We have a lot to learn from the ancient lands of Rome where Caesar ruled, and where justice was first served. Rome became a world power around 100 AD and then declined. Here are a few interesting questions answered to know Rome a little better than we already know:
How was the Roman Empire formed?
The twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC. The city existed when the Latin people settled down on the seven hills on the banks of River Tiber. The villages merged together to become a city and their language – Latin – was spoken later in the entire Roman Empire. Around 500 BC, Rome became a republic. One of its generals, who was also in the senate, was the famous Julius Caesar. After his assassination, one ruler proclaimed himself for the first time as the Roman emperor. He changed the army, and Rome became a world power. It was the biggest power at around 100 AD.
What did the senate do?
The Senate was the most important political institution in Rome. Initially, only the rich nobles were in the Senate. They were appointed as senators for life. After the Romans dethroned the king by around 500 BC, the administration of the state became a public affair, res publica in Latin, i.e., a republic. Now, the right to belong to the senate was not limited to the rich nobles. The senate passed laws, named officials, managed the revenues, and counseled public meetings. At its top were the so-called consuls elected for one year. They had to take all the decisions together and were also the top generals.
How did Rome become a world power?
The Romans were successful conquerors. Around 260 BC, they competed in the western Mediterranean Sea with the Phoenicians, especially with the trading city of Carthage in North Africa, which the Romans destroyed after the three Punic wars in 146 BC. The newly conquered land, the province of Africa, which at that time was still fertile and not as dry as it is today, became the most important farmland for Rome along with the Egyptians. Romans now ruled all around the Mediterranean Sea. They now called it mare nostrum, meaning ‘our sea’.
Who were the first Roman emperors?
The first emperor of Rome was the grand nephew of Julius Caesar. After the assassination of his great uncle, the 18-year-old Octavian became the leader of the senate in 44 BC. In 27 BC, he named himself ‘Imperator’, which means sole ruler. The senate awarded him the honorific title of Augustus, the Noble, and he gave himself the epithet Caesar. Augustus started a long reign that was secure and rich. Later, the Roman Empire was ruled by some emperors who were known for their barbarism and extravagance.
How did Augustus change the Roman army?
Until around 200 BC, the Roman army recruited only those men who could pay for their equipment themselves. Later, all Romans were allowed to join the army. Earlier, the army fought only from spring to autumn. Emperor Augustus eventually established a professional army that could be deployed all through the year. The army soon had 150,000 Romans, who committed themselves for 20 to 25 years. The regular income and a share attracted soldiers in the loot. Even the auxiliary soldiers of the conquered regions were allowed to join the army. After 25 years of service, they were raised to the level of Roman citizens.
Why is Julius Caesar famous?
Caesar is known to us mainly because of his greed for power, ambition, and many victories. As a successful General, he conquered Britain and Gaul- the Great Britain and northern France of today- and won against the Teutons. He smartly used the dispute among the politicians to become the sole ruler. He improved the calendar and wrote books such as De Bello Gallico, which the Latin students read today. He also had an affair with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and was assassinated. Caesar is the central character in theater plays, novels, and films.
| Did you know that…
● Even in the Roman Empire, a criminal could be convicted only when his crime was proved? This basic approach to law is the basis of all European legal systems even today. ● The word ‘emperor’ and the Russian word ‘czar’ are modifications of the Latin word Caesar. ● A roman legionary carried his weapons, tools for building stores, cooking utensils, bedding, and grains for two weeks. All of this weighed around 30 kg!
|
Stay with
Prerna 🙂
