Section 2: the Roman Empire

Chapter 10, 11

Ancient Rome c

• Rome had grown to become

one of the world’s leaders.

• Many in Rome worked to take

over the new power gained

through conquest.

• Military power began to

dominate government power.

Section Focus

Julius Caesar

• After the Punic Wars, military took over the

government, causing civil wars.

• Power was separated into a

triumvirate (3 leaders):

– Crassus

– Pompey

– Julius Caesar

End of the Republic

• Three men shared power, legions,

and made decisions for 10 years.

• Greed and jealously

caused problems

and Caesar took

total control.

End of the Republic

• Caesar was rich, educated, a brilliant general,

and loved by Rome.

• Caesar wanted solve problems

of Rome:

– Gave poor, land for farming

– Increased the size of army

– Fixed roads for trade

Julius Caesar

• Fearing that Caesar

would begin a monarchy

the Senate killed him

on March 15, 44 B.C.

• Rome erupted into chaos.

• Caesar’s adopted son,

Octavian, took control of

Rome and into it’s “Golden Age.”

Julius Caesar

The Roman Empire • Under Octavian (Augustus) life

improved for people all over the

empire.

• Rome began to grow and develop

into an empire.

• The Pax Romana brought trade,

money, accomplishments, and

prosperity to the people.

The Roman Empire

• Science & Agriculture

The Roman Empire

• Surgery & Medicines

The Roman Empire

• Roman Architecture

The Roman Empire

• Roman Architecture

• Roman Mosaics

The Roman Empire

• Roman Sculptures

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire

• The Chariot Races (A) HISTORY

The Romans probably borrowed chariot

racing from the Etruscans, who

themselves borrowed it from the Greeks

(B) THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS

Most famous race track and could seat

more than 250,000 people.

(C) THE RACES

The races were extremely violent and

often deadly. Each race consisted of

seven laps.

The Roman Empire

• The Bathhouses (A) HOTROOM

The heat and steam made bathers sweat,

getting rid of dirt in the pores of their skin.

(B) STEAM BATH

Furnaces boiled pools of water to fill the

hot room with steam.

(C) WARM ROOM

Before entering the hot room, bathers went

to the warm room to get used to the heat.

(D) COLD ROOM

Bathers went to the cold room last of all.

Here they had a quick dip in a pool of cold

water to give the skin a final rinse.

(E) EXERCISE AND GAMING AREA

Before going home, bathers liked to

sunbathe and chat with their friends. Some

also did athletic exercises.

The Roman Empire

• The Banquets (A) THE MEAL

Menus consisted of a vide variety

of items collected from all over

the empire. The more rare an

item, the more desired to eat.

(B) THE BANQUET

Patricians usually dined together

in groups from multiple families.

Diners would lay on couches as

they ate, and would be served by

slaves.

(C) MEETINGS

Most banquets also served as

meeting areas for Roman

Patricians

The Roman Empire

• The Gladiatorial Games (A) THE GLADIATOR

Gladiators were usually slaves

who had been trained in fighting.

Their life was hard and deadly.

(B) THE COLISEUM

Most famous fighting arena was

the Coliseum. Built by Emperor

Flavius, the Coliseum had become

the icon of Ancient Rome.

(C) THE COLISEUM

(CROSS-SECTION)

Many of our current sports arenas

resemble the Coliseum. Seating

was based on status, but all were

encouraged to attend.

The Roman Empire

Rome & Christianity • As Rome expanded, cultures

began to mix.

• One proved too much

for Rome; Christianity.

• Begins with Judaism;

first monotheistic religion.

Rome & Christianity • Jews rebelled against Roman authority

and were attacked.

• Jews looked for a Messiah, or savior.

• One man, Jesus, taught peace,

harmony, and love.

• Many plebeians also followed

Jesus and not Rome.

Rome & Christianity • Jesus was convicted of treason

and crucified.

• After death, missionaries

continued teachings and

Christianity grew.

• Christianity led to

downfall of Rome.