1. Chuck Norris Fact: Chuck Norris sold his soul to the devil for his rugged good looks and unparalleled martial arts ability. Shortly after the transaction was finalized, Chuck roundhouse kicked the devil in the face and took his soul back. The devil, who appreciates irony, couldn't stay mad and admitted he should have seen it coming. They now play poker every second Wednesday of the month.

2. Rome The Beginnings

3. The Founding Rome is in a great location ◦ Near the middle of the Mediterranean Sea ◦ Next to the Tiber River ◦ In the middle of seven hills ◦ Protected by the Alps to the North & the Mediterranean Founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus ◦ They didn’t get along Romulus & Remus suckling at the power teat of their wolf mother…and you thought you had problems

4. The Truth  The first Romans are a mix of Latins, Greeks and Etruscans  Rome pulls the best of previous empires like the Greeks & Persians  Rome is born like all other empires  Good location  Good leadership  Good Military  Good Technology Look at that body! I work out!

5. The Empire Spreads  Over several hundred years the Romans unite and begin to conquer  By 250 bce they control most of Italy  Slowly Rome begins to take all areas touching the Mediterranean

6. The Punic Wars Three Main Wars Battles with Carthage The outcome of these struggles is what makes Rome a full on empire Hannibal crossing into Italy

7. The Rise of Caesar Rome is now the only empire in the Mediterranean As Rome grows, there is a widening gap between the rich and poor Eventually, Legions begin to put their faith in generals instead of Rome ◦ Enter Julius Caesar Sometimes General Full Time Chef Salad anyone?

8. The Triumvirates Both are formed by two generals and a politician to gain control of Rome The first establishes Caesar as Dictator of Rome and results in his death The Second avenges his death and places Octavian/Augustus in power Involves Antony & Cleopatra Eh tu, Brute?

9. The Pax Romana  A 200 Year Period of Great Peace and Prosperity  Begins with Augustus  Caesar’s “son”  Creativity & Ingenuity run wild  Romans run wild  Life is good!

10. The Republic  Emperor  Insane, but not total power  Senate  300 Members  Patricians  Assemblies  Centuriate (Soldiers)  Tribunes (Plebians)  Written Law  12 Tables  Posted in the Forum  All citizens are equal in the law and have rights  Copied by many, namely the United States

11. Behind the Scenes A vast Road System is built and unites all reaches of the Empire Safe trade and travel 90% of the cash comes from farming Denarius is money Common, unified money system Military travels and keeps the empire safe Civil Service jobs are done by the common man Tax Collection Grain distribution

12. The Roman Legion The Legions give Rome the ability to spread It is an honor and duty for men to serve Legion ◦ 5,000 Men ◦ Calvary The Legion will build and protect Rome Did You Know: Russell Crowe served in the Legions before he became an actor

13. Religion Pagans Worshipped Greek Gods Zeus Hades Worshipped Roman Gods Jupiter Mars Asian Religions Ancestral spirits Christianity Jesus lived and died in the Roman Empire

14. Moment of Zen Oh my god! You can see his yolk!