Roman Achievements

Greco-Roman Civilization Romans borrowed ideas from the Greeks. Romans believed that Greek art, literature, philosophy, and scientific genius were above others. Blending of Greek, Hellenistic (Greek, Persian, Egyptian, Indian), and Roman culture = Greco-Roman Civilization

Latin Language The spoken and written language of Rome. Many forms of literature—poetry, histories, fictional stories, and dramas—were written in Latin. Could be understood throughout the Empire Latin became the language of the Roman Catholic church. Latin greatly influenced the vocabulary of many languages. The English word “justice,” for instance, comes from the Latin word “jus” meaning law. This same Latin root is also found in the French word “justice,” the Italian word “giustizia,” and the Spanish word, “justicia.”

Roman Religion Romans were initially polytheistic and required that conquered people show respect for their gods. During the Pax Romana, Christianity began and spread along the roads and trade routes throughout the Roman Empire. Early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs – some became martyrs who sacrificed themselves for their beliefs.

Spread of Christianity In early Roman times, Christianity, a new religion, was one of many religions. Christians were persecuted (legally punished) because they refused to worship the Roman gods and emperor. The attempts by Roman authorities to eliminate Christianity backfired. People in the Roman Empire were so impressed by the faith of the martyrs that they converted to Christianity in large numbers. By A.D. 395, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire and rapidly spread across the Roman world.

Roman Sculpture Created realistic portraits in stone. Bas-relief : images project from a flat background Used to tell stories Represent people, soldiers, landscape

Roman Mosaics Mosaics were pictures or designs made by setting small pieces of stone, glass, or tile onto surface.

Roman Fresco Most wealthy Romans had large, bright murals, called frescoes, painted directly on their walls. Roman villa – home of wealthy Romans

Roman Engineering Romans excelled in the practical arts of building and perfecting their engineering skills

Roman Architecture Romans emphasized grandeur to show power and dignity.

Development of the Dome Romans learned how to use columns and arches from both the Etruscans and the Greeks. The Romans improved on design of arches by inventing the dome, a roof formed by rounded arches. Once Romans learned to use concrete, they were able to mold the domes on the ground. After the walls and columns of a building were constructed, the dome was hoisted into position on the top of a building.

Pantheon A temple to all the Roman Gods

Development of Aqueducts The need for a water supply in cities led Romans to build aqueducts. Aqueducts, canal-like concrete structures, brought water from springs, wells, and distant lakes to people in cities. In order to supply drinking water to the Roman people, aqueducts tunneled through mountains and crossed valleys.

Roman Aqueducts Bridge like structures carried water from mountains into cities.

Colosseum One of the greatest feats of Roman engineering Colossus – gigantic Home of gladiator fights and animal hunts

Circus Maximus

Roman Roads Constructed throughout the Roman Empire, over 52,000 miles Were effective in helping to move the army from place to place, and trade within the empire. Example of how people adapt to their environment.

Via Appia All roads lead to Rome!

Roman Law Most lasting and widespread contribution Laws were fair and applied equally to all people. All persons had the right to equal treatment under the law. Innocent until proven guilty The burden of proof lies with the accuser, not the accused. A person should be punished for actions, not for thoughts. Guilt must be established “clearer than daylight” through evidence. These laws became the basis for legal systems in Europe and Latin America

Republican Form of Government Rome’s form of government influenced other societies. In 509 B.C., Rome set up a republic-a government in which citizens vote to choose their leaders. By about 275 B.C., no single class of people dominated the government. Rather, the government was partly a monarchy (ruled by a king), partly an aristocracy (ruled by nobles, as was the Roman senate), and partly a democracy The Constitution of the United States is based on the Roman Republic’s system of balancing the legislative, judicial, and executive powers of government.

Literature and History The Roman Empire was unified through language. Latin was adopted by many different people and became the basis for other languages, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and English.

Roman Science A. Simplification of Greek knowledge B. Pliny the Elder (23 – 79) Natural History Facts, no theory No skepticism about claims

Roman Medicine Had a love-hate relationship with all things Greek The Romans saw the Greeks as being dreamers whilst they were do-ers But they accepted that the Greeks had the best doctors in the world and transported many of them to Rome

Claudius Galen Born in Turkey – studied at Alexandria Most influential figure in medicine for the next 1000 years Wrote many books that were used all throughout the Middle Ages Revived the ideas of Hippocrates –Developed an interest in anatomy – but got lots of details wrong as he only officially dissected pigs

Roman Public Health First to realise the connection between dirty water and poor health Had Aqueducts and sewers Realised that you had to build towns and settlements away from swamps and near rivers Army had clean hospitals with good ventilation

Roman Public Health Most Roman towns had public baths These served both public health and social purposes They also had public lavatories These public health ideas benefited the people who lived in the empire as well as Rome

Greek and Roman Art and Architecture are all around us

Jefferson Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

The US Capitol Building

Statue of Justice US Supreme Court Building

Federal Court Building in NYC

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Statue of Liberty