Another Day, Another Blog

Once again, Mr. Schick is back teaching and we're going through the power point made by Chi Cago. First off is Empire vs. Empire. Rome vs. Carthage. Rome and Carthage would fight 3 wars between 264-146 B.C. The First Punic War (264-241 B.C.), consisted mainly of naval battles for control of the island of Sicily. Rome would come out victorious in this war. The Second Punic War was started by 29-year-old Carthaginian general Hannibal, who would almost do the impossible; taking Rome. Instead of doing a head on attack. Hannibal attacks through Gaul and into the north from the Alps. Laid siege to the peninsula for 15 years but never got Rome. Third, final, Punic War (149-146 B.C.), Rome completely wipes out the threat of Carthage. City of Carthage was burned and the remaining 50,000 citizens were sold into slavery. All Carthaginian territory becomes Roman province of Africa. Economic changes from the thousands of slaves caused landowners to sell their land to aristocrats just to not fall into debt and become a slave themselves. Another reason was because workers kept going off to war and couldn't stay and work their jobs. To keep the poor plebs happy, free grain was given from the state and free entertainment was given. Caesar, general who conquered Gaul, crossed the Rubicon and invaded Rome, declares himself emperor after climbing the ladder of power and starts taking control. The senate decides to kill him and this breaks the country into civil war. Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, works with Antony to defeat the senators who killed Caesar. Eventually Octavian and Antony fall into a war against each other with Octavian defeating Antony, who was being helped by Cleopatra. Octavian becomes uncontested ruler of Rome and is given the honorific title of "Augustus" or "Exalted One". Also given the title of "Imperator" where our modern day "Emperor" comes from. Octavian would be a great emperor for the next 40 years and would start a period called Pax Romana or "Roman Peace". Pax Romana would last from 27 B.C., beginning of Octavian's rule, to 180 A.D. Octavian had many great achievements in his life but his rule as emperor would lead to a chain of emperors, burying the idea of the Republic, kind of. Tiberius was an excellent general but reluctant emperor. After the death or Rome, he exiled himself and left his prefects in charge. After emperor Tiberius, Caligula, who gained power after a power struggle after Tiberius' death, would attempt to re-establish the Republic but it did not work due to him getting assassinated from all three branches of government. Known for his cruelty, extravagance, and perversity. Claudius was a well ruler do good things for Rome but suffered from infirmities more than likely due to cerebral palsy. His rivals and family would rag him for these things. Died by poisoning from a plan of his last wife who wanted her son to rise to power. Her son being Nero. Nero ruled from 54-68 A.D. and was quite big on the arts. He wanted to rebuild Rome and make it majestic, especially after a fire in 64 AD that ravaged Rome for days. Nero went hugely over budget and eventually starting raiding temples for money. Not looked upon nicely by historians.