Classical Civilizations: The Reigns of Caesar and Augustus

Three major civilization composed the classical empire. Classical Rome, Han China, and Gupta India all thrived at one point during this era, but with success also eventually came the fall of these three empires. Taking place at different times and due to different reasons, all three started to decline and eventually were too weak to defend themselves. The fall of the Roman Empire seemed to be more complex and due the many more little problems, by they all three fell apart due to unrest and problems created that could not be solved before it was ultimately too late.

Between approximately 509 BCE and the third century CE the Roman empire continually expanded and became one of the largest in history. While this expansion was due to many reasons, not the least of which was greed, to a great extent it was made possible because of Rome's overwhelming military and its combination of a democratic and republic government. (Lee) (Ferril)

The assassination of Julius Caesar in 44BC by conspiring members of the Roman senate was an effort to remove a dictator whose power had grown to extraordinary levels and to revive the Republic government. Caesar’s power span throughout the entire Roman Empire, which during his reign extended from present day Syria, down into parts of Africa, over to Spain, most of France and all of Italy. He had the favor of the people, military and most of the Roman government. Caesar’s death at the hand of conspirators did remove him from power; however, it did not restore the Republic government as the Senate had anticipated, on-the-other hand it gave rise to yet a more powerful dictator that was beyond what Caesar

In 46 BC, Caesar gave himself the title of ‘Prefect of Morals’, giving him the ability to hold censorial powers without being affected by them

Julius Caesar was among the most powerful Roman dictator in ancient Roman Empire. Caesar was becoming powerful and popular that he was the ancient Roman citizen’s conqueror. His unique leadership became his way forward to consulship in 59 B.C. and ultimately a powerful ruler. His power became a fear for Roman ruling class. His power controlled the three important areas in Roman’s life: the military, religion, and politics. His power allowed him to establish a rule to control Rome. In 46 B.C, Caesar secured his office to become a dictator for ten years, which many prominent ruling class was zealously hated him. His dictatorship secured his position as a ruler. Julius Caesar wanted the shift and improved the life of Romans; even so, he needs the blessing of the Senate to pass his laws. The Roman Senate could block the passing of laws which would aid the Roman state. But, Caesar was found not to be manipulated by the Senate. He increased the number of senators to nine hundred to fill vacant positions. He selected senators for a variety of places and positions. The new appointed senators outnumbered the old senate position, mostly supporters of Caesar. Ceasar’s rule was instrumental in reforming and transforming Roman empire. He improved the Roman calendar, and re-arranged the local form of government. He then

The major problems with most of the sources in the book are the sources themselves, because most are writers, or biographers, that were hired and paid to follow Augustus by Augustus. Although some were Augustus ' own biographers, some are also opponents of Augustus and his entitlement and takeover of the Roman Republic/Empire. These sources are also the only real documented information about Augustus that have been found or retrieved, and unknown to be based on facts, or just opinion and conjecture, or promoted by Augustus himself.

Have you ever waged war against your wife? Caesar Octavian Augustus did. Augustus was a great leader. Leaders are necessary because they need to show leadership amongst the people and unite the people as one doing anything to keep them safe. Caesar Octavian Augustus was one of Rome’s greatest leaders by showing that at the age of 19, he can rule one of the most powerful nations by any means including war (http://www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/augustus.html)

"Experience is the teacher of all things.Veni, Vidi, Vici. (I came, I saw, I conquered.) It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience." - Julius Caesar. On March 15, 44 BC Julius Caesar was assassinated by his own senators next to the Theatre of Pompey. He was assassinated during a meeting with his senators, he was scheduled to leave for war on March 18. Julius's murders were his own senators and even his own protegè Marcus Brutus. These people plotted against Caesar because of a conspiracy and because they were angry that the new prospect kept getting orders from Caesars underlines. The assassination of Julius Caesar was unjust because he was a strong political leader and he fought for the people of Rome; however some believe that he only wanted power and to be a dictator.

Two of the more memorable emperors to the Romans were Augustus Caesar (27 BC to 14 AD), and Caligula (37 AD to 41 AD). Although only having ruled the empire by a separation of 23 years and belonging to the same family (through marriage and adoption), their empires couldn’t have been more different. It is possible to determine the impact of an emperor’s rule based on their many vices and virtues, as well as the choices that they make in relation to them. The author Suetonius expressed in his writings the many vices and virtues that put into perspective the kind of leaders that these emperors appeared as to their polis. As we explore the concept of vices and virtues, as well as what kind of ideals these two rulers represented, we will begin to be presented with a clearer picture of what an ideal emperor would have looked like. A vice can be described as an immoral or wicked behavior; while a virtue can be described as a behavior showing high moral standards. Suetonius and the Roman people had a high interpretation of the concept of virtue and vice, as well as their role in the ruler’s life.

Tiberius Gracchus wanted a land reform bill, which caused an uproar with the higher up citizens, therefore, they had assassinated him. Gaius, his brother took office and decided to broaden the bill his brother wanted pass. This was called the equestrian order, but again some didn’t like it and again Gaius was then assassinated and some of his friends as well. Julius Caesar took over and many liked him, he ruled for a long time till he did something that people did not like and they assassinated him as well. The Roman Republic was like a rollercoaster, the ruler was doing good and the time they took action the people no

to break free, Antony lost the battle but he and Cleopatra managed to flee the battle early

In ancient history there have been many great leaders who had saved the Roman Empire from destruction and demise. The leaders and heroes of the Roman Empire are countless, but one leader stands out from all the rest. Augustus Caesar’s contributions to Roman history helped make Rome the dominant empire we know of today. Augustus Caesar was without a question the greatest political leader in the history of the Roman Empire.

Caesar first joined the roman military in 81 BC. His first great achievement was being the first army commander to invade England in 55Bc and again in 51Bc. Also during the period he served as governor in in Gaul form 58 BC to 50 BC he was successful and gained more land for the roman empire After his campaign in Egypt and beheading Pompey Caesar marched towards Asia minor where he defeated the Pharnaces in 47 Bc in the battle of Zela. Caesar was so delighted with his win he sent a letter t o his friend with a message that stated the famous lines of Caesar “ Vini, Vidi, Vici” meaning I came, I saw, I Conquered. The romans were overjoyed with this news and praised him for his achievements. But with his great military accomplishments also came with his downsides. During his reign in Gaul the senate ordered for causer to hand over his control but he refused and advanced into Italy and crossed the river Rubicon - which is against roman law. A governor should not leave the province they are ruling this was exactly what Caesar did. When he crossed the river immediately civil war broke out however he continued into rome where he faced his enemies. The senate was almost powerless and could do little because his power in the military was to strong and experienced for his enemies to fight back. Caesar became a dictator for life in

As previously stated, a person’s greed often leads to their demise. This is most evident with Caesar himself. Caesar was willing to betray Pompey, his once friend and ally, in order to gain sole control over the Republic. In fact, Caesar’s drive to control the city began to evoke the jealousy and fears of many of the inhabitants, “You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'd like hounds, and bow'd like bondmen, kissing Caesar's feet. (Shakespeare Act V, Sc.I, lines 47-48). Ultimately this authority causes Brutus to come to the conclusion that Caesar’s tyranny must be prevented through his death (Sims). Caesar’s newfound power put Brutus, his former supporter, in a position where the only way to save the republic would be to depose of its current leader. Caesar’s demise was indirectly caused by his hunger for power, which caused Brutus to kill him in order to stop the would be dictator (Sims). The idea of deposing Caesar spread like wildfire through the Senate and eventually escalated into murder. Clearly, it was Caesar’s desire to command those around him that in due course led to his death; however, he alone is not the

Even though he was extremely unpopular, being in possession of the wealth he was, he was able to buy his way through the senate to the height of power. Caesar had majestically rose to power, partaking in every major position there was, using his political ingenious in his attempt to gain full control of Rome. After Crassus had died in battle, and Caesars’ army defeated and killed Pompey, he was quick to mop up all his opposition from the senate and the oligarchs across the Mediterranean and throughout Rome, in his first step to his dictatorship, his dictatorship being the final step to the republics decline. After defeating all of his enemies, Julius Caesar was granted a 10-year dictatorship for purposes of restoring the republic, similar to the title that Sulla had granted himself many years previous. However he constituted himself as the Divine King or Ruler of Rome, essentially a REX, yet as said before, since the founding of the Republic, the Romans prided themselves on freedom from the Etruscan King, and just the term ‘King’ went against the republic mentality. Eventually killed in plot involving over 60 senators, the death of Caesar concluded the decline of the Republic.