Roman Empire short

The Roman Republic Consuls (at the highest level) held power that extended over the lands Rome ruled. At the end of their one-year term, they entered the Senate of Rome, the highest legislative and consultative body of the government. Because the consuls and Senate both represented the interests of the patricians (aristocratic, wealthy classes), there was always tension between the wealthy classes and the plebeians, or common people.

The Empire Flourishes When Roman soldiers, diplomats, governors, and merchants arrived in sparsely populated sites like Gaul, Germany, Britain, and Spain, they stimulated the development of states. They accessed resources like tin and encouraged inhabitants to cultivate wheat, olives, and grapes. Local ruling elites joined with Roman representatives and used wealth to control natural resources and build states larger than ever. Cities emerged where administrators and merchants conducted their business.

Intellectual Development Around 450 BCE, Roman jurists (judges, attorneys) adopted the Twelve Tables as a basic law code for citizens of the early republic. During the late republic, jurists worked to create a body of law that would work for the diverse people of the Empire. They established the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and defendants could challenge accusers before a judge in a court of law. Romans adopted many of the cultural aspects of Greek life, i.e. philosophy, mathematics, theatre, etc.

Technological Development Roman engineers prepared deep beds for roads, edged them with curbs, provided drainage and used large, flat paving stones. They developed wide roads for two lanes. Temples, bath houses, public buildings, stadiums, and aqueducts.

Economic Development In the early days of the Roman kingdom and republic, agriculture was the foundation of Rome. Latifundia concentrated on production for export. Because it was possible to import grains at good prices from lands that produced surpluses, other regions could concentrate on cultivation of fruits and vegetables or production of manufactured items, i.e. olives from Greece, wine and olive oil from Spain, etc. The Roman military kept the seas free from pirates.

Social Structure Pater families – The eldest male ruled the household. Women frequently ran the household, playing significant roles in family finances and inheritance. Slavery was an essential component of the Roman empire’s success. By the 2nd century C.E., more than 1/3 of the population were slaves. Some urban slaves had the potential to lead economically successful lives, even gaining their freedom.

The Age of Augustus Octavian came to power in 31 B.C.E. Saw disorder and instability in the empire; believed that the empire had become too large for republican rule. Although he kept all power for himself, he won the support of the Senate by asking its advice, permitting it to run some of the provinces, and have its own treasury.

Effects of Pax Romana ART ARCHITECTURE LITERATURE DRAMA This era of political and social stability, military dominance, and economic prosperity would allow the Roman culture to flourish and spread throughout the Western world. ART ARCHITECTURE LITERATURE DRAMA SCIENCE & MEDICINE ENTERTAINMENT & SPORT RELIGION & SPIRITUALITY LAW

Crisis in the 3rd Century 6) The “Tent Effect” Simply put: the empire got so big that it could not sustain itself. It simply collapsed.

Diocletian Splits the Empire in Two: 294 C.E.

The Rise of Christianity Christianity began as a cult. The Gospels indicate that Jesus accepted Jewish laws and traditions of the Old Testament. Renewed emphasis on love, compassion, and a relationship with God. The earliest Christian communities were small groups of followers scattered throughout the eastern Mediterranean. As the new faith spread, an organized Christian Church developed. This helps unite Christians in different lands. Sense of community and fellowship (brothers and sisters)

The Power of the Catholic Church As the Christian population grew, so did the power of the Church and its officials. Ex. Emperor Theodosius did penance, as ordered by St. Ambrose, Bishop of Rome. Eventually, the highest office of the Roman Catholic Church became the papacy (held by the pope). The term Catholic means “universal” (also related to a Greek adjective meaning “complete”) The Roman Catholic Church, as it is known today, began during the reign of Theodosius Theodosius had violently put down a rebellion in Macedonia in which 7000 people were massacred. He served 8 months of penance in order to be allowed back into the Church. This is a critical point in Christian history because it saw a Roman emperor bow to the head of the Christian Church. Picture: St. Ambrose refusing Theodosius entrance into the Cathedral of Milan

The Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) Under the orders of Justinian, construction of the Hagia Sophia (“Holy Wisdom”) was constructed in 532 and took only five years to complete. Famous for its massive dome, it is considered on the best examples of Byzantine architecture. When Constantinople was conquered in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks, the church was converted to a mosque. The four minarets were added and the interior walls were redesigned to reflect the Muslim faith.

Legacy of the Roman Empire V X L C D M 1 5 10 50 100 500 1000 Cultural contributions Art Architecture Science Literature

Legacy of the Roman Empire Roman Engineering Aqueducts Sewage systems Dams Cement Arch

Legacy of the Roman Empire Cultural contributions Latin unifying language; foundation of many other Romance languages also the language of the Catholic Church Caveat emptor! Buyer beware! Et tu, Brute? And you, Brutus? (Julius Caesar) Carpe diem! Seize the day! -- Law and Politics Republican government Legal codes (Jus Gentium – the Laws of the People) Amor vincit omnia. Love conquers all. veni vidi vici. I came, I saw, I conquered . (Julius Caesar's report of victory in 47 B.C.E. over Pharnaces, king of Pontus)

Legacy of the Roman Empire Roman Catholicism and European Unity The idea of a united Europe will continue to inspire leaders well into the Middle Ages Christianity becomes the uniting religious force in Western civilizations.