Ancient Rome

The ancient Romans made important contributions to government, laws, and engineering. Ancient Rome’s history is important to use because the cultural achievements of the Romans continue to influence the art, architecture, and literature of today.

In the beginning...

• Ancient Rome began as a group of villages along the banks of the Tiber River, which is present day Italy.

• The early settlers were sheep herders, and farmers who grew wheat, olives, and grapes.

• These villages united and slowly became known as Rome.

Roman Republic

• For over 200 years, Kings ruled over Rome. In 509 B.C., Rome became a republic. A republic is a nation in which power belongs to the citizens, who govern themselves through elected representatives.

The Senate Patricians Plebeians

The Roman Senate was an

assembly of elected

representatives.

A Patrician was a member of a

wealthy, landowning family who claimed their

roots could be traced back to the founding of Rome.

Any ordinary, working male

citizen of ancient Rome. Could be a

farmer or craftsmen.

The single most powerful ruling body.

Each year, the Senate selected 2

leaders (consuls), to be the head of the

government and the military.

The Patricians, were the only citizens

that were allowed to be judges.

Originally, Plebeians did not have any power, except to vote. In

287 B.C. they gained the right to vote and had the same equality as

the Patricians.

Roman Law & the Twelve Tablets

• Roman law evolved slowly over a period of about a thousand years. At first, as in all early societies, the law was unwritten, mixed with religious custom, and harsh in its judgments. In the fifth century B.C., this law was put in writing in the Law of the Twelve Tables, as the result of plebeian demand. During the remainder of the Republic the body of Roman law (jus civile, "law of the citizen") was enlarged by legislation passed by the Senateand the assembly and by judicial interpretation of existing law to meet newconditions.

Rome’s Expansion

• The growth of the Roman Empire was not deliberately planned. It was the result of unsettled conditions, which threatened Rome’s security. Rome has always claimed that their involvement in war’s were part of their defense, not an attack.

• By the third century B.C. Rome ruled most of the Italian Peninsula, which gave Rome the control over the Mediterranean. After 270 B.C. only Carthage remained as Rome’s rival to the west. Carthage ruled North Africa and southern Spain, thus ruling the western Mediterranean. Because Carthage had a weak military, lacking in loyal free citizens and allies, Rome eventually won and took control.

• By the 2nd century B.C. Rome’s control had spread across most of the Mediterranean Sea. They called it mare nostrum meaning “our Sea”.

From the Republic to the Empire of Rome

• Julius Caesar, was a successful Roman general and famous speaker, who was feared by the Roman Senate. They thought that he might become too powerful, so they tried to force him to resign. Caesar did not like this idea, and he wanted to rule over Rome.

• After a long and fierce battle Julius Caesar became the dictator of the Roman world. Caesar’s reign ended the Roman Republic, but his reign did not last long. Caesar was stabbed to death on the Senate floor by some angry senators (led by Brutus and Cassius). (March 15, 44 B.C.)

• After Caesar’s death a civil war erupted and lasted for several years.

• In 27 B.C., Caesar’s adopted son, Octavian, was named the first emperor of Rome. This marked the official beginning of the Roman Empire.

Augustan Age

• Octavian took the name Augustus, meaning “sacred” or “revered”, but he preferred the term “princeps” meaning “first citizen”, which he had been granted of the newly restored Republic of Rome.

• During this time the army was at peace. Architects and engineers built many new buildings. Trade increased all around the Mediterranean Sea. Lighthouses were constructed to help with ports

• Roman literature was also growing during this time.

• During this time the “Pax Romana” or Roman Peace lasted for 200 years.

Julius Caesar

Augustus

Christianity in Rome

• Christianity came into Rome mainly in the Eastern half of the Roman Empire around A.D. 14. Christianity spread due to the trade routes that were constructed on the Roman transportation network. By the end of the 3rd century A.D. Christianity had spread throughout the country.

• Roman leaders tolerated the different religious practices throughout the empire. They thought that Christians were suspicious and they were blamed for the natural disasters that occurred in Rome. Many Christians were punished or killed for their believes during this time.

• Constantine, who became the emperor of Rome in A.D. 306, claimed to to have seen a vision across the sky. He said that if he won the battle (in 312) he would convert to Christianity. He was victorious and became a Christian the next year. Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire after this.

Roman Architecture

The Colosseum: was constructed during times of turmoil. It was mainly used for gladiator shows,

where slaves would engage in battles.

Roman Aqueducts: Brought water into the city from far off

locations

Applan Way: the main road from

Rome to Southwest Italy

and beyond

Roman Baths: considered to be like modern day spas and fitness

centers. Provided the wealthy with a place to read, socialize,

exercise, relax and take care of personal hygiene. They were

charged for access to these baths.

The “Dome” in Rome

St. Peter’s DomeThe Dome came into Roman architecture

when people wanted to build a larger area that

the lintels could not function well with.