Roman Empire Conquered provinces had a Roman governor and soldiers Locals mostly remained free; many were made Roman citizens Built capital cities in new provinces Did not try to force people to change their lives; let people keep beliefs and traditions

Roman Empire Latin was official language of empire Pax Romana – period of peace when Roman Empire was at its height Romans were engineers and architects (builders) Created arch, which could support a wall over an open space Invented concrete, mix of stone, sand, cement and water that was used in buildings

Roman Empire Built great aqueducts that carried clean water long distances into cities Colosseum – greatest of Roman buildings; held 50,000 people; site of contests and fights for sport

Roman Empire Roman citizens were proud of being a citizen and had many rights Every 5 years male citizens had to be counted by registering for the census Women, free slaves, girls were not counted as citizens; they gained status by their relationship with a male citizen

Roman Empire Wealthy Romans lived in fancy houses in city, or on land in the country called villas Poor Romans lived in small apartments and seldom had enough to eat Poor would riot Rome had to provide wheat & grain for the poor so they could have bread

Roman Empire Created “circuses” (arenas) where people could see free shows Circuses were often violent Used gladiators who fought to the death Often fought against slaves or animals