1. Roman Civilization Life in Ancient Rome The Pax Romana “Peaceful Rome” Emperor Augustus 27 B.C. – 14 A.D. Julio-Claudian Emperors Tiberius Caligula Claudius Nero

2. The “Golden Age” The Period of Antonines 96-192 Era of the “Five good emperors” Nerva Trajan Hadrian Antoninus Pius Marcus Aurelius

3. Life in Ancient Rome Rome’s population 500,000 and 750,000 Most people lived in jerrybuilt apartment houses Fire and crime were constant problems Streets were narrow and sanitation was a problem Compared to medieval and early modern cities, Rome was healthy enough to live in

4. City life in Rome The city was so big that the countryside could not feed it Because of starvation, the emperor provided the citizens with free bread, oil, and wine This prevented riots Non-citizens were given grain at low prices This kept the favor of the people

5. Entertainment The emperor entertained the population at his expense Gladiator contest Dueled with usually swords and shields Many were criminals sentenced to be killed Some were prisoners of war or slaves of gladiator trainers Some were free men who volunteered and women

6. Entertainment Chariot racing Romans were more addicted to chariot racing than gladiator shows Four permanent teams competed against one another (red, white, green, and blue) Two-horse or four-horse chariots (seven laps or about five miles) This was comparable to today’s modern past- time activities

7. Roman Decline Third century A.D. Civil Wars and barbarian invasions Economy shattered and cities got smaller Commodus was unsuited to govern the empire 20 different emperors in 49 years “Barracks emperors” Rule of military commanders

8. Barbarians on the Frontiers They came westward from Asia Goths Vandals Huns Alamanni Franks Saxons

9. Turmoil in farm and village life The people of the villages had more trouble with corrupt officials than with the barbarians from the east. Some had to leave for their safety.