Achievements of the Roman Empire

Roman Architecture

• Many different buildings showing the abilities of the Romans and their advanced construction– The Forum Romanum or Roman Forum– The Colosseum – built for entertainment– The Pantheon – built for the gods

• All used columns as well as new designs• Romans also create concrete by mixing ingredients and

soaking in water– Mixed lime, ash from volcanoes, small pieces of rock & water

ROMAN FORUM

Colosseum

• Used to entertain• Could be flooded• Had underground

tunnels/ chambers• Fit over 50,000

people and royalty

The Pantheon• Hole in ceiling let in light• Dome was a new idea; used many

arches and built with concrete

The Roman Arch

• Rome created a design for the arch that required no cement to hold it together– Used a keystone in the middle– If removed the arch would fall

KEYSTONE

Roman Roads and Aqueducts

• Roads made of stone and ranged all over the empire of Rome

• Aqueducts also all over Rome– Used arch design to support its construction

Science and Medicine from Rome

• Ptolemy- famous astronomer and scientist• Solar model had earth in center with sun revolving around

– Also drew some of the early maps of the world– Also known for astrology and music– One of his major contributions was his study of optics

• Medicine in Rome focused on public health– Public baths helped to keep people clean– Also had a public water system due to aqueducts– Medical schools were also established

Literature and Language

• Most famous work from literature came from writer named Virgil – writes the Aeneid– Tells the story of Aeneas and the Trojans (Greeks) came

and conquered the Latins– Over 10,000 lines in the poem

• Many languages branch from Latin– Known as a Romance language – based from Rome– Other languages- Romanian, French, Spanish, etc.

Roman Religions

• Two major religions branch from the Roman Empire and Italy– Roman Mythology and Christianity

• Roman Mythology similar to Greek mythology• Jesus was born in a Roman province– Was also Jewish – Jews not well accepted in Rome– Rome has issues with people not following

myths/gods of Roman mythology– Later he will be killed by Pontius Pilate for beliefs