Rome transitioned from a republic to an empire during this period. Growing inequality and unrest resulted from wealthy landowners acquiring large estates that displaced small farmers. The Gracchus brothers attempted reforms to help the landless poor but were killed. Civil wars in the late republic led to Julius Caesar becoming dictator, but he was later assassinated. This paved the way for Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus to form the second triumvirate and divide power. Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium, becoming the first emperor Augustus and ushering in the Pax Romana period of stability and growth.

1. Part Two: From Republic To Empire

6. Latifundia

8. VIDEO: Rise of Tiberius

9. Video: Tiberius Champions the Poor

11. Video: Cicero Takes the Lead

14. Video: Caesar’s Leadership

17. Video: Caesar Starts Civil War

22. Mark Anthony

23. Cleopatra

26. Octavian

29. Nero Roman legions revolted Nero committed suicide by stabbing himself in the throat

30. Video: The Horror of Nero’s Reign

32. Pax Romana = Roman Peace 100 Years of Peace