What explains the success of the "five good emperors”?
The five good emperors had many avenues of success. The five good emperors ran the empire in a carefully and equally way. Unlike Augustus, the five emperors were men that ruled the Roman Empire as a bureaucracy, which is a system of government where decision-making were made by state officials. The five good emperors’ strategy was to win wars and maintain a peaceful community, thus over shadowing some of Augustus’ best days as leader of Rome.
The success of five good emperors began in 117 AD when Hadrian a native of Spain became one of the five good emperors (McKay, 166,187). Hadrian allowed men with little talent to serve in the army as administrators for the empire. This adjustment
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How did this compare to life in the provinces?
Life in the golden age could be described as lively. Rome consisted of an enormous population, around 500,000 to 750,000. Rome was divided into classes. The Roman wealthy and privileged citizens were owners of great businesses and owners of large pieces of land. Poor citizens, noncitizens, slaves and freedmen were all part of the largest Roman class, the low class, made up not only of working classes but also of doctors, musicians, actors, teachers, and philosophers.
In Ancient Rome, a province was the basic was the Tetrarchy (please clarify, awkward) and the largest territorial and administrative unit of the empire's territorial possessions outside of Italy. Civilization in Province were more strict and in order. In the province, citizens generally spoke a variety of languages such as Latin, Italian, French and many more. The idea behind learning different languages was to observe the evolution of a new culture. The villa was a country state that involved heavily on political life. The villa can be compared to the capital building in the US. Both are the center of their respected countries and cities. To conclude, the golden age of the Roman Empire can be described as lively. The province was better lead and
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How does Suetonius portray Augustus and his accomplishments? What were his skills? What was the response of Rome? How might Suetonius's account have been biased or limited?
Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus was the descendent of a knightly family who was exposed to military and diplomatic services before entering the government. After he became interested in history he shaped his public career as the secretary of the emperor. He would soon be dismissed and spend the rest of his life writing biographies. In the book entitled The Life of Augustus, Suetonius spoke on how he portrayed Augustus’ accomplishments. He also discovered what skills Augustus had as well as how the Romans responded to learning Augustus’ skills, while describing his thoughts as bias or limited.
Suetonius portrayed Augustus as a brutal leader that governed his community as a monarchy. Suetonius also portrayed Augustus as a selfish ruler that refused to let any other country or empire to rule over the Roman Empire. For example, Suetonius believed that Augustus would work his soldier endlessly and they were unable to visit their wives regularly. Suetonius believed that Augustus accomplished many things but risk the state of the Empire to achieve that accomplishment. Augustus’ skills that he obtained over his life were the skill to lead. After Caesar assassination, Augustus made it his duty to not only find his uncle’s assassin, but to also defeat him in
Even if you do not like Suetonius' style, you must agree that he has achieved his goal of adequately exploring the lives of these 12 men. He wrote more than an adequate biography; he wrote an exquisite history of a very important period in the Roman world. Suetonius wrote so accurately that many historians today use his writings to describe the lives of the Caesars.
The Emperor Claudius was both a successful and significant ruler of the Roman Empire. His control of the Senate and new bureaucratic reforms led him to improve the efficiency of the government. His most dramatic reform was the expansion of the empire and the extension of who could be granted Roman citizenship. These new reforms gained him a lot of support. Although Claudius was easily influenced by those close to him, such as his two wives and freedmen, his rule was successful and one which paved the way for other rulers after
Following the successful side of Julius Caesar leadership, Augustus hosted many games and other measures such as ensuring the Gods were frequently celebrated. Augustus made sure the water supply was improved, and public baths had been put in place, these acts kept society happy and gained Augustus’s popularity. To please the people and allow for peace, Augustus never claimed the title of “Emperor” or “King” as they were part of the reason for his uncle’s downfall. Augustus took the name of “Princeps” instead, which was a much safer and smarter option. Augustus received high office via the Senate and was also the head of Rome’s religious and political affairs. After many years of civil riots, Augustus was able to deliver peace and prosperity to Roman society and allowed for the 200 years of Pax Romana. Augustus could have put his power to use in an evil and self-serving way, but instead, he was generous with all of the society including
Why was Trajan considered to be one of the five good emperors of the Roman Empire? Trajan was a visionary leader as well as an ethical leader. First I will tell you how Trajans actions during the Dacian Wars proved that he was an inspirational leader for his soldiers. Next I will tell you how Trajan, by the domestic policies he instituted as the Roman Emperor, proved to be an ethical leader. Last I will tell you about the personal relevance this has to me. More specifically I will tell you about my actions as a leader when I moved to Holloman Air Force Base. Now that I gave you an overview of what I want to talk about let’s get to my first main point.
It was during Sulla’s service under Marius’s command in the military, that many of Sulla’s character traits were cultivated that contributed to the way he ruled. His character traits are listed in three main accounts by authors A.J. Koutsoukis, Erik Hildinger, who are both current impartial historical non-fiction writers, and Plutarch. Plutarch was a Greek historian, biographer and essayist, who is most famous for his work Parallel Lives, where he focuses on all of the contributing rulers of the Roman Republic. Plutarch is very even handed and focuses on the influence of character and moral lessons that can be learned from these emperors, good or bad.... ... middle of paper ...
The five good emperors’ goodness was determined by their relationships with the Roman Senate and people as well as the positive contributions that they achieved for the empire as a whole. They each provided their own way of running the empire and despite the majority of the emperors only able to maintain one of the above qualities, they were able to do a very good job in that one aspect
"Five Good Emperors (ancient Rome)." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. .
In Titus Livius’, The Early History of Rome, Livy takes on the task of documenting Rome’s early history and some of the famous individuals who help contribute to the ‘greatness’ of Rome. Livy dedicates an entire portion of his writing to describe the reigns of the first seven kings of Rome; all who influence the formation and governance of Rome in some way. However, of the seven kings in early Roman history, King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius achieved godlike worship and high esteem from their fellow Romans. While both highly important and respected figures in Rome’s history, the personalities and achievements of King Romulus and King Numa Pompilius are complete opposites of one another. Despite the differences found in each king and of their rule over Rome, both Romulus and Numa Pompilius have a tremendous influence in the prosperity and expansion of Rome in its early days.
...e was outstanding as he was coherent to Augustus’ policy and kept the provinces content by governing them well. The financial status of the Empire was boosted 20 times that at his accession by building highways and saving money through hosting less games and repairing buildings. Tiberius followed in Augustus’ steps and made a respectful relationship with the Senate by showing courtesy to the consuls and the body as a whole. The rise of Sejanus prove devastating to Tiberius’ rule as his execution fueled Tacitus’ claim of a ‘reign of terror’ and angered the people of Rome. However, in his last years he did not let the administration of the Empire fall into appears. Through analysis of Tiberius’ rule, it is clearly seen that he treated the senate fairly, created strong economics and security in the state and boosted the empire into an unprecedented state of prosperity.
The Roman Empire In 27 BC, Augustus became the first emperor of Rome, thus creating a strong leader figure, which could shape and mold the Republic system into what was best for the empire or themselves. During the reign of the emperors, the political policies for Rome would vary according to, which emperor was in power. Not only were politics shaky, but there never was a clear-cut method of succession for the man who controlled those politics. Rome had created the position of emperor in hopes that men like Augustus would continue to lead her into prosperity, however the office of emperor struggled in attempting to find great men to lead Rome. The office never truly evolved into something greater than when it had been created, but rather the office varied according to the personality of the man in the position.
While Suetonius’s scriptures of Nero may pose a risk of bias, similar perversions were discussed within Edward Champlin’s ‘Nero Reconsidered’. Champlin discuses Nero’s descent into debauchery and malfeasance; how his personal exploits gradually began to corrupt his political and military affairs (Champlin, 1990). Nero began alienating and persecuting much of the elite for higher interests in personal concerns, as well as neglecting military advances and affairs completely. Nero’s exorbitant personal affairs and expenditures left the treasury thoroughly exhausted. His period was riddled with deflation as shortage of money began to emerge (Champlin, 1990). Nero’s adolescence and unruly upbringing was largely contributory to his inadequacy during his years as Roman Emperor. While Nero contributed significantly to the city, his reign demonstrated the unravelling of the Roman
Augustus Caesar was very ambitious leader. He is best known for bringing peace to Rome. Augustus was considered the first great roman emperor, because He didn’t care about wealth and fortune. Augustus cared about the people of Rome. He was a great military leader and was successful in most of his missions. He showed people that being a good ruler requires a lot of hard work and dedication. He was a very generous man. Augustus was greatly admired by the Roman people.
Vespasian emerged as Emperor after the Year of the Four Emperors, and he brought the princeps and the Empire back to stability. His son and successor, Titus, took power in 79 c.e. and reigne...
Gaius Julius Caesar, born 100 B.C.E. in Rome to the impoverished patrician Julian Clan, knew controversy at an early age. Nephew to Populare Gaius Marius, he was earmarked by the Optimate dictator Sulla for prosciption after his refusal to divorce his Populare wife, Cinna. Fleeing Rome, and not returning until after Sulla’s resignation in 78 B.C.E, upon his return he gained a position as a pontificate, an important Roman priesthood. Slowly but surely throughout his lifetime he worked his way up the political ladder, eventually becoming Consul, and finally Dictator Perpeteus – Dictator for life. One of the most influential political and military leaders of all time, Caesar was also a highly intelligent man and an exceptional orator. However, acquiring this absolute power was no mean feat, and Caesar had well equipped himself through previous expeditions with all the resources necessary to gain power in Ancient Rome.
Philosopher A: In the Republic, the Senate was the primary branch of the Roman government and held the majority of the political power. It controlled funds, administration and foreign policy, and had significant influence of the everyday life of the Roman people. When Augustus came to power, he kept the Senate and they retained their legal position. The Emperor’s rule was legitimized by the senate as he needed the senators experience to serve as administrators, diplomats and generals. Although technically the most authoritative individual in Rome, Augustus strived to embody Republican values. He wanted to relate and connect to all parts of society including Plebeians. Through generosity and less extravagance, Augustus achieved a connection with the common people.