Crash Course World History: The Roman Empire

Introduction

• Host: John Green
• Focus: Roman Empire and Julius Caesar
• Central Question: When, if ever, is it okay to stab someone 23 times?

SPQR

• Stands for Senātus Populusque Rōmānus
• Motto of the Roman Republic

The Roman Republic

• Balance of Government
  • Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy all united
  • Senate: key legislative body from the Patrician class
  • Two main classes: Patricians (aristocrats) and Plebeians (everyone else)
• Consuls
  • Two elected annually to execute policies, one could handle domestic issues while the other waged wars
  • Checks on power: one-year term, 10-year gap between terms
• Dictator Role
  • Appointed in emergencies
  • Example: Cincinnatus and influence on George Washington

Julius Caesar

• Born 100 BCE to a leading family
• Military and Senate service
• Rise to Power
  • Financial help from Crassus
  • Formed the First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey
• Governorship in Gaul
  • Conquered Gaul and Britain, gaining power
  • Crassus' death left Caesar and Pompey rivals
• Crossing the Rubicon
  • Returned to Rome with his army, leading to civil conflict
  • Became dictator and consul

Caesar's Rule

• Reforms: Land pensions, debt restructuring, calendar change
• Assassinated in 44 BCE by Senators fearing his power
  • Did not say "Et Tu, Brute" (Shakespeare's invention)

Aftermath of Caesar's Death

• Second Triumvirate: Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus
• Civil War: Octavian vs. Antony
  • Octavian won, became Caesar Augustus, first emperor

The Roman Empire

• Rome was already an empire before Augustus
• Expansion and Diversity
  • Territorial expansion began with the Italian peninsula and extended to Spain
  • Characteristics of Empire: unified government, military expansion, diversity
• Punic Wars
  • Led to Rome's control over Carthage and Spain

Conclusion

• The Republic's end occurred before Caesar due to imperialism
• Powerful generals became emperors as a byproduct of empire
• Generals’ loyalty from diverse subjects weakened Republican ideals

Next Topics

• Upcoming episode on Christianity

Closing Remarks

• Encourages engagement in comments for questions and guesses on the Phrase of the Week
• Sign-off: "Don't Forget To Be Awesome"