In this Grade 7 lesson from History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, students trace Rome's transformation from a republic to an empire across four major periods of expansion, from 509 B.C.E. to 14 C.E. Students learn key concepts including the Punic Wars, the role of Julius Caesar as dictator, the rise of Augustus, and the establishment of the Pax Romana. The lesson also examines the costs of Roman expansion for both Romans and conquered peoples, encouraging students to weigh the benefits and consequences of imperial growth.
Section 1
The First Three Periods of Roman Expansion
Rome began as a single city, but its powerful army conquered the Italian peninsula. This first period of growth brought all of Italy under Roman rule.
Next, Rome clashed with its great rival, Carthage. After a series of major wars, Rome won control of the western Mediterranean Sea, including lands in North Africa and Spain.
Section 2
The Costs of Expansion: Division in the Republic
Rome's constant wars had a hidden cost. Most soldiers were small farmers. While they were away fighting for Rome, their farms often fell into ruin. Many returned home to find their land had been taken over by the wealthy.
The rich created enormous farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by thousands of enslaved people. This system pushed the former soldiers off their land, leaving them jobless and angry as they crowded into cities.
Section 3
The Fall of the Republic: Powerful Generals and Civil War
As Rome expanded, its generals became extremely powerful. Their soldiers were more loyal to them than to the Republic. Soon, these generals turned their armies against each other in a series of destructive civil wars for control of Rome.
One general, Julius Caesar, defeated all his rivals and made himself the absolute ruler. Many senators feared he wanted to be a king, so they assassinated him in 44 B.C.E.
Section 4
Augustus and the Pax Romana
After years of civil war, Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, brought order and strong leadership. This started a 200-year golden age known as the Pax Romana, or "Roman Peace."
During this time, the empire experienced great stability. It expanded to its largest size, uniting all the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With no major wars, trade boomed, cities grew, and Roman culture and achievements spread across three continents, making life more prosperous for millions.
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Section 1
The First Three Periods of Roman Expansion
Rome began as a single city, but its powerful army conquered the Italian peninsula. This first period of growth brought all of Italy under Roman rule.
Next, Rome clashed with its great rival, Carthage. After a series of major wars, Rome won control of the western Mediterranean Sea, including lands in North Africa and Spain.
Section 2
The Costs of Expansion: Division in the Republic
Rome's constant wars had a hidden cost. Most soldiers were small farmers. While they were away fighting for Rome, their farms often fell into ruin. Many returned home to find their land had been taken over by the wealthy.
The rich created enormous farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by thousands of enslaved people. This system pushed the former soldiers off their land, leaving them jobless and angry as they crowded into cities.
Section 3
The Fall of the Republic: Powerful Generals and Civil War
As Rome expanded, its generals became extremely powerful. Their soldiers were more loyal to them than to the Republic. Soon, these generals turned their armies against each other in a series of destructive civil wars for control of Rome.
One general, Julius Caesar, defeated all his rivals and made himself the absolute ruler. Many senators feared he wanted to be a king, so they assassinated him in 44 B.C.E.
Section 4
Augustus and the Pax Romana
After years of civil war, Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, brought order and strong leadership. This started a 200-year golden age known as the Pax Romana, or "Roman Peace."
During this time, the empire experienced great stability. It expanded to its largest size, uniting all the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. With no major wars, trade boomed, cities grew, and Roman culture and achievements spread across three continents, making life more prosperous for millions.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter