Roman Civilization & Culture Chapter 11 Section1
Objectives: Today I will be able to… Discuss what daily life was like for people living in the Roman Empire. Discuss the major accomplishments of the Romans in science, art, engineering, architecture, literature, and the law.
I. Roman Accomplishments A. Science & Engineering Romans were interested in results that could benefit society. Galen- study of the body known as anatomy. Ptolemy- mapped stars and planets and incorrectly put earth at center of universe. (Geocentric View). Used the arch, and put rows of them together to create vaults, or curved ceilings. Developed Cement, which allowed them to build taller structures and domes. Pantheon- a temple and the only structure still fully intact today. Aqueducts- to bring water to the city. Roads- 50,000 miles linked the empire.
d. Pantheon
B. Roman Architecture and Art Often copied the Greeks: Columns, porches, marble. Vaults, allowed for larger structures like the Colosseum. Copied Greek art forms: Statues: unlike the Greeks who sought perfection, Roman statues were more realistic. Mosaics- pictures made from bits of glass, tile, or stone. Fresco- paintings done on plaster.
e. Colosseum
C. Roman Literature, Language, & Law Virgil- Aeneid: Aeneas the ideal Roman. Horace –Satires- poke fun at human weaknesses. –Odes- poems expressing strong emotions about life. The Romans recorded their history: –Livy- History of Rome 10 B.C. Celebrates Rome’s greatness. Languages- Latin used in the west, Greek used in the east. –Romance Languages- based on Latin- Italian, Spanish, French, influenced Europe until Romans developed Civil Law- a legal system based on a written code.
II. Life & Family In Ancient Rome Rome was the largest city on Earth; dirty and overcrowded. Danger of fire and buildings collapsing. Forum- center of the city. Wealthy- large homes with fine furniture, art, fountains, and gardens. Poor- lived in 6 story apartments in one room, the poorer you were the higher you lived. Romans were very clean people who spent much time at the bathhouse, and used olive oil and a strigilis to clean their body. Slaves made up over 40% of the population. Large families: extended. –Paterfamilias- man who headed the family with total control. –Unhealthy babies could be left to exposure.