Lesson 3- The Roman Empire Unit 7- Ancient Rome Lesson 3- The Roman Empire

The Pax Romana For the next 500 years, emperors (rulers of an empire) would govern Rome. Rome was the world’s most powerful empire. Augustus (1st emperor) ruled from 27 BC to AD 14. He used his power as emperor to bring order and stability to Rome. Augustus centralized the government and improved the economy. He started Rome’s fire brigade and a police force. He increased his own power and added new territories to the Roman empire.

The Pax Romana When Augustus was emperor, there was a long period of peace. Trade and business grew, life improved. Conquered people became more loyal to Rome. For nearly 200 years, there was peace in Rome. The “Roman Peace” was called the Pax Romana. The Roman army became the world’s most powerful army. By AD 120, the Empire began to spread westward.

The Good Emperors and the Bad Augustus was a good emperor. Why? ____________________________________________ Caligula was the emperor of Rome from AD 37 until AD 41. He was cruel and mentally unstable. He declared himself a god and tried to have his horse named Senator. His bodyguard assassinated him. Claudius was a better ruler. He worked to improve conditions in Rome. He granted citizenship to more people and improved laws. Nero was as bad an emperor as Caligula. Nero poisoned his stepbrother and murdered his wife and his mother. After his death, civil war broke out.

The Good Emperors and the Bad In AD 96, Rome became more stable. For the next 84 years, there were “Five Good Emperors”. Rome enjoyed peace and prosperity. Marcus Aurelies lowered taxes, founded schools, and promoted kinder treatment of slaves. He thought that being emperor was a moral responsibility, not just a political responsibility. He thought that living a moral life led to peace and justice.

Government and Law Romans were able to unite and rule their conquered lands, even though people spoke different languages and followed different religions. People spoke a common language, Latin. They traveled on Roman roads and obeyed Roman laws (similar to U.S. laws): All free people have equal rights before the law A person must be considered innocent until proven guilty Accused people should be allowed to face their accusers and defend themselves Judges must interpret the law and make decisions fairly People have rights that no government can take away

Entertainment The Roman Colosseum could seat 50,000 people. The most popular events involved gladiators (professional fighters). Gladiators were mostly prisoners or slaves. Sometimes they fought animals. Gladiators often fought to the death. If a losing gladiator fought bravely, his life could be spared. However, if the crowd did not like the way he fought, they would turn their thumbs down. This signaled a death sentence. The Roman writer, Seneca, was disgusted by the brutal displays and wrote: “The fighters have nothing to protect them. Their bodies are utterly open to every blow. Death is the fighter’s only exit.”

Roman Arts Language helped unite the Roman Empire. As they conquered lands, they brought their Latin language with them. They also built buildings in their conquered lands. Latin is the basis for many European languages spoken today, including Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian.

STUDY FOR YOUR QUIZ!! 1. Define: emperor ________________________ 2. Why is Augustus remembered? 3. What is the Pax Romana? 4. What language did Romans use to unite their conquered lands? 5. Whose laws are Roman laws similar to? 6. Name the building that Romans created to watch gladiators: _____________________________ 7. Define: gladiator _________________________ 8. Name the writer that did not enjoy watching gladiators: __________________