Cyber Day; Post 27
Similar to our most recent classes, we were directed to take a closer look at life in Ancient Rome following Julius Ceasar's death. In doing so, we read the final few slides (nine to be exact) to conclude our Roman studies, the notes as well as a personal analyst are listed below.
The Roman Government Following Julius Ceasar's Murder
In the aftermath of Julius' vicious murder, his adopted son, Octavian, of only eighteen years of age forms a new triumvirate. Just as Julius' triumvirate, Octavian's included experienced leaders in both military and in politics. More specifically, his Triumvirate consisted of himself, Mark Antony, and Lepidus.
Though similar to the fate of Julius' Triumvirate, Octavian turns hostile towards his own partners, forcing Lepidus to retire. leading to a fierce rivalry between himself and Mark Antony. In typical Western fashion, Mark Antony joins forces after defecting from Rome and joins Cleopatra of Egypt. This partnership was done for numerous reasons, several of which include military power, personal gain, political gain, and economic growth. Nonetheless, Octavian still manages to defeat Cleopatra and Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium.
Now that no one threatens his throne, numerous changes begin, specifically in the realms of his authority. Beginning with Augustus, he would be continuously retitled based upon his current power, slowly progressing towards a more mighty position. This continuous growth ended up transitioning Rome into an empire after he had received the name imperator (origins of the title "emperor").
Surprisingly enough, the transition from Republic to Empire seemed to have worked in Rome's favor, as Octavian had sparked a period of continuous prosperity under his forty years of ruling (27 B.C. to 14 A.D.). This era would be formally known as the Pax Romana age (Roman Peace) which lasted an astonishing 207 years (27 B.C. to 180 A.D.).
Just as Mark Antony had ventured south to Egypt for support in his coup, Octavian progressed the Roman empire through Africa in order to instill a civil service to run the now robust empire. The civil services he ensured were formed included road networks, tax collections, postal services, grain supply regulations, policing, and even a fire-fighting organization. Additionally, he brought to fruition additional structures which enhanced the appealing looks of his empire. Although Pax Romana would continue to benefit Roman life, Octavian died of natural causes in 14 A.D.).
In passing his throne to other leaders, Octavian obviously had no say in what leaders could take on his role in later years. This succession of power led to some prosperous years of Rome, some mediocre years of Rome, and then some horrific times for the Roman Empire all based upon who their current leader was.
Different Leaders; Different Motives
Beginning with Tiberius, who ruled from A.D. 14 to A.D. 37, ruled as an excellent general, but unfortunately conducted himself as a reluctant emperor. Following the death of his son, he barred himself from Rome and left his throne to his administration. Tiberius went on to pass away at the relatively old age (for then, at least) of seventy-seven.
Having ruled from only A.D. 37 to A.D. 41, Caligula succeeded Tiberius after a struggle for power between other prominent members of his administration. Unlike Octavian, Caligula was a cruel, extravagant, and tyrannical leader who was eventually assassinated by a formation of praetorian guards, senators, and the imperial court. All of which were trying to re-establish the Republic; unfortunately for them, they failed.
Also ruling for a short period of time, Claudius ruled from A.D. 41 to A.D. 54 and greatly suffered from what was likely cerebral palsy. His infirmities included limping, stammering, slobbering, and even shaking. Nonetheless, he was left to rule as he was the only adult male in his family. Apart from his disabilities, Claudius ruled exceptionally well, having constructed new bridges, canals, aqueducts, and a new venture in conquering Britain. Unfortunately, his wife had less than prosperous plans for his succession; in order to ensure her son (Nero) rose to power, she poisoned Claudius, killing him.
After having his father successfully poisoned, Nero took rule in 54 A.D. to which he began his plans of a massive overhaul to Roman life. Most notably, he overspent drastically in order to fulfill his desire to make Rome more majestic. As one would expect, historians did not look kindly upon his reign. Even though he did empathize with the arts and served during the massive fires during 64 A.D. he only ruled until 68 A.D.
Personal Reflection
In response to what seemed to have been a prosperous society, I am interested to further my knowledge of both the rise of Roman life and the fall of the Roman Empire, both of which are intriguing subjects. Throughout each of the leaders that I read about today, I find the ones which were tyrannical to be the most interesting. Regardless of what the historians believe, I recognize that somewhere in their lives, something had been disrupted, even whilst they were in the same family. The grim fact that so much murder was committed in order to ensure the throne leads me to understand that there was definitely prestige in ruling Ancient Rome, a principle which still remains valid to this day in many nations around the world.
Works Cited:
With that said, I conclude my May 29th Blog Post; Till next time, Stay Safe!
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