epublican Government. The emperors personal bodyguards, known as the Praetorian Guards, quickly found a replacement emperor before the talk could proceed (Drinkwater & Drummond 1993). They chose Claudius, an uncle of Caligula, to become the next Roman emperor (Hadas 1969). Claudius was successful in managing the government but his personal life was marred with unstable marriages. Claudius son, Nero, was the next to succeed and his reign was disastrous. A devastating fire in AD 64 was rumored to have been started by the emperor simply so he could win praise for rebuilding the city. When Nero committed suicide in AD 68, it brought an end to Octavians line (Nardo 1994). The empire, however, was far from finished. Titus Flavius Vespasianus, who won the support of many troops soon, emerged as the next emperor (Hadas 1969). His two sons succeeded him and returned peace and prosperity to the empire. The Pax Romana, or Roman Peace, was a time of great prosperity for all people under Romes rule. Roman citizens enjoyed the spectacles of the gladiators in the coliseum and the comedies performed at the many theatres (Hadas 1969). The Romans are attributed with the development of concrete, which enabled them to build large structures such as aqueducts. As Rome grew into the primary world leader, its Republican government was falling apart. The Senate was ineffective because it had no control of the vast armies that provided power. Conservative Romans who believed strongly in the Republic would immediately target a strong general who took sole control. Rome was in need of a solitary, powerful leader. Octavian skillfully turned himself into an emperor without suffering the fate of his great-uncle, Caesar. He controlled the army, and managed to please the masses. Once in the position of power, he changed the government not only to benefit himself, but also to benefit the Empire and ultimately the people. This structure was so strong, that it could surv...
