Describe what elements we see from ancient Greek culture in the United States today Bell Ringer

The Rise of Ancient Rome The Roman Republic, Chapter 8, Section 1

Romulus & Remus Twin Brothers Father – Mars, god of War Jealous King feared them, ordered them to be drowned A wolf rescues them, raised by a shepherd, and they kill the King.

Geographical Advantages Seven Hills – Easy to Defend Fertile Soil from the Tiber River Center of the Italian peninsula, and Mediterranean Sea.

The Etruscans Around 600 B.C., they ruled as Kings of Rome. In 509 B.C., Romans revolted because they did not like being ruled by an all- powerful King. Not much is known about the Etruscans.

Romans form a Republic In 264 B.C., Rome had gained control of the entire Italian peninsula. They formed a republic, allowing the citizens the right to select their leaders by voting. (Sound familiar?) Leaders ruled in the name of the people.

The Senate Most powerful part of the government. Made up of 300 patricians (upper-class, wealthy men) In early Senate, the plebeians (ordinary citizens) could not hold office.

Consuls Two chief officials called consuls led the government. Ruled for one year only. Both had to agree before government passed a new law. If one consul said “Veto”, the planned action was rejected.

Other Important Officials If the consuls could not agree, Roman law stated in case of an emergency, a dictator could take full control for ONLY 6 months. Praetors – At first were junior consuls, but later become judges.

Patricians versus Plebeians Plebeians didn’t trust the patrician Senate. Patricians grew rich through Rome’s conquests by using slaves brought back to do work. This led to many jobless plebeians. Plebeians refused to fight in army, so the patricians gave in and passed the Laws of the Twelve Tables. Laws applied equally to everyone.

Masters of the Mediterranean Romans were conquering new territories throughout the Mediterranean Sea. They invaded Carthage, a powerful city in North Africa. After a long series of bloody wars, the Romans completely destroyed the empire of Carthage. They then turned their attention to Gaul (France)

The Decline of the Republic Turmoil between the patricians and plebeians led to civil war. Roman generals gathered their own private armies and fought for power.

Julius Caesar Led the army that conquered Gaul (France) Well-respected by his troops, they would follow him anywhere. In 49 B.C., he returned to Italy to seize power. A war broke out between Caesar and the Senate, and Caesar won. He became dictator, but ruled for much longer than 6 months.

The Death of a Dictator In 44 B.C., he declared himself dictator for life. Senators felt they had a new King, and hated it. On March 15, 44 B.C., Caesar attended a meeting with the Senate, where the Senators attacked him with knives and killed him.

From Republic to Empire Civil War followed Caesar’s death After 13 years, Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, took power. He became the first Emperor of Rome. After 500 years as a Republic, the next 500 years were ruled by an all- powerful Emperor.

The Rise of Ancient Rome The Roman Empire, Chapter 8, Section 2

Ruling an Empire Augustus became Rome’s first Emperor Rome referred to the Mediterranean as “our sea” Augustus was intelligent, showed respect towards the Senate, and avoiding acting like a King. Claimed he wanted to restore the Republic. However, Romans were so grateful for peace, they gave him all the power he wanted.

Governing Conquered Peoples Divided empire into provinces Each province had a Roman governor supported by an army. Slaves were taken, but most people remained free. Daily life continued under the watchful eye of the Romans, who maintained peace and used resources.

Life after Augustus Augustus’ death followed by cruel emperors. Emperor Caligula – Proclaimed himself a god, was cruel and unfair to his people. Emperor Nero – Murdered his half- brother, mother and wife. Romans hated them so much, they attempted to erase these rulers from official records.

The Five “Good Emperors” Hadrian is considered the greatest of the 5 Emperors. Created laws protecting women, children, and slaves. Reorganized army so soldiers could defend home provinces. Commissioned many buildings and structures, including a great wall. Parts of this wall still stand today.

Empire in Decline Marcus Aurelius was the last of the “good emperors”. His son, Commodus, ruled with great brutality. Bad government, economic problems, and foreign invaders contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.

Greek influence on Rome Romans visited Greece to study art, architecture, and ideas about government. Greek religion greatly influences Roman religion. Many Roman gods and goddesses had Greek counterparts Jupiter was similar to Zeus Minerva was similar to Athena

Greek influence on Rome Both Romans and Greeks valued learning, but in different ways. Greeks were interested in learning ideas through mathematics, philosophy, and astronomy. Romans were more interested in building and organizing through architecture and engineering. These skills helped them build their great Empire.

Architecture and Technology The Roman Style Made advances in the use of the arch (curved structure used as support over an open space) Developed concrete using a mix of stone, sand, cement, and water. Concrete helped construct buildings taller than any previous structures.

The Pont du Gard aqueduct (See page 245) The Colosseum

Architecture and Technology The Colosseum The site of contests and combats between people and between people and animals. Held 50,000 spectators

Architecture and Technology Roads Engineers built roads from Rome to every part of the Empire. Allowed military to maintain firm control over empire. Aqueducts Huge lines of arches carrying water over long distances (from the countryside, through the mountains, and into the cities)

Roman Law Roman ideas of justice are basic to our current system of law Persons accused of crimes had the right to face their accusers in the court of law. If reasonable doubt existed, the person would be considered innocent.