The Roman Empire Chapter 8-Section 2

Recognize the technological achievements that influence civilizations Objectives Discuss how modern republican forms of government have their origins in ancient cultures. Recognize the technological achievements that influence civilizations

Essential Question How was Rome’s technological achievements related to the growth and development of the empire?

Ruling an Empire

Rise to Power for Octavian When Octavian came to power, Roman control had already spread far beyond Italy After he was declared Augustus( meaning emperor) of Rome, he gained even more territory for Rome

Ruling an Empire The Roman empire stretched from Britain to Egypt, and lands around the Mediterranean. Augustus, an intelligent ruler, showed great respect for the senate and tried not to act like a king. However, that did not happen! The Senate and the Roman citizens gave Augustus as much power as he desired-so long as he maintained peace in Rome.

Governing Conquered People The Romans took some slaves, but mostly allowed conquered people to remain free. Under these new conquered territories, the Romans created provinces(an area of the empire). The Romans allowed these people to follow their own religions, and allowed local rulers to run daily affairs.

Nut Job Nero Nero murdered his mother, and his first wife. He murdered his wife, because he no longer took a liking to her. He blamed the great fire of Rome on the Christians, and there are stories that Nero ordered Christians dipped in oil, hung from poles, and set ablaze in his garden. It was said Nero would take walks through the garden at night to admire the burning bodies. He was declared an enemy of the state due to his insane actions, but he would commit suicide to avoid being assassinated.

The Five “Good Emperors” Augustus died in AD 14, and his death issued great and terrible leaders that followed. Two of the worst leaders were Caligula and Nero. Caligula impregnated his favorite sister, and due to his baldness-declared it against the law for anyone to look down on him. Hadrian was the greatest leader of the five "good emperors". He introduced the following changes to Rome Passed laws protecting women, children and slaves Reorganized the army so soldiers could defend their home provinces Built a great wall around the island of British Isles Encouraged learning

The Greek Influence on Rome

The Greek Influence on Rome The Romans admired Greek achievements, so much so-the Romans visited Greek to study Greek art, architecture, and ideas about government The Romans practiced polytheism( belief in more than one god) and offered prayers and sacrifices to their gods. The Roman gods were similar to the Greek gods, such as the Roman god Minerva-is similar to Athena The Romans used the studies of mathematics, philosophy and astronomy to build and organize their world.

Architecture and Technology

Architecture and Technology Early Roman art imitated the Etruscan and Greek style. Later, Roman statues and buildings were heavier and stronger than the Greeks. The Romans used arches(a curved structure used as a support over an open space) to build large structures Homes were normally made of bricks, but the Romans developed a new building material-concrete

The Colosseum Perhaps the greatest Roman building ever built was the Colosseum, which was the site of contests between people and animals. The building could hold up to 50,000 people, and the walls were built so that the floor of the arena could be flooded for mock naval battles The Colosseum was damaged by the great earthquake in 1349, causing the south side of the building to collapse

Roads and Aqueducts The Romans were famous for their aqueducts( structures that carried water over long distances) used throughout the empire The aqueducts were huge lines of arches, often many miles long Roman aqueducts tunneled through mountains and spanned valleys.

Quick Write: What was the purpose of aqueducts? Question Quick Write: What was the purpose of aqueducts?

Roman Law Like Roman roads, Roman law spread throughout the empire. A ruler named Justinian created a code of justice from Roman law Our law is modeled after the Romans in that a person being accused of a crime has a right to face their accuser

Ancient Rome song! https://youtu.be/m5V-IK1cEtE

THE END!