Roman Empire

Historical Overview of the Roman Empire Rome expanded beyond the Italian Peninsula by 100 BC. Octavian became the first Roman emperor in 27 BC, establishing the Principate. The Pax Romana brought stability and prosperity for the first two centuries. The Empire faced a crisis in the 3rd century but was reunified under Aurelian. The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, while the Eastern Roman Empire survived until 1453. Transition from Republic to Empire Rome was an empire before having an emperor. The Republic was governed by annually elected magistrates and the Senate. The 1st century BC saw political and military upheaval leading to rule by emperors. Augustus established the Principate, effectively ending the Roman Republic. The title ’emperor’ originated from the honorary title ‘imperator.’ Pax Romana and Transition to Late Antiquity The Pax Romana lasted for 200 years starting with Augustus. The Five Good Emperors maintained social stability and economic prosperity. The Empire faced a transition from classical to late antiquity. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire survived until 1453. Legacy of the Roman Empire Roman influence extended to language, religion, art, architecture, and law. Latin evolved into Romance languages, while Medieval Greek became prominent. The Empire’s adoption of Christianity shaped medieval Christendom. Roman and Greek art influenced the Italian Renaissance. Roman legal systems influenced modern legal systems like the Napoleonic Code. Society and Legal Aspects in the Roman Empire Roman Empire was multicultural with multiple social hierarchies. Distinction between free persons and slaves existed. Citizenship extended to all freeborn inhabitants in 212. Roman women had property rights and could engage in business. Slavery supported Roman social structures and the economy.