The Legacy of the Romans

Learning objective: What was the Roman legacy? The legacy of the Romans is extremely important. Many things that form part of everyday life were introduced or improved by the Romans. Over the centuries since the collapse of the Roman Empire, Romans ideas, literature, art and architecture have influenced many people around the world.

Art Cricket LatinsewagePublic heated baths Turnips and carrots Aqueducts Education Irrigation ( water supply) The calendar CoinsPaved streets and pavements Apples, pears and grapes RoadsWine CatsStinging nettles TownsGlassStreet Cleaners Shops Laws Tenement Blocks Public order Firemen and Police ParksCabbages & peas Public libraries Public notices and adverts LiteratureChocolate BaseballCement and bricks Benefits (free food) for poor citizens

Now you have two minutes... To remember as much as possible!! You will then have 3 minutes to write down as many as you can remember!

Literature Roman authors followed the famous Greek authors, often developing and building upon Greek writing. Most surviving literature is written for or by the rich. Writers were supported by the rich. Many writers have been influenced by the Romans including Shakespeare (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra).

Architecture Many Roman buildings still stand - just this is evidence of how good Roman architecture was. Roman architecture has many connections with Greek architecture through the use of pillars and arches. Since the Renaissance, this style has been popular around the world.

Art Roman art has influenced many people. Just as with architecture, the Renaissance saw a rebirth in interest in classical art. The use of pictures of Emperors on coins and sculptures introduced powerful images to society.

Language English is a mixture of many different languages, but it contains very many references to Latin. Some Latin words are used directly, whereas others have been adapted - yet the influence of the Romans in our language can easily be seen - you can learn more in the quiz.

Now to test your knowledge... 1What does the word 'Legacy' mean? A.Something left behind B. A total disaster C. Helping others D.Where a society is totally wiped out

2. Who improved or introduced many of the things that are part of everyday life today? A.Teachers B.Romans C.Friends D.Countrymen

3. Which of the following was NOT introduced by the Romans? A.Glass B.Calendar C.Face painting D.Stinging nettles

4. What was the official language of Rome? A.Greek B.A total mixture C.Italian D.Latin

5. Which of these foods was NOT introduced by the Romans? A.Apples B.Coconuts C. Pears D.Peas

6.What did the Romans bring to Britain that helped keep people safe? A.Ambulance men B. Firemen and Police C.Armed guards D.Fully equipped soldiers

7. Who did Roman authors follow? A.No-one - they were original B. The Europeans C. The Greeks D. The Russians

8.Most surviving literature was written for or created by: A.All of society B.The monarchy C.The poor D.The rich

9. Which of these writers has been directly influenced by the Romans? A.William Shakespeare B.William Wordsworth C.William Blake D.Joseph Puffindi

10. What is the best evidence to how well Roman buildings were built? A.Examining paintings of their construction B. Many still stand today C.They have been copied again and again

11. Since when has the 'Classical' style of architecture been popular? A.Since the Romans B.Since the Normans C.Since the Renaissance D.Since the discovery of America

12. How has Latin influenced the English language? A.Hardly at all B.Some words are used directly, other are slightly adapted For 1000 years C.Latin was the only official language. The Romans used it continually D.Not very much as it only makes up a small percentage of the English language

The answers A10. B 2.B11. C 3.C12. B 4. D 5. B 6. B 7. C 8. D 9. A

Last Task... Write a paragraph in your book explaining what the Roman legacy was...

To finish What have you enjoyed the most so far? 2. What have you enjoyed the least? Next time... The Norman Conquest