The Roman Empire

 - civil war: the brothers made enemies of numerous senators, who felt threatened by ideas. Both met violent deaths -- Tiberius in 133 B.C. and Gaius in 121 B.C. A period of civil was, or conflict between groups within the followed their death.

 - Julius Caesar: in 60 B.C., a military leader named Julius Caesar joined forces with Crassus, a wealthy Roman, and Pompey, a popular general.

 - triumvirate: with their help. Caesar was elected consul in 59 B.C. For the next ten years, these men dominated Rome as a triumvirate, a group of three rulers.

 - Augustus: while he restored some aspects of the republic, Octavian became the unchallenged ruler of Rome.Eventually he accepted the title of Augustus, or "exalted one."

 - Pax Romana: Rome was at the peak of its power from the beginning of Augustus's rule in 27 B.C. to A.D. 180. For 207 years, peace reigned throughout the empire, except for some fighting with tribes along the borders. This Period of peace and prosperity is known as the Pax Romana.