Roman Society & Culture

Journal # Caesar was initially part of a ___________, or group of three that governed Rome Why was Caesar killed? Who killed him? Who established the Roman Empire? Who held most of the power in the Empire? Why didn’t this lead to conflict? What was the Pax Romana?

Romans-Slave Masters? Imperialism-establishing control of foreign lands and territories Conquer & Control---what to do with those you defeat? Make them work for you! Latifundia-large farming estates bought by the wealthy---who will do the work? As much as ½ of Rome’s population were slaves Parallel in American History?

Society Patrician v. Plebeian Public Entertainment -Circuses -Gladiatorial Combat -Public Baths Family Slavery What was Rome’s Cultural Legacy?

Patrician v. Plebeian

Patrician v. Plebeian Patricians spent much of their time in Politics Public officials not paid, so only the wealthy could afford to hold office Nearly ¾ of Rome’s 1 Million citizens lived in crowded areas How do you keep the “Mob” happy? BREAD AND CIRCUSES*** Gratuitous Violence & Free Food!

Family Structure Patriarchal Society Paterfamilias-Head of the Household, typically oldest male Emphasized simplicity, religious devotion & obedience (esp. for “Good Women”) Women could do little w/out Male Guardian Adoption was hugely important to Romans Families w/ no sons would adopt to continue the name, or to displace a natural heir (How Caesar emerged)

Public Baths Signified Roman attention to Hygiene & health Worship/Ritual for Gods & Goddesses

Public Entertainment Circuses Held Chariot Races Hugely popular Could hold up to 250,000 people

Gladiatorial Combat Took place in the Coliseum Huge amphitheater that seated 50,000! Major Public Spectacles Kept the Masses distracted from Social Ills Gladiator 1st Colosseum Fights- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q Tj8UlZSsCQ Gladiator: Maximus v. Retired Gladiator- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lT mlYKiLBHI Gladiator (Are You Not Entertained?)- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y bBiXPVKuTA

Roman Culture Science Engineering Architecture Language

Science Romans typically less interested in Original Scientific Research Preferred to Collect & Organize Information; Practical Opposite of Greeks, who sought knowledge for the sake of knowledge

Science Ptolemy Synthesized knowledge of others into single theory in Astronomy Earth=Center of the Universe

Engineering In Cities, focused on building water & sewage systems Improving farming methods, building roads, bridges, amphitheatres & public buildings Aqueducts- Man made channels used to bring water to cities; integral to the growth of Roman cities Urban Planning- grid system of roads, temples, baths theatres & a central forum; present in modern day EU cities

Roman Architecture Round Arch & Vault -Allowed Romans to construct much larger buildings Found throughout Southern Europe, North Africa & Southwest Asia Inspiration for Architects -Michelangelo -Thomas Jefferson

Latin Roman language based on Latin Root of several present day languages French, Italian, Spanish, Romanian, Portuguese, parts of English

Rome-What They Left Behind Roman Republic Public Entertainment Imperialism Agrarian, slave-based society Architecture-blueprint for Europe today