In this Grade 6 lesson from History Alive! The Ancient World, students trace the transformation of ancient Rome from a republic to an empire across four major periods of expansion spanning 509 B.C.E. to 14 C.E. Students examine key concepts such as civil war, dictatorship, and the rise of Augustus, exploring how military conquest and political upheaval ended Rome's elected republican government and concentrated power in a single emperor. The lesson also asks students to weigh the costs and benefits of Roman expansion for both Romans and the peoples they conquered.
Section 1
Rome Expands Across the Mediterranean
Rome began as a small city, but over 250 years, its army conquered the surrounding lands. This first period of growth united all of Italy under Roman rule.
Next, between 264 and 146 B.C.E., Rome fought and won major wars against its rival, Carthage. These victories gave Rome control over the western Mediterranean Sea.
Section 2
Expansion Divides Roman Society
Rome's constant wars created serious problems at home. Many soldiers were small farmers who had to leave their land to fight. When they returned, their farms were often ruined and taken over by the wealthy. The rich created huge farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by enslaved people.
These jobless citizens crowded into cities, leading to unrest. The harsh conditions for the enslaved also sparked violent slave revolts, most famously the revolt led by Spartacus in 73 B.C.E., which threatened the stability of the Republic.
Section 3
Generals End the Roman Republic
As Rome expanded, its generals grew very powerful.
One general, Julius Caesar, defeated his rivals and took complete control of Rome. Many senators feared he would become a king, so they assassinated him in 44 B.C.E.
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Section 1
Rome Expands Across the Mediterranean
Rome began as a small city, but over 250 years, its army conquered the surrounding lands. This first period of growth united all of Italy under Roman rule.
Next, between 264 and 146 B.C.E., Rome fought and won major wars against its rival, Carthage. These victories gave Rome control over the western Mediterranean Sea.
Section 2
Expansion Divides Roman Society
Rome's constant wars created serious problems at home. Many soldiers were small farmers who had to leave their land to fight. When they returned, their farms were often ruined and taken over by the wealthy. The rich created huge farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by enslaved people.
These jobless citizens crowded into cities, leading to unrest. The harsh conditions for the enslaved also sparked violent slave revolts, most famously the revolt led by Spartacus in 73 B.C.E., which threatened the stability of the Republic.
Section 3
Generals End the Roman Republic
As Rome expanded, its generals grew very powerful.
One general, Julius Caesar, defeated his rivals and took complete control of Rome. Many senators feared he would become a king, so they assassinated him in 44 B.C.E.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter