From Republic to Empire

Introduction

As the ancient republic of Rome grew, its power expanded. By the early 1st century C.E., it had become an empire that ruled the entire Mediterranean world.

The expansion of Roman power occurred over approximately 500 years, from 509 B.C.E. to 14 C.E. At first, Rome was a tiny republic in central Italy. However, 500 years later, it was the thriving center of a vast empire. At its height, the Roman Empire included most of Europe, North Africa, Egypt, much of the present-day Middle East, and Asia Minor or Anatolia, which is in present-day Turkey.

The increase of Rome’s power happened gradually and came at a price. Romans fought wars to defend their developing territory and to conquer new lands inhabited by many tribes of people. Along the way, Rome itself transformed. The Romans had once been governed under a republic of elected leaders. These leaders were always men, as Romans did not allow women to rule or vote. Later leaders in different parts of the world would be inspired by this republican form of government.

However, by 14 C.E., the republic no longer functioned. Power was in the hands of a single ruler, the emperor. Some later Romans would worship old emperors as gods, an act that shows how powerful these rulers came to be.

In this lesson, you’ll see how this dramatic change occurred. You’ll trace the gradual expansion of Roman power. You will also explore the costs of this expansion, both for Romans and for the people they conquered.