From Republic to Empire:

 

Rome added many conquered lands the republic and gained control of important trade routes. Some Romans became very rich. However, many people were poor and could not find jobs. Government officials became greedy and corrupt, or dishonest. Efforts for reform resulted in civil wars that lasted 100 years.

 

In 48 B.C., Julius Caesar came to power. Caesar increased Roman power and made reforms. However, his enemies in the Senate killed him because they feared he wanted to be king.

 

Civil war began again with the death of Caesar. Then, in 31 B.C., Octavian Augustus came to power. Augustus did not call himself a king. However, he ruled with absolute, or complete, power. the Romans did not know it then, but this was the end of the 500-year republic. The age of the Roman empire had begun.

 

The 200-year period that followed was called the Pax Romana, or Roman Peace. Augustus and later emperors created a strong government. Some reduced taxes and gave people jobs. Ideas and knowledge spread through the empire. Women gained more freedom. However, some emperors were bad. They ignored social and economic problems. They used free food, races, and gladiator fights to control the people.

 

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