Human Geography

Hostile tribes outside of the boundaries of the empire and pirates of the Mediterranean Sea disrupted trade. Having reached their limit of expansion, the Romans lacked new sources of gold and silver Desperate for revenue, the government raised taxes. The economy soon suffered from inflation, a drastic drop in the value of money coupled with a rise in prices. Agriculture faced equally serious problems  Harvests in Italy and Western Europe became increasingly meager because overworked soil had lost its fertility  Years of war had destroyed much farmland  Eventually, serious food shortages and disease spread and the population declined To defend against the increasing threats to the empire, the government began to recruit mercenaries Overtime, Roman soldiers in general had become less disciplined and loyal Feelings of loyalty eventually weakened among average citizens as well.  In 284, Diocletian, a strong-willed army leader, became the new emperor  Diocletian doubled the si

Tiberius- ruled from AD 14 to AD 37 an excellent general, but a reluctant emperor after the death of his son, he exiled himself from Rome and left his prefects in charge died at age 77 Caligula- ruled from AD 37 to AD 41(only 4 years) won a power struggle after Tiberius's death known for his cruelty, extravagance, and perversity- an insane tyrant assassinated by a group of praetorian guards, senators, and the imperial court, trying to re-establish the Republic Claudius- ruled from AD 41 to AD 54 suffered from many infirmities: a limp, stammering, shaking, slobbering... possibly because of cerebral palsy took over because he was the last adult male in the family ruled well- built roads, aqueducts, canals, and started the conquest of Britain  died by poisoning- it was his last wife's plan(she wanted her son Nero to rule) Nero- ruled from 54 to 68 emphasized the arts huge fire in 64 he wanted to rebuild Rome to be more majestic  he hugely

Julius Caesar serves as a consul for one year. Appoints himself general of Gaul Pompey becomes jealous, becomes his rival. Caesars armies clash with Pompeys in Egypt, Greece, Asia, and Spain In 44BC he is named dictator, first for six months, then for lifetime!!! Caesars Reforms Granted citizenship to people in provinces Expanded the Senate, adding his close and properly educated friends. Created jobs for the poor, especially through public works projects increased pay for soldiers started colonies where those without land could own property.

Today in western civilization class we talked about the romans and their forms of settlement and government. We learned that some of the first people to settle there were the Greeks, which is very odd knowing that the Romans conquered their own territory by that time. The Romans also followed a very non-strict government type, allowing more freedom for their citizens. The Romans were a very influential group.

Today in western civilization class with Mr. Schick we read and took notes about Rome. Some of the notes that I took talked about how the cultures that the Romans adapted to and combined ideas with were the Hellenistic culture and the Greek Culture. The Romans conquered Greece and then adapted their ways of culture. I find this pretty funny in all honesty. I say this because the Romans took over Greece, then adapted to their own very influential cultural system.