The document discusses reforms attempted by various Roman emperors to address problems facing the empire. Augustus established a permanent professional army, praetorian guard, and new territories. He rebuilt Rome, imported grain, established provincial governors and a tax system. Constantine made Christianity the official religion, established a new capital in Constantinople, and instituted hereditary occupations. Diocletian divided the empire into four parts ruled by four men, redistributed the army, set price and wage controls, and required workers and their descendants remain in the same occupations. However, many of these reforms ultimately failed to fully resolve Rome's political, economic, social and military issues.
2. Station # 1 (pg 287-288) What were the reforms of Augustus? Check your answers with Miss Rice. What do you think was the most important reform for the people in Ancient Rome? Explain. What is the most important reform that may affect our life in modern times? Explain. Are these reforms the same? If not why do you think they aren’t?
3. Reforms Permanent Professional Army –150,000 Praetorian Guard – 9000 men to guard the emperor (bodyguards) New Territories in N. Europe Rebuilt Rome with Palaces, public buildings, & fountains “ I found Rome a city of brick & I left it a city of marble.” The arts flourish Import grain from Egypt to feed the poor Province governors – like our state governors today (replace much of the Senate’s power) Tax system Tax collector used to steal because they weren’t paid. Augustus paid them and made it a permanent job – no more stealing Legal system – now laws for all non-citizens Stress the government over the individual in the government While traveling in Campania, Augustus died peacefully at Nola on August 19 AD14 His famous last words were "Did you like the performance?"-referring to the play-acting and regal authority that he had put on as emperor.
4. Station # 2 Read the political section. What are the political problems of Rome? (write down at least two) Check your answers and as a group how would you solve the problem?
5. Station # 2 Army fought over leadership Corrupt politicians that take bribes Many talented stop taking part in government.
6. Station # 3 Read the economic section. What are the economic problems of Rome? (write down at least two) Check your answers and as a group how would you solve the problem?
7. Station # 3 Less Crops = Hunger Businesses closed –> unemployment Inflation because less taxes were paid Less gold in coins – higher prices therefore bartering without money
8. Station # 4 Read the social section. What are the social problems of Rome? (write down at least two) Check your answers and as a group how would you solve the problem?
9. Section # 4 Fewer people went to school Large number were enslaved Farmers grew less food The Plague
10. Station # 5 Read the military section. What are the military problems of Rome? (write down at least two) Check your answers and as a group how would you solve the problem?
11. Section # 5 Germanic tribes invade crops and destroy fields Persia push into Eastern Rome Army can’t pay the soldiers Use German soldiers but they were not loyal
12. Station # 6 (pg # 320) What were the reforms of Constantine? Check your answers. Why do you think these reformed failed? Discuss for a minute with your group.
13. Section # 6 Saw a fiery cross in the sky that said he would win against the odds – became emperor Made him believe in the Christian god – 1st Christian Roman Emperor Helped the Catholic church start up Sons had to follow their fathers and do the same jobs (serfs to the land idea) Made the Hippodrome (oval amphitheater) Moved the capital from dying Rome to a new city in the east- chose the site of the Greek city Byzantium and called it Constantinople
14. Station # 7 (pg # 320) What were the reforms of Diocletian? Check your answers. Why do you think these reformed failed? Discuss for a minute with your group.
15. Section # 7 AD 284-305 Soldier that became an emperor Divided the empire into four parts and gave four men power Redistribute the army to protect Rome Set rules for prices of goods and wages Ordered workers to remain in the same jobs until they died Pay taxes in what you make – make olive oil pay in olive oil