The Decline of the Republic & the Rise of Generals

Rome

The Roman Army Throughout Roman

history, their army had been made up of farmers.

Men who worked in the fields and went to war when necessary.

This actually meant that military campaigns had to end by the fall so that men could return home for the harvest.

Gaius Marius (155-86 BCE) He created a permanent standing army. Soldiers had to serve for 16 years with an extra four

years if needed. When service was over, he was given land and

allowed to retire and marry. Men became career soldiers, extremely devoted to the

army.

The Roman Legion 6000 soldiers 10 cohorts (480 men

each) 60 centuries (80 men

each) 600 centurion (8 men

each) You would start at the

most junior centurion and work you way to the first century of the first cohort.

Loyalty

These men became extremely devoted soldiers.

Devoted to Generals rather than government.

It was only a matter of time before Generals became rulers.

The First Triumvirate

Three Military men came to power and split the government of Rome

Pompey the Great (Took control of the Mediterranean)

Marcus Crassus (Marched East through Persia)

Julius Ceasar (Marched his army north and subjugated much of what is now Britain and France)

Caesar Takes Control

Crassus was defeated and killed in 53 BCE.

After ignoring Pompey’s request to disband his army, Caesar marched his army across the Rubicon Stream into Italian territory (illegal) .

Dictator for life

Caesar forced Pompey to retreat to Egypt where he was captured and beheaded.

Caesar had the republic declare him dictator for 10 years (a year later it was extended to life) where he assumed almost all the decision making.

Assassinated – March 15 , 44 BCE Caesar was dictator for only 2 years

when he was assassinated by Marc Anthony, Brutus, Cassius and other senate conspirators.

Read and hand-in

Read pages 180-189 Complete and hand-in question

1,2&3 on page 189. Hand in questions from yesterday.