1. THE PAX ROMANA: ROMAN PEACE
(27 B.C. – 180 A.D.)

2. Pax Romana Economic Impact
Established uniform system of money - expands trade
Guaranteed safe travel and trade in empire
Army - Roman legions
Great road system - 50,000 miles of highway
Promoted prosperity

3. Pax Romana Social Impact
Returned stability of social classes
Increased emphasis on family

4. Pax Romana Political Impact
Created Civil Service
Developed uniform rule of law
12 Tables

5. ROMAN
ARCHITECTURE

6. Architecture Romans borrowed Greek columns.
Wanted to show off their power and prestige by building immense palaces, temples, and stadiums.
First to create arches

7. The Pantheon Served as a temple to the Gods
Also used for political meetings
Used domes to allow roofing over large structures.

8. Pantheon’s Dome

9. Pantheon’s Interior

10. Roman Bath
Roman Bath

11. Arch of Constantine

13. Roman
Entertainment

14. Roman Coliseum Used for: Training slaves to fight Gladiator contests
Battles, dramas, and executions

15. Arena is Latin for sand, coating the floor that soaks up the blood of the combatants.

16. Circus Maximus Rome’s largest racecourse
Chariot racing – winners of the race were hailed heroes!
Both the Coliseum and Circus Maximus diverted the attention of the poor to the enjoyment of games, races, and battles.
Used as a way to control the mob!

17. Roman Roads Originally built for the Roman Army
Complex roads brought the empire together.
ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROME!

18. Roman Aqueduct
Definition: bridge-like stone channel that brought water from the hills to the city
Only the rich had water piped in.
People gathered here to wash and hear the latest news.
Availability of fresh water was important to the Romans.

19. Aqueduct in Segovia

20. Roman Sculpture Romans borrowed much of their art from the Greeks.
Their statues had expression and attitude; represented the power and leadership of Rome.
Adopted “realism” from Hellenistic civilizations
Revealed every aspect of detail (good or bad!)

21. The Sciences
Greco-Roman Civilization: a blend of Greek, Roman, and Hellenistic culture and traditions
A lot of the science was left to the Greeks (who were now citizens of Rome).
Alexandria, in Egypt, continued to be the center of learning.
Pliny the Elder
Roman scientist who compiled volumes of geography, zoology, botany, and others.

22. Literature and History
Roman poet, Virgil, writes Aenid.
Hoped to arouse patriotism and unite Rome after many civil wars.
Historian, Livy, wrote about Rome’s past to arouse patriotism, as well.
Told stories of heroes

23. Philosophy
Borrowed philosophical ideas from Greeks and Hellenistic civilization
Stoicism: stresses the importance of duty, accepting one’s fate
Educated Greeks admired the Romans’ work.