The Ancient Roman World

Greek and Roman Religion The Greeks and Romans practiced polytheism numerous gods and goddesses whose origins were established through traditional stories of mythology.

Greek and Roman Religion The Greeks and Romans shared many of the same religious concepts Roman culture was influenced by Hellenistic diffusion

The Roman Republic Roman Republic developed concepts of government by laws Government – Major Positions Consuls (2) Head of government, act as commanders-in- chief. Become senators at the end of term. Senate (300) Supervise government matters, especially military and foreign affairs. Serve for life. Tribunes (10) Guard rights of plebeians can veto senators and other officials. Serve for one year.

Social Classes of the Roman Republic Patricians: wealthy landowners Plebeians: common farmers, artisans, and merchants (majority) Barred by law from holding important government positions. Eventually form tribunes: protected the rights of the plebeians from unfair acts of patrician officials

Punic Was: Rome vs. Carthage Three wars stretching from 246 to 146 BCE Carthage originated as a Phoenician colony. Rome emerges as the Mediterranean power.

Ending Carthage…Would you like salt on that?

The Roman Republic Crumbles After Punic Wars; republic becomes unstable Economic Turmoil Rich live on big estates (with lots of slaves) Small farmers had difficulty competing Civil War: Tribunes tried for reforms but made enemies with senators Generals start to gain power (recruiting soldiers turned farmers—promising them land) and take over by force

The First Triumvirate Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus rule as a triumvirate 50 BCE Caesar undermines senate

Julius Caesar Takes Power Caesar appointed lifelong dictator in 44 BCE Reforms: Extends Roman citizenship to provinces; Expanded the senate Built new public buildings

Caesar Killed by Senators March 15th 44 BCE Started from the bottom, now I’m here! Is he holding a chair?

The Early Empire More civil war Roman Republic destroyed 2nd Triumvirate Octavian, Marc Antony and Lepidus Ruled for 10 years Jealousy and violence Lepidus retires, Octavian and Marc Antony rivals Octavian rules; becomes Augustus Caesar Pax Romana (207 years) After Augustus death, empire remained stable

The Empire’s Territory

Christianity in the Roman World Originally Christians are persecuted by the empire Christianity threatened the Roman social structure Christianity gradually came to be accepted, then spread throughout the Roman world

Christianity becomes Rome’s religion Peter and Paul spread Christianity on Roman roads. The Emperor Constantine ended persecution of Christians. The emperor Theodosius made Christianity the empire’s religion.

The Empire Splits

The Western Roman Empire Collapses Factors for collapse Economic Weakness Inflation Disruption of trade Military Overextension Too many places to protect and lack of loyalty Invasions Germanic Tribes (Goths, Ostrogoths, and Visigoths) Huns The Eastern Empire thrives, and becomes the Byzantine Empire.