The Rise of the Roman Empire
Warm Up List at least four achievements of Rome. On your warm up paper, List at least four achievements of Rome. Why were roads an essential part of the success of the Roman Empire?
Geography of Rome Peninsula in Mediterranean Sea First Romans (Latins) built settlement near the Tiber River Favorable climate: cool, rainy winters productive farmland Apennines Mountains protected from harsh weather; safe from invasion Tiber River prosperous trade; transportation
Why would the Romans build their settlement near so many hills?
The Roman Kingdom 8th century: became a kingdom Series of kings ruled, Tarquin: Last Roman King Harsh, unjust Uprising in 510 B.C. Wanted government based on the will of the people
The Roman Republic Power rests with citizens, who vote to select their leaders Model for many democracies today All free-born males could vote Laws to protect basic freedoms Limited power of one person: Two consuls Could rule for only one year Limited by Senate However, wealthy/noble families had most influence; women had few rights
The Roman Army Powerful, well-organized Helped expand territory Conquered all of what is now Italy, defeated Carthage in 146 B.C. Gave control of Mediterranean Sea
Why would control of the Mediterranean be important?
Decline of the Republic Tension between classes patricians {the rich} Plebeians {the poor} =Civil War 45 BC: Julius Caesar brings order, names himself sole ruler Ended Roman Republic Killed in 44 B.C. by Senators who distrusted his popularity, including best friend Marcus Brutus
The Roman Empire Octavian took power & changed name to Augustus (“Divine One”) Empire: a group of different cultures led by one ruler (emperor) “Pax Romana” (Roman Peace) Policies allowed Rome to remain strong even after his death
Life After Augustus 2nd century A.D.: Reached largest size Ruled two million square miles 50,000 miles of roads Scotland to the Middle East (Mesopotamia) 60 million people under Roman rule
The Rise of Christianity Roman leaders could not contain its spread Based on teachings of Jesus Used many components of Judaism, i.e. monotheism (belief in a single god) Because Jesus achieved a great following, Roman leaders felt threatened by him
Rise of Christianity (cont) Eventually arrested and put to death Teachings spread even after his death Christians at great risk (could be imprisoned, killed, etc) As Christianity grew stronger, the Roman Empire grew weaker…
Ticket Out of Class 3-2-1: Three Facts Two Questions One Surprising Fact (something you learned today that surprised you)