Changes

{{Rome}}

{{Rome}}

The '''Roman Empire''' marks the period when government control in [[Rome]] went from a Republican form of government to rule by an emperor.  The appointment of [[Augustus Caesar]] as ruler in 27 BCE has been used as the starting date for the Roman Empire, although, alternately, the appointment of [[Julius Caesar]] as perpetual dictator in 46 BCE is sometimes considered as a short-lived precursor.  The Roman Empire was the direct successor to the [[Roman Republic]] which had already established Rome as the dominant force in the west.  Because of this succession, there is no definitive date when the [[Roman Republic]] became the Roman Empire.  Indeed, in the early years of Augustus' reign, it was unclear that a permanent change had taken place, although this was apparent by the end of his long reign.  Utilizing the rule of law and a strong military, the Roman Empire ruled most of the western civilized world.  While the general goal of the Empire as put forth by Augustus became keeping the status quo instead of adding new territory, there were still some changes and continuing growth.  Britain was added in 44 CE as well as other small conquests until the empire reached its height in about 117 CE.   

The '''Roman Empire''' marks the period when government control in [[Rome]] went from a Republican form of government to rule by an emperor.  The appointment of [[Augustus Caesar]] as ruler in 27 BC has been used as the starting date for the Roman Empire, although, alternately, the appointment of [[Julius Caesar]] as perpetual dictator in 46 BC is sometimes considered as a short-lived precursor.  The Roman Empire was the direct successor to the [[Roman Republic]] which had already established Rome as the dominant force in the west.  Because of this succession, there is no definitive date when the [[Roman Republic]] became the Roman Empire.  Indeed, in the early years of Augustus' reign, it was unclear that a permanent change had taken place, although this was apparent by the end of his long reign.  Utilizing the rule of law and a strong military, the Roman Empire ruled most of the western civilized world.  While the general goal of the Empire as put forth by Augustus became keeping the status quo instead of adding new territory, there were still some changes and continuing growth.  Britain was added in 44 AD as well as other small conquests until the empire reached its height in about 117 AD.   

Rome may be credited with creating the virtue of [[civic republicanism]]: that a citizen should give his life in battle or in work to the glory of the Republic.   

Rome may be credited with creating the virtue of [[civic republicanism]]: that a citizen should give his life in battle or in work to the glory of the Republic.   

One of its greatest rulers was also its first: [[Caius Iulius Caesar Octavianus]], or [[Augustus Caesar|Augustus]] ruling from 27 BCE to 14 CE.  He set the stage for a long progression of rulers that lasted 500 years and established a peace, the [[Pax Romana]] that lasted almost 200 years (although there were many wars and revolts during that time period, all out wars were avoided).  The high point of the Empire is generally considered to be under the [[Five Good Emperors]] from 96 to 180 CE.  The low point was under the [[Age of Thirty Tyrants]] from 259 to 268 where a revolving door of 19 different generals claimed the throne.     

One of its greatest rulers was also its first: [[Caius Iulius Caesar Octavianus]], or [[Augustus Caesar|Augustus]] ruling from 27 BC to 14 AD.  He set the stage for a long progression of rulers that lasted 500 years and established a peace, the [[Pax Romana]] that lasted almost 200 years (although there were many wars and revolts during that time period, all out wars were avoided).  The high point of the Empire is generally considered to be under the [[Five Good Emperors]] from 96 to 180 AD.  The low point was under the [[Age of Thirty Tyrants]] from 259 to 268 where a revolving door of 19 different generals claimed the throne.     

Messianic expectations at the time of [[Jesus]] were known even in Rome.  For example, the prophecy that "out of [[Judea]] at this time would come rulers of the world" was popular in the Roman Empire, so popular that the biographer [[Suetonious]] saw fit to include it in his [[De Vitae Caesarium]].  However, Suetonius identified the ruler as [[Vespasian]] in his "Life of Vespasian," since Vespasian did, as it was said, "save the State" during the year of the [[Four Emperors Era|four emperors]].

Messianic expectations at the time of [[Jesus]] were known even in Rome.  For example, the prophecy that "out of [[Judea]] at this time would come rulers of the world" was popular in the Roman Empire, so popular that the biographer [[Suetonious]] saw fit to include it in his [[De Vitae Caesarium]].  However, Suetonius identified the ruler as [[Vespasian]] in his "Life of Vespasian," since Vespasian did, as it was said, "save the State" during the year of the [[Four Emperors Era|four emperors]].

==Chronology==

==Chronology==

[[Image:Pantheon.jpg|right|180px]]

[[Image:Pantheon.jpg|right|180px]]

Augustus was the first Emperor, leading a stable and peaceful Empire.  He cut the size of the military and reorganized it so the Empire would have about 300,000 men under arms, basically manning the borders, and extremely mobile.  He decided against expanding the Empire after the [[Battle of the Teutoburg Forest]] in 9 BCE and the loss the Romans incurred believing there was little to gain in spending great amounts of money and resources to conquer barbarians that could provide little in return.  His successors agreed with his policies, although they did from time to time make small expansions to the borders.  He undertook building projects and road construction that led to great improvements.

Augustus was the first Emperor, leading a stable and peaceful Empire.  He cut the size of the military and reorganized it so the Empire would have about 300,000 men under arms, basically manning the borders, and extremely mobile.  He decided against expanding the Empire after the [[Battle of the Teutoburg Forest]] in 9 B.C. and the loss the Romans incurred believing there was little to gain in spending great amounts of money and resources to conquer barbarians that could provide little in return.  His successors agreed with his policies, although they did from time to time make small expansions to the borders.  He undertook building projects and road construction that led to great improvements.

* [[Tiberius]] ruled from 14 to 37

* [[Tiberius]] ruled from 14 to 37

The actual "fall" of the Roman Empire is said to have occurred on September 4th, 476 CE when [[Odoacer]], a barbarian part Hun general led a mutiny by most of the barbarian mercenaries in Orestes' army (the master general in Italy, and father of the Emperor who he had placed on the throne the previous year after a coup).  Orestes was defeated at the [[Battle of Pavia]] on August 23rd and captured and killed after a brief siege.  Odoacer deposed [[Romulus Augustulus]] and seized control of Italy.  He did not take the title of Emperor, thus ending 500 years of Roman rule.<ref>Encyclopedia of Military History, Dupuy and Dupuy, p. 171</ref>

The actual "fall" of the Roman Empire is said to have occurred on September 4th, 476 A.D. when [[Odoacer]], a barbarian part Hun general led a mutiny by most of the barbarian mercenaries in Orestes' army (the master general in Italy, and father of the Emperor who he had placed on the throne the previous year after a coup).  Orestes was defeated at the [[Battle of Pavia]] on August 23rd and captured and killed after a brief siege.  Odoacer deposed [[Romulus Augustulus]] and seized control of Italy.  He did not take the title of Emperor, thus ending 500 years of Roman rule.<ref>Encyclopedia of Military History, Dupuy and Dupuy, p. 171</ref>

== After "the Fall" ==

== After "the Fall" ==