Rome – the Beginnings

Napoleon viewed himself as the spiritual descendent of the Roman Emperors

Begun in CE 72 by Vespasiano and dedicated in CE 80 by his son Titus, the Coliseum seated 45,000 people with standing room for an additional 20,000.

The blood lust of Rome. Gladiator Mosaic from 1 st – 3 rd centuries, CE. Mosaic art flourished during Rome. In one series of games at the Coliseum, 5000 people and 11,000 animals were slaughtered.

Roman Aqueducts Water flow into Rome did not eclipse the Empire years until the 1950’s.

Roman grain ships were the largest sea vessels until the 19 th century ocean liners.

Mythological founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus - here seen with their she-wolf mother. The twins were added during the Renaissance. (Cain and Abel?)

Rome – born of the legends of blood. Altar of Mars

Greeks sailed west for exploration and trade. Greeks named the Italian peninsula Hisperia – “land of the evening sun.” The Greeks were surprised to find the Etruscans (Tuscany).

Etruscans enjoyed an advanced civilization and became known for their art.

Rape of the Sabines The blood lust continues.

Rome learned and took much from the Etruscans, for example, social classes, engineering, the dark side…

6 th and 5 th century Rome grew in trade and commerce – a thriving Etruscan province

King Servius Tullius 84,700 80,000 83, B.C.130, B.C.120, B.C.150, B.C.110, B.C.103, B.C.104, B.C.117, /92 B.C.152,573 Servius Tullius – Etruscan King – ordered first census in 6 th century.

Census  classified and categorized Roman citizens into social classes and political units. Why? Now the Roman subjects of the Etruscan king had to pay taxes and perform military duties. This is why censuses are taken in history. Servius’ census results.

Tullius’ actions proved beneficial. Why? Military duty becomes a value and obligation to the state. Roman citizens gained rights. Servius forms an assembly – the Senate – and provides the foundation of representative gov’t. This is the beginning of the Legions.

Servius, like many others, brought down by treachery. Roman blood-lust. Servius’ daughter wants husband, Tarquin, to rule. The plan is for Tarquin to gain control and the daughter’s henchmen will kill her father. Power & Paranoia join hands.

While Tarquin and supporters feast...

... his henchmen rampage and kill political opponents – a campaign of brutal murder. Rome’s blood lust.

The Rape of Lucretia

By Giambattista Tiepolo

By Titian

By Veronese

Senatus Populusque Romanus