being the son of the once revered Germanicus

also brought the support of the Legions, an all also brought the support of the Legions, an all important factor to consider in imperial politics. important factor to consider in imperial politics.

His popularity, along with the now defined His popularity, along with the now defined tradition of Imperial rule, granted him freedom tradition of Imperial rule, granted him freedom of governing not known by either of his of governing not known by either of his predecessors. predecessors.

Caligula had the deepest admiration of the Roman Caligula had the deepest admiration of the Roman world, and faced little political adversity. world, and faced little political adversity.

Yet within four years he lay in a bloody heap in Yet within four years he lay in a bloody heap in a palace corridor, murdered by officers of the a palace corridor, murdered by officers of the very guard entrusted to protect him.very guard entrusted to protect him.

The Praetorian Guard The Praetorian Guard

What Went Wrong?What Went Wrong?

The ancient sources are practically The ancient sources are practically unanimous as to the cause of Gaius's unanimous as to the cause of Gaius's

downfall: downfall: he was insane.he was insane. The sources describe spending massive amounts of the royal The sources describe spending massive amounts of the royal

treasury on opulence and foolish endeverstreasury on opulence and foolish endevers the building of a pontoon bridge across the Bay at Baiae – so he the building of a pontoon bridge across the Bay at Baiae – so he

could ride across it!could ride across it! the entire reason for this grand display was that an astrologer once said, the entire reason for this grand display was that an astrologer once said,

"Gaius (Caligula) had no more chance of becoming emperor than of riding "Gaius (Caligula) had no more chance of becoming emperor than of riding about over the gulf of Baiae with horses." about over the gulf of Baiae with horses."

the plan to make his horse a consul. the plan to make his horse a consul. Caligula apparently shifted his focus to Britain. Caligula apparently shifted his focus to Britain.

But rather than actually cross to Britain to achieve his goals of But rather than actually cross to Britain to achieve his goals of conquest he simply marched the legions to shore in some sort of conquest he simply marched the legions to shore in some sort of show of strength.show of strength.

"Finally, as if he intended to bring the war to an end, he drew up a "Finally, as if he intended to bring the war to an end, he drew up a line of battle on the shore of the Ocean, arranging his ballistas and line of battle on the shore of the Ocean, arranging his ballistas and other artillery; and when no one knew or could imagine what he was other artillery; and when no one knew or could imagine what he was going to do, he suddenly bade them gather shells and fill their going to do, he suddenly bade them gather shells and fill their helmets and the folds of their gowns, calling them "spoils from the helmets and the folds of their gowns, calling them "spoils from the Ocean".Ocean".

Despite this complete waste of time and resources, Caligula Despite this complete waste of time and resources, Caligula demanded a triumph from the Senate, which of course was awarded. demanded a triumph from the Senate, which of course was awarded. Included in the complete mockery were Gauls dressed as Germans Included in the complete mockery were Gauls dressed as Germans and the spoils taken from the shore.and the spoils taken from the shore.

His reign highlighted an inherent weakness in the Augustan His reign highlighted an inherent weakness in the Augustan Principate, now openly revealed for what it wasPrincipate, now openly revealed for what it was

-- a raw monarchy in which only the self-discipline of the incumbent -- a raw monarchy in which only the self-discipline of the incumbent acted as a restraint on his behavior. acted as a restraint on his behavior.

That the only means of retiring the wayward That the only means of retiring the wayward princepsprinceps was was murder marked another important revelation: murder marked another important revelation:

Roman emperors could not relinquish their powers without Roman emperors could not relinquish their powers without simultaneously relinquishing their lives.simultaneously relinquishing their lives.

Claudius Caesar Augustus.Claudius Caesar Augustus. (41-54 A.D.)(41-54 A.D.)

In an age that despised weakness, Claudius was In an age that despised weakness, Claudius was unfortunate enough to have been born with unfortunate enough to have been born with defects. defects.

He limped, he drooled, he stuttered and was He limped, he drooled, he stuttered and was constantly ill. constantly ill.

His family members mistook these physical debilities His family members mistook these physical debilities as reflective of mental infirmity and generally kept as reflective of mental infirmity and generally kept him out of the public eye as an embarrassment.him out of the public eye as an embarrassment.

CaligulaCaligula, it seems, liked to use his bookish, frail , it seems, liked to use his bookish, frail uncle as the butt of cruel jokes and, in keeping with uncle as the butt of cruel jokes and, in keeping with this pattern of behavior, promoted him to a suffect this pattern of behavior, promoted him to a suffect consulship to be heir on 1 July 37 A.D consulship to be heir on 1 July 37 A.D

while the Senate perhaps sought a Republican while the Senate perhaps sought a Republican return, Claudius was taken to the safety of the return, Claudius was taken to the safety of the Praetorian camp. Praetorian camp.

Whatever intentions the Senate may have had, Whatever intentions the Senate may have had, without the loyalty of the legions and the without the loyalty of the legions and the Praetorians, their cause was doomed. Praetorians, their cause was doomed.

They had no choice but to hail Claudius as the next They had no choice but to hail Claudius as the next 'Caesar'. 'Caesar'.

Claudius's reign was a mixture of successes and Claudius's reign was a mixture of successes and failures that leads into the last phase of the Julio-failures that leads into the last phase of the Julio-Claudian line. Claudian line.

During his reign he promoted administrators who During his reign he promoted administrators who did not belong to the senatorial or equestrian did not belong to the senatorial or equestrian classes, and was later vilified by authors who did. classes, and was later vilified by authors who did.

Expansion: 38 – 43 AD/CEExpansion: 38 – 43 AD/CE He followed Caesar in carrying Roman arms He followed Caesar in carrying Roman arms

across the English Channel into Britain across the English Channel into Britain but, unlike his predecessor, he initiated the but, unlike his predecessor, he initiated the

full-scale annexation of Britain as a province, full-scale annexation of Britain as a province, which remains today the most closely studied which remains today the most closely studied

corner of the Roman Empire.corner of the Roman Empire. His relationships with his wives and children His relationships with his wives and children

provide detailed insights into the perennial provide detailed insights into the perennial difficulties of the succession problem faced difficulties of the succession problem faced by all Roman Emperors. by all Roman Emperors.

His 4His 4thth wife was the emperor's ambitious niece, wife was the emperor's ambitious niece, Agrippina the younger, sister of Caligula. Agrippina the younger, sister of Caligula.

She persuaded Claudius to adopt her son Nero She persuaded Claudius to adopt her son Nero as his own. as his own.

Claudius resisted the final steps to secure Claudius resisted the final steps to secure Nero as heir,Nero as heir,

and Agrippina, rather than wait him out, and Agrippina, rather than wait him out, decided to take matters into her own hands.decided to take matters into her own hands.

On October 13, AD 54, Claudius died while On October 13, AD 54, Claudius died while attending a feast. attending a feast.

Though the reports are conflicting all indicate Though the reports are conflicting all indicate that he was poisoned by tainted mushrooms that he was poisoned by tainted mushrooms

Nero, his step-son, and Britannicus, His son, Nero, his step-son, and Britannicus, His son, succeeded him. succeeded him.

Nero Claudius CaesarNero Claudius Caesar (54-68 A.D.) (54-68 A.D.) Nero was perhaps the most notorious emperor in Nero was perhaps the most notorious emperor in

Roman history. Roman history. Nero was only 16, when he ascended to the throne, Nero was only 16, when he ascended to the throne,

and his mother Agrippina controlled politics through and his mother Agrippina controlled politics through him (because women could not be tribunes or him (because women could not be tribunes or senators), until Nero was in his mid-20's. senators), until Nero was in his mid-20's. But then he decided he would rather rule on his But then he decided he would rather rule on his

own, and had his step-brother and mother killed. own, and had his step-brother and mother killed. Nero ruled the empire by day, but at night he Nero ruled the empire by day, but at night he

prowled the streets of Rome assaulting women.prowled the streets of Rome assaulting women. Nero took less interest in the governing of the Nero took less interest in the governing of the

Empire but seemed more interested in the Empire but seemed more interested in the pursuance of the arts. pursuance of the arts.

singing, acting and playing the harp. indulgences that singing, acting and playing the harp. indulgences that were considered fit for slaves. were considered fit for slaves.

He believed himself to be the greatest artist in He believed himself to be the greatest artist in the empire. Never before had a Roman Emperor the empire. Never before had a Roman Emperor appeared on a stage.appeared on a stage.

Many Roman nobles considered his Many Roman nobles considered his performances outrageous, but no one would risk performances outrageous, but no one would risk torture or death by criticizing him. torture or death by criticizing him.

Nero may be best known for how he Nero may be best known for how he handled the Great Fire at Rome in 64 AD. handled the Great Fire at Rome in 64 AD.

Some of the Romans said that Nero had Some of the Romans said that Nero had started the fire and had prevented it started the fire and had prevented it from being put out. from being put out.

Most of the six days during which the fire Most of the six days during which the fire lasted he spent in a high tower, enjoying lasted he spent in a high tower, enjoying the sight. the sight.

He played on his harp, sang merry songs, He played on his harp, sang merry songs, and recited verses about the burning of and recited verses about the burning of the ancient city of Troy. the ancient city of Troy.

People were blaming him for the fire, People were blaming him for the fire, so he rounded up a lot of Christians and so he rounded up a lot of Christians and

had them burned alive as if the fire was had them burned alive as if the fire was their fault. their fault.

Nero was also in charge for the executions Nero was also in charge for the executions of St. Peter and St. Paul (leading founders of St. Peter and St. Paul (leading founders of Christianity). of Christianity).

In AD67 he left Rome not to review his In AD67 he left Rome not to review his troops but to compete in Greek games, troops but to compete in Greek games,

and as a further slight had left a freedman, and as a further slight had left a freedman, Helius, in his place at Rome to govern in Helius, in his place at Rome to govern in his absence., his absence.,

As Nero toured Greece. He participated in As Nero toured Greece. He participated in many games and contests, always many games and contests, always finishing first. finishing first.

As Nero devoted himself to his artistic pursuits, he As Nero devoted himself to his artistic pursuits, he lost power. In AD68, Nero faced a revolt from his lost power. In AD68, Nero faced a revolt from his

soldiers.soldiers. In June, the Senate took In June, the Senate took

the initiative to rid itself the initiative to rid itself of Nero, declaring him of Nero, declaring him persona non gratapersona non grata..

The governor of Spain, The governor of Spain, Galba, revolted against Galba, revolted against him and marched his him and marched his army toward Rome. army toward Rome.

Galba was recognized Galba was recognized as emperor and as emperor and welcomed into the city welcomed into the city at the head of his at the head of his legionslegions

His guard claimed Nero His guard claimed Nero lamented, “What an lamented, “What an artist the world is artist the world is losing,” then stabbed losing,” then stabbed himself in the neck. himself in the neck.

69 AD…Year of the 4 69 AD…Year of the 4 EmperorsEmperors

January 1 – The Rhine legions refuse to swear loyalty to Galba January 1 – The Rhine legions refuse to swear loyalty to Galba January 2 – Vitellius acclaimed emperor by the Rhine January 2 – Vitellius acclaimed emperor by the Rhine January 15 – Galba killed by the Praetorian Guard; in the same January 15 – Galba killed by the Praetorian Guard; in the same

day, the senate recognizes Otho as emperor day, the senate recognizes Otho as emperor April 14 – Vitellius defeats Otho April 14 – Vitellius defeats Otho April 16 – Otho commits suicide; Vitellius recognized emperor April 16 – Otho commits suicide; Vitellius recognized emperor July 1 – Vespasian, commander of the Roman army in Judea, July 1 – Vespasian, commander of the Roman army in Judea,

proclaimed emperor proclaimed emperor August – The Danubian legions announce support to Vespasian (in August – The Danubian legions announce support to Vespasian (in

Syria) and invade Italy in September on his behalf Syria) and invade Italy in September on his behalf October – The Danube army defeats Vitellius and Vespasian October – The Danube army defeats Vitellius and Vespasian

occupies Egypt occupies Egypt December 20 –Vitellius killed by soldiers in the Imperial Palace December 20 –Vitellius killed by soldiers in the Imperial Palace December 21 – Vespasian recognized emperor December 21 – Vespasian recognized emperor

Flavian DynastyFlavian Dynasty

Vespasian Vespasian 69-79 AD69-79 AD

Vespasian was popular because he Vespasian was popular because he lived very simply, lived very simply, didn't throw big parties or spend a lot of didn't throw big parties or spend a lot of

money like the Julio-Claudian emperors. money like the Julio-Claudian emperors. If he were alive today he would rather If he were alive today he would rather

watch a football game today than an watch a football game today than an operaopera

So the empire had a lot of money in So the empire had a lot of money in the treasury. He was emperor ten the treasury. He was emperor ten years, until he died in bed in 79 A.D. years, until he died in bed in 79 A.D.

Vespasian

Flavian AmphitheaterFlavian Amphitheater

The construction The construction started in 72 AD under started in 72 AD under the rule of the the rule of the Emperor Emperor Vespasian Vespasian of the of the Favian dynasty and Favian dynasty and hence was originally hence was originally named named Flavian Flavian AmphitheaterAmphitheater. .

The construction was The construction was finally completed in 80 finally completed in 80 AD under AD under Emperor Emperor TitusTitus. It got the name . It got the name Colossium thanks to Colossium thanks to the colossal statue of the colossal statue of Emperor Nero Emperor Nero next to it next to it

TitusTitus

When Vespasian died, his older son Titus When Vespasian died, his older son Titus took over. took over.

Everyone seemed to have been happy to avoid Everyone seemed to have been happy to avoid another civil war. another civil war.

Titus is negatively remembered for how he Titus is negatively remembered for how he crushed a Jewish revolt in Israel crushed a Jewish revolt in Israel

destroyed the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, And dispersed the population of Judea throughout the empire. And dispersed the population of Judea throughout the empire. which he reminded Romans about with a big stone triumphal which he reminded Romans about with a big stone triumphal

arch. arch.

Still he is mostly remembered as a good Still he is mostly remembered as a good emperor. He died of a brain tumor in 81 emperor. He died of a brain tumor in 81 AD, after ruling less than three years.AD, after ruling less than three years.

Titus

Only one month after Titus' accession though a disaster should Only one month after Titus' accession though a disaster should strike which should overshadow his reign. The eruption of the strike which should overshadow his reign. The eruption of the Mount Vesuvius volcano overwhelmed the towns of Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius volcano overwhelmed the towns of Pompeii,

Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis. Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis. The inhabitants of Pompeii, as those of the The inhabitants of Pompeii, as those of the

area today, had long been used to minor area today, had long been used to minor tremors and wisps of gas from Mt. Vesuvius, tremors and wisps of gas from Mt. Vesuvius, and in 62 AD there had been a series of and in 62 AD there had been a series of earthquakes serious enough to cause earthquakes serious enough to cause structural damage to houses in town.structural damage to houses in town.

In early August of 79, all the town's wells In early August of 79, all the town's wells dried up, but the warnings were not sharp dried up, but the warnings were not sharp enough, and the Roman world was stunned enough, and the Roman world was stunned when on the mild afternoon of August 24, a when on the mild afternoon of August 24, a catastrophic eruption of the volcano obscured catastrophic eruption of the volcano obscured the sun and buried the city. Coincidentally, the sun and buried the city. Coincidentally, the date was that of the Vulcanalia, the the date was that of the Vulcanalia, the festival of the Roman god of fire.festival of the Roman god of fire.

The only reliable eyewitness account of the The only reliable eyewitness account of the event was recorded by Pliny the Younger in a event was recorded by Pliny the Younger in a letter to the historian Tacitus. Pliny saw a letter to the historian Tacitus. Pliny saw a remarkable phenomenon occurring over Mt. remarkable phenomenon occurring over Mt. Vesuvius: a large dark cloud shaped rather Vesuvius: a large dark cloud shaped rather like a pine tree emanating from the mouth of like a pine tree emanating from the mouth of the mountain. After some time the cloud the mountain. After some time the cloud rushed down the flanks of the mountain and rushed down the flanks of the mountain and covered everything around it, including the covered everything around it, including the surrounding sea.surrounding sea.

Titus visited the stricken area, announced a state of Titus visited the stricken area, announced a state of emergency, set up a relief fund into which was put any emergency, set up a relief fund into which was put any property of victims who died with no heirs, offered property of victims who died with no heirs, offered ssistance in rehousing survivors, and organized a ssistance in rehousing survivors, and organized a senatorial commission to provide whatever help it could.senatorial commission to provide whatever help it could.

Yet this disaster should tarnish Titus' memory until Yet this disaster should tarnish Titus' memory until this day, many describing the outbreak of the this day, many describing the outbreak of the volcano as divine punishment for the destruction of volcano as divine punishment for the destruction of the Great Temple in Jerusalem. the Great Temple in Jerusalem.

DomitianDomitian

Then Titus' younger brother Domitian became Then Titus' younger brother Domitian became emperor. Domitian was a very different sort of emperor. Domitian was a very different sort of man. man. He had always felt that his father, Vespasian, liked Titus He had always felt that his father, Vespasian, liked Titus

better, and this feeling made him angry and mean.better, and this feeling made him angry and mean. He even tried to organize revolts against Titus when He even tried to organize revolts against Titus when

Titus was emperor. Titus was emperor. As emperor, Domitian was convinced that everyone was As emperor, Domitian was convinced that everyone was

plotting to kill him, plotting to kill him, and he had many senators and other people killed because and he had many senators and other people killed because

he suspected them. he suspected them. He also may have persecuted some early Christians. He also may have persecuted some early Christians. He also made people call him "Lord and God" (He also made people call him "Lord and God" (Dominus Dominus

et Deuset Deus). ). In the end people couldn't stand this sort of behavior, In the end people couldn't stand this sort of behavior,

and he was assassinated in 96 AD. and he was assassinated in 96 AD.

Reincarnation?Reincarnation?

And he looks a lot like Bobby Flay of the Food Network...

5 Good Emperors5 Good Emperors5 Good 5 Good EmperorsEmperors

Five Good Emperors Five Good Emperors

Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, known as Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius, known as the Five Good Emperors, were a series of excellent emperors who ruled the Five Good Emperors, were a series of excellent emperors who ruled in Rome from 96-180 AD. following the Flavian Dynasty. They were so in Rome from 96-180 AD. following the Flavian Dynasty. They were so called because they succeeded in winning the support and cooperation called because they succeeded in winning the support and cooperation of the senate, which is something their predecessors had failed to of the senate, which is something their predecessors had failed to accomplish. accomplish.

All of these emperors died without passing the succession on (except All of these emperors died without passing the succession on (except Marcus Aurelius), so each of these emperors were elected by the Senate Marcus Aurelius), so each of these emperors were elected by the Senate from within its own ranks. This period was the period of the greatest from within its own ranks. This period was the period of the greatest political stability in Imperial Rome after the age of Augustus; when political stability in Imperial Rome after the age of Augustus; when Marcus Aurelius broke the pattern and was succeeded by his son, Marcus Aurelius broke the pattern and was succeeded by his son, Commodus (180-192), all hell broke loose again. Commodus (180-192), all hell broke loose again.

      This period saw the widespread exporting of Roman culture, This period saw the widespread exporting of Roman culture, government, and law. The Romans actively built up large urban centers government, and law. The Romans actively built up large urban centers throughout the Empire and granted these cities all the rights and throughout the Empire and granted these cities all the rights and privileges granted to Romans. At the same time, Rome began to privileges granted to Romans. At the same time, Rome began to exercise more control over these municipalities; unlike earlier empires exercise more control over these municipalities; unlike earlier empires which were more or less loose confederacies, the Roman Empire was which were more or less loose confederacies, the Roman Empire was converted into what amounted as a single state under the centralized converted into what amounted as a single state under the centralized control of a Roman bureaucracy. control of a Roman bureaucracy.