1. Compare and contrast Roman Empire vs. Middle Ages
Compare-similar
Contrast-differences

2. When and where Roman Empire 100BC – 476AD Began in Italy and spread.
Middle Ages 500AD – 1500AD
Throughout Western Europe

3. Lifestyle / Economy
Roman Empire : Trade, money and building wealth in cities
Middle Ages : Farming to survive on many small kingdoms/ small rural manors. Living in self sufficient communities.

4. Law and security
Roman Empire : Written laws and a republic form of government. A time of relative safety (Pax Romana)1 empire.
Middle Ages : Often lawless and dangerous. The Roman Catholic Church was the only unifying force. Many kingdoms.

5. Knowledge /Education
Roman : Knowledge and learning very important. Imitated the Greeks.
Middle Ages : Knowledge only preserved by the church, monks in monasteries. The main concern of most people was survival.

6. Art Roman art was often inspired by the Greeks.
Art was largely missing in the Middle Ages except some commissioned by the church.

7. Building and innovations
Roman : coliseum, pantheon, the roman arch in architecture. Great roads and safe travel. First to use shapeable concrete
Middle Ages : Roads fall into disrepair, travel is dangerous. Buildings are built for safety, castles.

8. Warfare
Roman : Roman legions fought to gain more land and they fought to keep out the invading ”barbarians”. Long periods of peace.
In the Middle Ages warfare was common between the MANY kingdoms. Mounted soldiers called knights.

9. Social Structure
Romans: Plebians are the working class. Patricians are the upper ruling class. Many slaves captured in war. High standard of living and free time.
Middle Ages : Feudalism
King – nobles/bishops- knights-vassals- serfs
*most of the people were serfs. They were not slaves. They were poor farmers who were tied to the land and could not leave. Wealth was based on land not money. Bartering/ trading was used instead of money.

10. Review questions for you!!!!
When were the Middle Ages?
How did most of the people live in the middle ages?
Who united Europe during the M.A?
How people were ranked in society was called F__________.
Which period would you rather live in?