Background Information
Ancient Rome is one of the most iconic and influential civilizations of the ancient world. It is the civilization of the great Julius Caesar, of the Roman Empire, and the legacy of its legacy still continues to influence the Western world today. The turning point of ancient Rome is a term that defines the period of turmoil and decline that brought about the end of the Republic in 27 BC and began the transition to the imperial Rome.
Signs of Decline
The decline of Rome was signalled by a number of factors. Selene Chazkel’s essay ‘Prefiguring Decline: Rome in the Late Republic’ notes a decline in the political system, a decline in economic prosperity, an influx of wealth from the provinces into the city, the meddling of wealthy individuals in politics, a decline in moral values, a decline in the quality of education, and an increase in corruption.
The Roman Republic was weakened over time by internal divisions between wealthy and powerful patrician families who sought personal political power. The constant civil warfare between the groups left Rome vulnerable to external attacks from the Gauls and other neighbouring tribes. This further weakened the Republic and paved the way for intervention from influential Roman generals, such as Julius Caesar.
Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar began his rise to power when he was elected as consul in 59 BC. He initiated a series of civil wars between the different political groups and eventually emerged as the sole leader of Rome in 45 BC.
From then on, he began an ambitious programme of reforms which saw the expansion of Roman power to other territories such as Gaul, Britain and parts of Africa. He also undertook numerous public works and state building projects including the construction of aqueducts, roads, bridges, and temples, and reforms of the Senate.
Although these reforms were beneficial to the people of Rome, his authoritarian methods of rule effectively eliminated the republican system of government and established him as a dictator.
Rise to Enpire
The Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire when Julius Caesar was proclaimed ‘dictator for life’ in 44 BC, a decision which was confirmed by the Roman Senate. This period of transformation marked a turning point in Roman history as the Roman Republic was replaced by the Roman Empire – an autocratic form of government ruled by an emperor.
The Senate was weakened, and real legislative power began to rest with the imperial office. His reforms also extended the earlier Roman state governance, introducing a law code and creating the positions of Praetorian Prefects and Procurator to manage finances and justice.
Augustus Caesar
Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC and was succeeded by Augustus Caesar, who was Julius Caesar’s adopted son. Augustus continued Julius Caesar’s process of reform and built on it, introducing a new coinage, a reorganization of the army, and a formal division of the provinces.
He reorganized the Roman provinces into senatorial and imperial categories and created the Praetorian Guard – a powerful division of the army intended to protect the emperor. He also introduced taxes, extending non-Roman citizens the right to vote, and launching public building projects such as the Forum of Augustus and the Ara Pacis.
Consequences of Turning Point
The turning point of ancient Rome marked the end of the Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, bringing with it a period of unprecedented stability and prosperity. The Pax Romana which followed is often considered one of the greatest achievements of Ancient Rome.
Augustus made sure that the new empire was more stable and centralized than the Republic, creating strong and efficient bureaucracy to ensure efficient and reliable transportation, communication, and a functioning legal system.
This era also marked Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire, but Augustus and his successors also managed to retain many aspects of the old republican system. This provided a solid basis for the continued success of the Roman Empire in the centuries to come.
Rome’s Economy
The economy of Rome under Augustus was strong and dynamic. Trade with other countries and provinces was expanded, and the emperor made strides to eliminate debt among the lower classes. He also instituted reforms to reduce public spending, improve public works and lower tax burdens.
The strong economy also allowed Rome to expand its military campaigns, such as the conquest of Britain. This allowed Rome to expand its territories, bringing in more wealth, goods, and population.
The economy was further helped by the conquests of Rome, as the Romans were able to control trade routes and impose tariffs on goods entering or leaving Rome. This provided a steady stream of wealth into the empire and allowed it to finance its military campaigns.
Fall of Rome
The turning point of Ancient Rome marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, but it also signalled the beginning of the end of the Empire. After the death of Augustus in 14 AD, the succession struggles among his successors weakened the Empire to the point that it could no longer hold back the rising tide of barbarian invasions from the north.
The empire was split in 395 AD, and Rome was sacked by the Visigoths in 410 AD. This marked the beginning of the decline and eventual fall of the empire. The period of decline, and the fall of Rome, was caused by a combination of external invasions, internal divisions, lack of military leadership, and disregard for important Roman moral and civic values.
Influence of Rome
The legacy of ancient Rome still lives on today. Its cultural and political institutions, such as its legal system, are still evident in many of the world’s modern states. Its architecture can still be seen in many parts of Europe, while its language, Latin, is still taught in schools around the world.
The turning point of ancient Rome is an important moment in history, as it marked the transition between the Republic and the Empire. Its legacy still affects our society today, and it is a testament to the power, legacy, and legacy of the civilization that created it.
