Contributions of Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic
Consuls (2) Senate (Elected by the wealthy class) Assembly (Elected by lower class)
In times of war a dictator was chosen.
Julius Caesar
Augustus Caesar
Advances in Technology Aqueducts –Brought water from the hills to the cities.
Advances in Technology Roman Arches
Medicine Romans placed an emphasis on public health –Public baths –Public water system –Medical schools
Hey buddy, stop staring!!!
You want me to do what with that thing?
Art and Architecture Colosseum –Site of gladiator battles and mock naval battles –Held 50,000 spectators
Other Views of the Colosseum
Gladiators Captured soldiers Slaves Free Citizens Women Lunchtime executions
Samnites
Murmillos
Thracians
Retiarii
Art and Architecture Circus Maximus –Site of the famous chariot races
Law Twelve Tables –Laws of Rome –Developed the principle of “innocent until proven guilty”
Roman Feasts
The Afterparty
Art and Architecture Pantheon –Domed temple to all the roman gods –Like the Greeks, the Romans were polytheistic –Still stands in Rome today
Don’t call me the parthenon!
Religion Movement from Roman mythology and polytheism to Christianity Emperors such as Nero had persecuted Christians for years Emperor Constantine was the first to make Christianity legal in Rome Since then, Christianity has remained the dominant faith in Europe
Science Ptolemy –Thought Earth was the center of the solar system –His mistake was accepted by the Church and most people for over 1500 years –Demonstrated the extension of the church’s early influence into secular affairs (foreshadowing perhaps?)
Review What civilization had the greatest influence on Rome? How did Romans get water to their cities? What great mistake did Ptolemy make? Where would you go to see gladiator games? What were the laws of Rome called? What was the Roman temple to the gods called? Is the US government more like Athens’ democracy or Rome’s republic? Why? What current major religion originated during the time of the Romans and was adopted by them?