1. The Roman World Chapter 13 Section 2 p. 318-325 April 30, 2009 SS period 1/2/3/4

2. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Roman Republic Rome’s Early History Rome was one of the most influential civilizations in history. The city of Rome was established in the year 753 BC by a group called the Latins. Rome was originally a monarchy, ruled by a king or queen.

3. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Beginning of the Republic In 509 BC the Romans overthrew their king and created a republic, a government in which people elect their leaders. Rome’s leaders were advised by the Senate, a council of powerful Romans. For Rome’s republican government to succeed, citizens, or people who could take part in the government, needed to be active.

4. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Growth and Conquest Under the republic, Rome grew. By 100 BC the Romans ruled much of the Mediterranean world. The Romans conquered and took over many lands. For example, they fought and defeated Carthage in North Africa. Julius Caesar, a general who conquered many new lands for Rome, became very powerful. Afraid of his power, a group of senators banded together and killed Caesar in 44 BC.

5. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Roman Empire The First Emperor The change from republic to empire, a government that includes many different peoples and lands under a single ruler, began after the murder of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Caesar’s adopted son Octavian took over the Roman world. As ruler, he was renamed Augustus, which means “honored one.” Augustus was respected for his many accomplishments: Added territory to the empire Built monuments and public buildings Improved and expanded roads

6. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Pax Romana Augustus’s rule was the beginning of the Pax Romana or the Roman Peace. The Pax Romana was a period of peace and achievement that lasted for about 200 years. There were no major wars or rebellions within the empire, and trade increased.

7. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Roman Building and Engineering Romans were great builders and engineers Many Roman buildings are still standing today because Romans were skilled engineers who knew how to make their buildings strong. An example of this is the Coliseum. Romans also built durable roads, bridges, and aqueducts, or channels used to carry water over long distances.

8. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Roman Language and Law Many modern languages, such as Spanish, French, Italian, and English, are based on Latin, the Roman language Romans wrote great plays, poems, and stories Roman law influenced many legal systems around the world, including that of the United States. Like ancient Rome, the U.S. is a republic.

9. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Spread of Christianity The Beginnings of Christianity The spread of Christianity began during the empire. Christianity is based on the life, actions, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity began in Judea in southwest Asia but quickly spread through the rest of the Roman world. Early Christians traveled from city to city, teaching people about their beliefs. As a result, large communities of Christians formed in many Roman cities.

10. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Persecution and Acceptance Some Roman leaders feared that Christians would rebel against the government. To prevent rebellion, these leaders began to persecute, or punish, Christians. Christians practiced their religion in secret to avoid persecution. In the 300s the emperor Constantine became a Christian. Constantine ended persecution.

11. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Official Religion In the 380s all non- Christian religions were banned in Rome. Christianity became a powerful influence in the Roman world.

12. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes The Decline of Rome By the late 300s, Roman society was weakening. Crime rates rose. Taxes and poverty increased. The Roman education system broke down. The government fell apart. Many people no longer felt loyal to Rome. Many factors contributed to the weakening.

13. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Problems in the Government For years Rome was ruled by bad emperors who were more interested in their own happiness than in ruling well. Ambitious military leaders tried to take over, but they were no better than the bad emperors. Civil wars between rival leaders added to Rome ’ s problems.

14. Key PointsNotes Key PointsNotes Invasions Barbarian invaders began to attack Roman territory in the 300s and 400s. The powerful invaders defeated Roman armies and took land away from the Romans. In 476 an invading group destroyed Rome and overthrew the last emperor. Most historians consider this event the end of the Roman Empire in western Europe.

15. Summary: The Romans unified parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia in one of the ancient world’s greatest civilizations. The Romans unified parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia in one of the ancient world’s greatest civilizations.