Rome PowerPoint SlidesTopics:

1) Introduction to Rome2) People of Rome

3) Roman Government

Seven Hills of Rome

Aqueducts – Structures, using the arch, that brings water into the city

Circus Maximus – The chariot races were held at this track, holding hundreds of thousands of people. The track was designed so that the emperor could watch

from his palace.

Pantheon - The place where Roman gods were worshipped…. The ceiling is in a dome shape,

another significant development of the times.

The Colosseum

Catacombs

Roman Forum

Patrician• Went to all gladiator

battles, many parties• One family in each

house (family line important)

• Power in leadership• Homes had many

rooms – possibly running water/ indoor bathroom

• Spent time in Roman baths (spa today)

Plebeian• Wore “tunics” – long shirt w/ belt• Rome crowded – lived in the

apartments; little/no running water/ indoor bathroom – crowded area

• Living conditions often unhealthy• Some power to influence

decisions; still citizens• Could have slaves, even though

not as rich• Entertainment – visit gladiator

games (way to make them happy, not revolt; little/ no time at bath)

• Food bland, basic

Slaves• Make clothes, prepare food, tools – manual

labor

• Every slave had a price, depending on effort, talents, etc.

• Could wait on patricians hand and foot – treated better though (could be freed by master either by earning it or upon master’s death)

• If freed, known as a “freedman” – not a citizen; no voting rights/ power

• Interaction with masters – sometimes treated like one of the family, others treated very roughly

• Slaves were gladiators!

Women• Women had some rights – could

own shops, land, slaves (depends on status of the woman)

• Plebian woman – worked in shops; housekeeping/ taking care of children the major job

• Slave women – possibly in the gladiator games as well

Children• Wore tunics• No formal schooling in many cases, taught by

mother, tutor, slave tutor (depends on wealth)• May wait on parents, serve them• Father ran the house; rights were controlled;

father could sell into slavery (rare, but poorer people might)

• Obedience necessary• Poorer children suffer from malnutrition• Goal of education: become an effective speaker• Married young

Legionary• Marry a local woman –

depending on where placed• Lived in barracks/ shared

bedrooms, etc.• Young, 45 max• Generals mixed with

government often• After fighting, may receive

land/ property in victory• Paid well, which kept them

loyal• Had to stay with legion

Structure of Roman RepublicCONSULS

SENATE

ASSEMBLY TRIBUNES JUDGES (MAGISTRATES)

Women & Slaves

CONSULS• 2 Consuls were elected

for one-year terms• Consuls were at the top of

the republic and each had “veto” power. If one consul didn’t agree, the idea did not go through

• Consuls came from wealthy families and became governors in the republic after they served the one-year term

• Commanders of the army in a time of war

SENATE• Made of old patrician males,

retired from being judges• Ran the day – to – day

operations of the republic; proposed laws and advised the consuls

• Took no salary, as the families were often rich already

• Held position for life, (which is why many times Senators were murdered)

• Nominate the consuls• 300 members

ASSEMBLY• Each free Roman male

belonged to an Assembly, made up of patricians (rich families, history in Rome) and plebeians (poorer citizens)

• Assembly members elected judges and tribunes to oversee the rights of everyday citizens

• Rich people usually had more power and control over Assembly matters

• Voted for the consuls based on senate nominations

• Could also declare war

TRIBUNES• Elected by the

Assembly• Would sit in on the

Senate and veto any law that went against the rights of the poor (plebeians)

• Were often bribed, since they were the only way the poor could have true influences

JUDGES• Elected by the Assembly to

oversee the actions/laws of Rome, especially the Twelve Tables

• Unpaid position, so was often taken by rich patrician men

• After retirement, would look for a position in the Senate

• Accepting bribes against 12 Tables – could get death penalty

ROMAN WOMEN & SLAVES• No votes• No direct influence in government• Slaves usually from conquered regions – often

served as gladiators and made money for owners

• Women could be honored if connected to wealthy families, but otherwise held only basic jobs outside of the home

• Freedmen, or slaves who were granted freedom, usually didn’t have voting rights (this eventually changed later)