ANCIENT ROME

But first...

Storytime

THE ROMAN WORLD TAKES SHAPE

• Rome started out as a republic
• Included both patricians and plebeians

Geography

• Rocky
• Mountainous
• Mediterranean Sea
• Tiber River
• Expanded

ROMAN MILITARY

• Expanded Roman territory
• Gave Romans control of trade routes
• Farmers

Rep. Democracy

• Wealthy men voted
• Laws were made
• They applied to everyone

Social Class

• Heredity
• Property/Wealth
• Citizenship
• Freedom

A CORRUPTED SYSTEM

• An abundance of Roman wealth led to corruption and scandal in the republic
• Rome faced civil wars for a century

FROM REPUBLIC TO EMPIRE

• Octavian restored order to Rome
• Exercised absolute power
• Brought the republic to an end

PAX ROMANA

• Pax Romana means Roman peace
• Lasted 200 years
• Started with Augustus, ended with Marcus Aurelius

Activities

• Circus Maximus
• Theatre
• Public Bath
• Forum
• Colosseum/Sand floor

Gladiators

• Prisoners/slaves
• Animals
• Weapons

THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY

• Christianity persecuted by Rome at first
• St. Paul and Constantine spread the Faith across the Empire
• Eventually reshaped Roman beliefs

The Divide

THE LONG DECLINE

• Empire split into east and west
• Corrupt government, poverty, and declining morals
• Germanic tribes invaded Rome in 476

THE EAST THRIVES

• The east (aka Byzantine Empire) lives on
• Constantine and other emperors rule the empire
• Lasts for another millenium

THE ROMAN ACHIEVEMENT

• Rome was a combination of cultures
• Blended Roman and Hellenistic ideas

Roman Successes

• Aqueduct
• Architecture: Arch
• Art
• Roads
• Wealth/Trade

Contributions

• Calendar
• Roman numerals
• Romance Language

Art

• Pottery
• Mosaics
• Jewelry

Assignment