The Roman Way of Life Chapter 12.1

Tennessee SPIs 6.56 Compare/contrast the Titans with Olympian gods; explain the surrounding Greek mythology. 6.66 Describe the characteristics of slavery under the Roman revolt; explain the slave revolt led by Spartacus. 6.69 Describe the contributions of Roman civilization to law, literature, poetry, art, architecture, engineering, and technology. Include significance of Coliseum, Circus Maximus, roads, bridges, arches, arenas, baths, aqueducts, central heating, plumbing, and sanitation. 6.70 Explain the spread and influence of Roman alphabet and Latin language; use of Latin as language of education; role of Latin and Greek in scientific/academic vocabulary. 6.71 Compare/contrast Roman and Greek gods/goddesses; Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Neptune, Saturn, Pluto, Hera and their inclusion in modern society.

Rome – The Empire’s Chief City Largest city in the ancient world By 1AD more than 1 million people Emperor lived there Carefully planned, laid out in a square Forum; open market place & public square

Map of Ancient Rome

How Romans Lived Emperor – lived in a palace Wealthy – lived in big houses in the hills; marbled walls, tiled floors, running water Most Romans were poor – no jobs, unskilled laborers, lived in crowded, dirty, noisy neighborhoods

“Bread and Circuses” Offered by political leaders to gain support of the poor Circus Maximus – arena seating 150,000 people; chariot races held

Circus Maximus

Gladiators

Gladiators Fight each other to the death Battle with wild animals Performed at the Coliseum Most were slaves, criminals, prisoners of war, or poor Were admired for their skill and bravery

Roman Family Heart of society Father had power to sell children into slavery, or put to death Later times: wives gained legal rights, Romans had more divorces/re-marrying Upper Class – Tutored at home; older boys went away to school Poorer Romans – could not afford school

Roman Kids Boys - became adults at age 15 worked for family business, joined army, worked in government Girls – married around age 14 considered adults when married

Roman Women not full citizens, had few rights (early Rome) strong family influence during Empire women had more rights freedoms depended on husband’s wealth those with less money had fewer freedoms

Rome & Slavery part of Roman life; slave labor grew as territory grew conquered people taken prisoner, brought to Rome, sold as slaves by 100 BC, 40% of people in Italy were slaves

Slaves worked in homes, on farms, mined, construction work Greek slaves were educated; worked as doctors, teachers, artisans life was miserable, worked long hours, punished severely often rebelled

Spartacus Gladiator; led slave rebellion force of 70,000 was defeated by Roman Army killed in battle; 60,000 followers were crucified

Spartacus

Religion Gods protected the Empire Greek gods/goddesses give Roman names Homes had altars Temples open to all public

Philosophy adopted from Greeks stoicism: learning to live in a practical way Romans allowed religious practices if they did not threaten the government

Science and Art Romans influenced by the Greeks copied Greeks, but adapted to Roman needs

Science Galen (Greek) – introduced medical ideas to Rome anatomy: study of body structure Ptolemy; studied/mapped stars & planets motion Romans built roads, aqueducts, arches Roman numeral system still used today

Roman Numerals

Art & Architecture Roman statues were realistic arches used to create vaults (curved ceilings) mastered use of concrete Coliseum & Pantheon are some of most famous architecture

Coliseum

Literature Roman writers created their own style honored gods, also made comedies about them praised military successes, also acknowledged failures

Virgil Horace Livy & Tacitus wrote the “Aeneid”, story of the founding of Rome Horace wrote satires and odes Livy & Tacitus wrote about Roman history

Theater & Language attending plays was a favorite pastime plays were part of religious celebrations/national festivals

Latin Language of Romans Europe’s language of government, trade, and learning basis of modern languages: Italian, French, and Spanish some of our English words come from Latin