Octavian took the name Augustus, which means “honored” or “revered.” The long years of turmoil convinced the Senate that Rome needed a single powerful ruler to restore order. Augustus did not seize power-he made sure the Senate granted him control, so no one could accuse him of being a tyrant. Still, Augustus ruled as an emperor, taking full control of the government, even though the Senate technically kept some powers for itself.
The vast areas Rome controlled under the Republic were now part of a true empire. These lands included all of Gaul and Iberia, large parts of the Balkans, and the sections of the Middle East bordering the Mediterranean. Augustus’s main job was to preserve the peace within the Italian peninsula and keep foreign lands under Roman control. His reign brought what was called the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.”
After Augustus, the next four emperors were all related to him in some way, establishing the first Roman dynasty (a government ruled by one family for several generations). Emperors tried to make sure they had a son or other relation who could take power after them, although the Senate and especially the army played a role in deciding who became emperor. The transition from one emperor to another could be bloody. Rome went through another civil war around 69, a year when four different men briefly served as emperor.
Even with the political uncertainties, Rome kept growing, especially when popular and effective emperors ruled. Two of the best were Trajan (53-117) and Hadrian (76-138). Trajan extended the empire in the east, into the lands between the Caspian and Black Seas. Hadrian gave back some of these gains, but he strengthened Roman control in England, the farthest extent of the empire in Western Europe.
Hadrian’s Wall
In northern England, Hadrian built a wall to prevent hostile tribes from attacking areas under Roman control. The wall stretched for about 80 miles, from Maia (modern-day Bowness) on the west coast to Segedunum (Wallsend) on the east coast. The stone wall was between 15 to 20 feet high with small forts and watchtowers all along it. Parts of the wall still stand.
Several dynasties ruled between 69 and 192, including the Flavian and Antonine. The next major dynasty began in 193, with Septimius Severus (146-211). This Severan Dynasty lasted until 235. Septimius gave the military a larger role in Roman society, and when his dynasty ended, ambitious generals tried to win the support of Roman troops, who often chose the next emperor.
World History
