Warmup Why is Alexander the Great important?

Tuesday: Writing Madness! Analyze the cultural and political changes and continuities in ONE of the following empires in the Classical period. Chinese (100 C.E.–600 C.E.) Indian (300C.E.–600 C.E.) Roman (100 C.E.–600 C.E.) You may bring whatever notes you would like on Tuesday to complete this essay.

Next Week Monday: Roman Empire Tuesday: CCOT in class Wednesday: Review Due Thursday: Classical Era Test Friday: Go over test

Where Did the Romans Come From? -753 BCE: Founding of Rome by Romulus -Great grandchildren of Aeneas -Rome was a monarchy at first

The Aeneid: The Story the Romans Made Up for Themselves

The Birth of the Republic 509 BCE: Last king of Rome was deposed

SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus The Senate and People of Rome

Roman Political Structure: Republic

Roman Paranoia 390 BCE: Rome sacked by the Celts

ROMAN LEGION

The Battle for the Mediterranean Romans conquer Italy by 265 BCE

The Battle for the Mediterranean BCE The Punic Wars: Rome vs. Carthage The Second Punic War is the most important because:

The Battle for the Mediterranean 146 BCE: Carthage Destroyed

Hannibal on Elephants

Roman Technology: Roads

Roman Technology: Arch

Roman Technology: Aqueducts

Roman Technology: Monuments

Romans and Conquered Peoples Roman typically allowed conquered groups to select their own leaders as long as they were loyal to Rome. Romans syncretized the gods of conquered peoples

Hellenistic Influence Architecture Drama Sculpture Literature “Rome captured Greece, but Greece captivated Rome.”

What to do with the poor? BCE Increasing numbers of Romans are now landless. – Soldiers had land foreclosed on – Latifundia – Huge estates made up of large amounts of farmland Landless Romans may not serve in the army or vote. Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus try to give land to the poor. – Very popular – Both are killed – Julius Caesar favored similar reforms

General Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar 59 BCE First Triumvirate – Group which consolidated most of the political power in Rome – Julius Caesar, Pompey, Crassus 49 BC: Caesar crosses the Rubicon River with his army, declares himself dictator of Rome. Caesar’s soldiers are loyal to him Personally, not Rome.

The End of the Republic 44 BCE Caesar Assassinated 31 BCE Octavian wins civil war – Changes his name to Augustus Caesar – Assumes title of imperator Octavian = Augustus Caesar

Question What in Roman history made the Romans so reluctant to give up on the Republic?

Question Some historians argue that the West is built on the culture of four cities: – Jerusalem – Athens – Rome – London Which qualities do you think historians attribute to the Romans?