Ancient Rome Notes Pax Romana

Objectives The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. in terms of its impact on Western civilization by Explaining the economic, social, and political impact of the Pax Romana Essential Questions What was the Pax Romana? What was the impact of the Pax Romana on the Roman Empire?

Pax Romana A period of peace and prosperity known as “Roman peace”, lasted from 27 B.C.E. to 180 C.E. (207 years) During this time the Roman Empire continued to expand, especially into the Near East

Economic Impact Agriculture was the most important industry (90% farmed) Silver coin, the denarius, was used throughout Rome, which made trade between all parts of the empire easy Uniform system of money

Economic Impact A complex network of roads linked the empire to Persia, southern Russia, China, etc. were originally built by military Roads were protected and safe to travel which encouraged trade Goods and culture were spread Overall promoted peace and stability

Social Impact Family was the heart of Roman society The Pax Romana increased emphasis on family the eldest man, known as the paterfamilias, or “father of the family” had power to rule the household, control property, banish family members, etc.

Social Impact Women, both rich and poor, were nearly equal the men Upper-class women could own property and attended public baths, plays, and festivals, but still could not vote Lower-class women could be weavers, shopkeepers, or entertainers

Social Impact Few children went to school, boys were favored over girls, and poor children had to work and were generally illiterate Slaves were a bigger part of Roman culture than any culture before; they worked in cities and on farms and many were treated cruelly or forced to be gladiators

Political Impact Augustus stabilized the frontier, glorified Rome with splendid buildings and created a long-lasting system of government Created a uniform rule of law He also set up a civil service which meant that he paid workers to manage the affairs of government, such as the grain supply, tax collection, and the postal system

Political Impact The Senate still functioned, but the civil servants, drawn from plebeians and former slaves administered the empire The Roman Forum was a central area in which commerce and the administration of justice took place

Objectives The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. in terms of its impact on Western civilization by Explaining the economic, social, and political impact of the Pax Romana Essential Questions What was the Pax Romana? What was the impact of the Pax Romana on the Roman Empire?

Ancient Rome Notes Roman Contributions

Objectives The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. in terms of its impact on Western civilization by Listing contributions in art and architecture, technology, and science, literature, and history, language, religious institutions, and law Essential Questions How did Roman achievements influence western civilization?

Art/Architecture The Colossuem, a huge arena that could hold 50,000 and hosted gladiators contests, games, races, animal shows, etc.

Art/Architecture The Pantheon was a temple for all the gods in Rome, had massive columns and domes, which were typical

Art/Architecture Used bas-relief, where images project from a flat background Where also skilled in mosaics, pictures or designs made by setting small pieces of stone, glass, or tile onto a surface

Technology Aqueducts were designed to bring water into cities and towns Couldn’t be built without roman arches Vast network of roads built of stone, concrete, and sand

Languages Latin was the official language of Rome Latin influenced French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Romanian which became known as the Romance Languages

Literature Writers used Roman themes and ideas while following Greek forms and models Virgil, a poet, wrote The Aeneid, which was a praise of Rome and Roman virtues; he believed government was Rome’s most important contribution to civilization

Law All persons had the right to equal treatment under the law A person was considered innocent until proven guilty The burden of proof rested with the accuser, not the accused A person should be punished only for actions, not thoughts Any law that seemed unreasonable or unfair could be set aside

Medicine Emphasis on public health Public baths Public water system Medical schools

Religion Adopted the Greek gods, but changed their names Most important were Jupiter (Zeus) – father of the gods, Juno (Hera) – his wife, who watched over marriage and women, and Minerva (Athena) – goddess of wisdom and war Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and eventually became the official religion

Greek and Roman Gods Greek GodRoman GodRole AresMars*God of War ZeusJupiter*Chief God HeraJunoWife of chief God AphroditeVenusGoddess of love ArtemisDianaGoddess of the Hunt AthenaMinervaGoddess of Wisdom HermesMercuryMessenger God HadesPlutoGod of the Underworld PoseidonNeptuneGod of the Sea HephaestusVulcanGod of Fire

Gods and Goddesses  Roman Gods and Goddesses  polytheistic  Government and religion linked  Deities symbols of state  Expected to honor in private rituals as well as publicly in temples  Military campaigns began with worship and sacrifices to the Gods  Also worship of the Emperor became part of the official religion of Rome as well  Concept of Pietas- dutiful obedience ▪ King head of the state, paterfamilias head of the household

Gladiators Gladiator games used to distract and control the masses of Rome Mainly poor and unemployed By A.D. 250 over 150 holidays a year Free games, races, mock battles, and Gladiator battles Celebrated in Coliseum Combined bravery, cruelty, honor, and violence Wild animals from distant lands

Objectives The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of ancient Rome from about 700 B.C.E. to 500 C.E. in terms of its impact on Western civilization by Listing contributions in art and architecture, technology, and science, literature, and history, language, religious institutions, and law Essential Questions How did Roman achievements influence western civilization?