The Roman Republic

The Roman The Roman RepublicRepublic

Chapter 6, Section 1Chapter 6, Section 1

The Origins of RomeThe Origins of Rome Rome’s GeographyRome’s Geography

Site of Rome chosen for its Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and fertile soil and strategic locationstrategic location

Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea.the Mediterranean Sea.

Built on seven hills along Built on seven hills along Tiber RiverTiber River The First RomansThe First Romans

LatinsLatins, , GreeksGreeks, and , and EtruscansEtruscans compete for compete for control of the region.control of the region.

Latins found original settlement of Rome Latins found original settlement of Rome between between 10001000 B.C. and B.C. and 500500 B.C. B.C.

Etruscans native to Etruscans native to northernnorthern Italy influence Italy influence Roman civilizationRoman civilization

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Early RulersEarly Rulers

Around Around 600600 B.C. B.C. EtruscanEtruscan kings begin kings begin to rule Rome.to rule Rome.

Kings build Rome’s first temples and Kings build Rome’s first temples and public centerspublic centers

Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan kings Romans overthrow cruel Etruscan kings in 509 B.C.in 509 B.C.

Romans found a republic—a government Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.in which citizens elect leaders.

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Patricians and PlebeiansPatricians and Plebeians

Different groups struggle for power in Different groups struggle for power in early Roman Republicearly Roman Republic

PatriciansPatricians—wealthy landowning class —wealthy landowning class that holds most of the powerthat holds most of the power

PlebeiansPlebeians—artisans, merchants and —artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rulefarmers; can vote, but cannot rule TribunesTribunes—elected representatives who —elected representatives who

protect Plebeians’ rightsprotect Plebeians’ rights

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Twelve TablesTwelve Tables

In In 451451 B.C. officials carve B.C. officials carve RomanRoman lawslaws on on twelve tablets.twelve tablets.

Called the Twelve Tables, they become the Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law.basis for later Roman law.

Laws confirm the right of all Laws confirm the right of all freefree citizenscitizens to the protection of the law.to the protection of the law.

Citizenship is limited to Citizenship is limited to adult male adult male landownerslandowners..

The Twelve Tables are hung in the The Twelve Tables are hung in the ForumForum

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic Government Under the RepublicGovernment Under the Republic

Rome elects two Rome elects two consulsconsuls—one to lead —one to lead the army and one to direct government.the army and one to direct government.

SenateSenate—chosen from Roman upper —chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy.class; makes foreign and domestic policy.

Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people.makes laws for common people.

DictatorsDictators are leaders appointed briefly are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis.in times of crisis.

The Early RepublicThe Early Republic The Roman ArmyThe Roman Army

Roman legion—Roman legion—military unit of military unit of 5,000 infantry, 5,000 infantry, supported by supported by cavalry.cavalry.

Army is powerful Army is powerful and a key factor in and a key factor in Rome’s rise to Rome’s rise to greatness.greatness.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power Rome Conquers ItalyRome Conquers Italy

The Romans defeat the Etruscans in the The Romans defeat the Etruscans in the north and the Greek city-states in the north and the Greek city-states in the south.south.

By 265 B.C., Rome controls the entire By 265 B.C., Rome controls the entire Italian peninsula.Italian peninsula.

Rome treats the conquered peoples Rome treats the conquered peoples justly. This enables Rome to grow.justly. This enables Rome to grow.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power Rome’s Commercial NetworkRome’s Commercial Network

Rome establishes a large trading Rome establishes a large trading network.network.

Access to the Mediterranean Sea Access to the Mediterranean Sea provides many trade routes.provides many trade routes.

Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Carthage, a powerful city-state in North Africa, soon rivals Rome.Africa, soon rivals Rome.

Rome Spreads Its PowerRome Spreads Its Power War with CarthageWar with Carthage

Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three Rome and Carthage begin the Punic Wars—three wars between 264 through 146 B.C.wars between 264 through 146 B.C.

Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first Rome defeats Carthage and wins Sicily in the first 23-year war.23-year war.

Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, avenges this defeat in the Second Punic War.defeat in the Second Punic War.

He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t He attacks Italy through Spain and France, but doesn’t take Rome.take Rome.

Rome TriumphsRome Triumphs Roman general Roman general ScipioScipio defeats Hannibal in 202 defeats Hannibal in 202

B.C.B.C. Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people Rome destroys Carthage and enslaves its people

in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.in the Third Punic War from 149-146 B.C.

Hannibal crossing the Alps in the Second Punic War

The Roman EmpireThe Roman EmpireChapter 6, Section 2Chapter 6, Section 2

The Republic CollapsesThe Republic Collapses Economic TurmoilEconomic Turmoil

Gap between rich and poor widens as Gap between rich and poor widens as Roman Republic grows.Roman Republic grows.

Farmers and former soldiers lose to Farmers and former soldiers lose to large estates and become homeless.large estates and become homeless.

Two tribunes, Tiberius and Gaius, try to Two tribunes, Tiberius and Gaius, try to help the poor, but are murdered.help the poor, but are murdered.

Civil war—conflict between groups Civil war—conflict between groups within the same country begins.within the same country begins.

The Republic CollapsesThe Republic Collapses Military UpheavalMilitary Upheaval

Military becomes less disciplined and Military becomes less disciplined and disloyal.disloyal.

Soldiers recruited from the poor; show Soldiers recruited from the poor; show loyalty only to their generalsloyalty only to their generals

The Republic CollapsesThe Republic Collapses Julius Caesar Takes ControlJulius Caesar Takes Control

Military leader Julius Caesar is elected consul Military leader Julius Caesar is elected consul in 59 B.C.in 59 B.C.

Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey form a Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey form a triumvirate—a group of three leaders.triumvirate—a group of three leaders.

Military victories give Caesar increasing Military victories give Caesar increasing popularity and power.popularity and power.

Pompey fears Caesar’s growing power and Pompey fears Caesar’s growing power and challenges him.challenges him.

Caesar defeats Pompey’s armies in Greece, Caesar defeats Pompey’s armies in Greece, Asia, Spain, and EgyptAsia, Spain, and Egypt

Caesar is named dictator for life in 44 B.C.Caesar is named dictator for life in 44 B.C.

The Republic CollapsesThe Republic Collapses Caesar’s ReformsCaesar’s Reforms

Caesar makes reforms: grants wider Caesar makes reforms: grants wider citizenship, creates jobs for the poor.citizenship, creates jobs for the poor.

Group of senators opposes Caesar and Group of senators opposes Caesar and murders him on March 15, 44 B.C.murders him on March 15, 44 B.C.

The Republic CollapsesThe Republic Collapses Beginning of the EmpireBeginning of the Empire

43 B.C. Caesar’s supporters take 43 B.C. Caesar’s supporters take control; become Second Triumvirate.control; become Second Triumvirate.

Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus Octavian, Mark Antony, Lepidus alliance ends in jealousy and violence.alliance ends in jealousy and violence.

In 31 B.C. Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s In 31 B.C. Mark Antony and Cleopatra’s forces are defeated at Actiumforces are defeated at Actium

Octavian accepts title of Augustus, Octavian accepts title of Augustus, “exalted one,” and rules Rome.“exalted one,” and rules Rome.

A Vast and Powerful A Vast and Powerful EmpireEmpire

Pax RomanaPax Romana Under Augustus, Rome moves from a republic Under Augustus, Rome moves from a republic

to an empire.to an empire. Power no longer resides with citizens, but in a Power no longer resides with citizens, but in a

single ruler.single ruler. Rome enjoys 200 years of peace and Rome enjoys 200 years of peace and

prosperity known as Pax Romanaprosperity known as Pax Romana A Sound GovernmentA Sound Government

Augustus, Rome’s ablest ruler, creates a Augustus, Rome’s ablest ruler, creates a lasting system of government.lasting system of government.

Glorifies Rome with beautiful public buildingsGlorifies Rome with beautiful public buildings Sets up a civil service to administer the empireSets up a civil service to administer the empire

A Vast and Powerful A Vast and Powerful EmpireEmpire

Agriculture and TradeAgriculture and Trade Agriculture is the most important industry Agriculture is the most important industry

in the empire; 90% of Romans farm.in the empire; 90% of Romans farm. Common coin, denarius, makes trade Common coin, denarius, makes trade

within empire easierwithin empire easier Rome has a vast trading network which Rome has a vast trading network which

includes China and India.includes China and India. Network of Roman roads links the empire Network of Roman roads links the empire

to Persia and Russia.to Persia and Russia.

The Roman WorldThe Roman World Slaves and CaptivitySlaves and Captivity

Slavery is a significant part of Roman Slavery is a significant part of Roman life in both cities and farms.life in both cities and farms.

Some slaves become gladiators; forced Some slaves become gladiators; forced to fight to the death.to fight to the death.

Gods and GoddessesGods and Goddesses Early Romans honored guardian spirits Early Romans honored guardian spirits

and gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.and gods Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Worship of emperor becomes part of Worship of emperor becomes part of

official religion of Rome.official religion of Rome.

The Roman WorldThe Roman World Society and CultureSociety and Culture

Rich live well; most people are poor, Rich live well; most people are poor, receive grain from government.receive grain from government.

150 holidays and Colosseum events 150 holidays and Colosseum events were created to control the masses.were created to control the masses.

The Rise of The Rise of ChristianityChristianity


The Life and Teaching of The Life and Teaching of JesusJesus

Romans Conquer JudeaRomans Conquer Judea Rome conquers Judea, home of the Rome conquers Judea, home of the

Jews; makes it part of the empire in Jews; makes it part of the empire in A.D. 6A.D. 6

Many Jews believe in a coming Messiah Many Jews believe in a coming Messiah (meaning anointed one), or savior, who (meaning anointed one), or savior, who will eventually free them.will eventually free them.


Jesus of Nazareth Jesus of Nazareth Jesus was born in Jesus was born in

Bethlehem sometime Bethlehem sometime around 6 to 4 B.C.around 6 to 4 B.C.

He was raised in He was raised in Nazareth in the Nazareth in the province of Galilee.province of Galilee.

He is a carpenter He is a carpenter until about the age until about the age 30 when he begins 30 when he begins preaching.preaching.

Mosaic of Jesus at Church of San Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, Italy.


Jesus of Nazareth (continued)Jesus of Nazareth (continued) According to the four Gospels (of According to the four Gospels (of

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) Jesus Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) Jesus is said to perform miracles.is said to perform miracles.

He stresses a personal relationship with He stresses a personal relationship with God, love for friends and enemies.God, love for friends and enemies.


A Growing A Growing MovementMovement Apostles-from the Apostles-from the

Greek word Greek word “apostolos” means “apostolos” means literally “someone literally “someone sent out.” These are sent out.” These are twelve men who are twelve men who are close disciples of close disciples of Jesus.Jesus.

Jesus ignores wealth Jesus ignores wealth and status; his and status; his message appeals to message appeals to the poor.the poor.

Sermon on the Mount by Danish painter Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1890.


Jesus DeathJesus Death Many Jews view Jesus as the Messiah; Many Jews view Jesus as the Messiah;

others see him as a false teacher.others see him as a false teacher. Roman governor Pontius Pilate sentences Roman governor Pontius Pilate sentences

Jesus to be crucified.Jesus to be crucified. Apostles believe Jesus resurrected from Apostles believe Jesus resurrected from

the dead and ascended into heaven.the dead and ascended into heaven. Jesus comes to be called “Christos,” the Jesus comes to be called “Christos,” the

Greek word for “savior.” The word Greek word for “savior.” The word Christian and Christianity is derived from Christian and Christianity is derived from that word.that word.

Christianity Spreads Through the Christianity Spreads Through the EmpireEmpire

Growth of ChristianityGrowth of Christianity Followers spread Christianity—new Followers spread Christianity—new

religion based on the teachings of Jesus.religion based on the teachings of Jesus. The term “Christian” to designate The term “Christian” to designate

followers of Christianity was first used followers of Christianity was first used in Antioch (in Antioch (see Acts 11: 26see Acts 11: 26).).


Paul’s MissionPaul’s Mission Was originally named Was originally named

Saul, and was a member Saul, and was a member of the strict Jewish sect of of the strict Jewish sect of Pharisees.Pharisees.

He persecutes Christians He persecutes Christians at first, but on his way to at first, but on his way to Damascus to arrest some Damascus to arrest some Christians he has an Christians he has an experience where he experience where he claimed Jesus appeared to claimed Jesus appeared to him calling him to be an him calling him to be an Apostle to the Gentiles.Apostle to the Gentiles.

Saint Paul, by El Greco, circa 1608-1614


Paul spends his life preaching and Paul spends his life preaching and interpreting Christianity.interpreting Christianity.

Paul stresses Jesus is the Son of God who died Paul stresses Jesus is the Son of God who died for people’s sins.for people’s sins.

Paul declared that Christianity was open to Paul declared that Christianity was open to all, Gentile as well as Jew. all, Gentile as well as Jew.

The common languages of Latin and Greek, The common languages of Latin and Greek, spoken throughout the empire, helps the spoken throughout the empire, helps the spread of the Christian message. The New spread of the Christian message. The New Testament is written entirely in common Testament is written entirely in common (Koine) Greek spoken by most people who live (Koine) Greek spoken by most people who live in the eastern Mediterranean region.in the eastern Mediterranean region.


Paul is the author of Paul is the author of epistlesepistles or letters to the churches. All or letters to the churches. All of these letters existing were of these letters existing were included in the New included in the New Testament.Testament.

RomansRomans 1 and 2 Corinthians1 and 2 Corinthians GalatiansGalatians EphesiansEphesians PhilippiansPhilippians ColossiansColossians 1 and 2 1 and 2

ThessaloniansThessalonians The Pastoral The Pastoral

Epistles to Timothy Epistles to Timothy and Titusand Titus

PhilemonPhilemon

Christianity Spreads Through Christianity Spreads Through the Empirethe Empire

Jewish RebellionJewish Rebellion Jews rebel against Rome in 66 A.D.Jews rebel against Rome in 66 A.D. Romans storm Jerusalem and destroy the Romans storm Jerusalem and destroy the

Temple in 70 A.D.Temple in 70 A.D. Another Jewish rebellion occurs in 132 Another Jewish rebellion occurs in 132

A.D., which the Romans crush. Jews and A.D., which the Romans crush. Jews and ethnically Jewish Christians are barred ethnically Jewish Christians are barred from Jerusalem.from Jerusalem.

Diaspora—centuries of Jewish exile—from Diaspora—centuries of Jewish exile—from the Greek word for “dispersal”.the Greek word for “dispersal”.

Christianity Spreads Through Christianity Spreads Through the Empirethe Empire

Persecution of the ChristiansPersecution of the Christians Christians won’t worship the Roman Christians won’t worship the Roman

gods or the emperor. They are gods or the emperor. They are considered enemies of the State.considered enemies of the State.

Roman rulers use Christians as Roman rulers use Christians as scapegoats for hard times.scapegoats for hard times.

As Pax Romana crumbles, Christians As Pax Romana crumbles, Christians are crucified, burned, and killed in the are crucified, burned, and killed in the arena.arena.

A World ReligionA World Religion Christianity’s ExpansionChristianity’s Expansion

Christianity becomes a powerful force Christianity becomes a powerful force and appeals to people because of these and appeals to people because of these reasons:reasons: embraces all peopleembraces all people gives hope to the powerlessgives hope to the powerless appeals to those repelled by extravagance appeals to those repelled by extravagance

of Roman lifeof Roman life offers a personal relationship with Godoffers a personal relationship with God promises eternal life after deathpromises eternal life after death

A World ReligionA World Religion Constantine Accepts ChristianityConstantine Accepts Christianity

Constantine—Roman emperor battles for Constantine—Roman emperor battles for control of Rome in A.D. 312.control of Rome in A.D. 312.

He has a vision of a cross—the Christian He has a vision of a cross—the Christian symbol—and places it on soldiers’ shields.symbol—and places it on soldiers’ shields.

He believes Christian God helped him win He believes Christian God helped him win the battle and legalizes Christianity.the battle and legalizes Christianity.

In A.D. 380 the Emperor Theodosius In A.D. 380 the Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity the religion of the makes Christianity the religion of the empire.empire.

A World ReligionA World Religion Early Christian ChurchEarly Christian Church

Priests direct a single church (parish).Priests direct a single church (parish). Bishops supervise numerous churches Bishops supervise numerous churches

(diocese)(diocese) Apostle Peter is considered the first Apostle Peter is considered the first

bishop of Rome, therefore, the clergy bishop of Rome, therefore, the clergy trace their authority to him.trace their authority to him.

Pope—means father or head of the Pope—means father or head of the Christian Church. Rome becomes the Christian Church. Rome becomes the center of the Church.center of the Church.

A World ReligionA World Religion A Single VoiceA Single Voice

Church leaders compile standard Christian Church leaders compile standard Christian beliefs in the New Testamentbeliefs in the New Testament

The New Testament is added to the Hebrew The New Testament is added to the Hebrew Bible (renamed the Old Testament)Bible (renamed the Old Testament)

The Fathers of the ChurchThe Fathers of the Church Early writers and scholars of Christianity are Early writers and scholars of Christianity are

called Fathers of the Churchcalled Fathers of the Church Augustine, bishop in North Africa, is one of the Augustine, bishop in North Africa, is one of the

most important Fathersmost important Fathers He stressed the importance of receiving the He stressed the importance of receiving the

sacraments to obtain God’s gracesacraments to obtain God’s grace He wrote his most famous book, He wrote his most famous book, The City of GodThe City of God..

Person(s)Person(s) Role in the Rise and Spread of Role in the Rise and Spread of ChristianityChristianity

1. Jesus of 1. Jesus of NazarethNazareth

2. apostles2. apostles

3. Paul3. Paul

4. Pontius Pilate4. Pontius Pilate

5. Constantine5. Constantine

6. Peter6. Peter

7. Augustine7. Augustine

Acts 11:26Acts 11:26““and when he had found him, he and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And taught a great many people. And in in Antioch the disciples were first Antioch the disciples were first called Christianscalled Christians.” .” (ESV)(ESV)

The Fall of the The Fall of the Roman EmpireRoman Empire


A Century in CrisisA Century in Crisis End of Marcus Aurelius’ reign as End of Marcus Aurelius’ reign as

emperor (A.D. 161-180) brought emperor (A.D. 161-180) brought about end of about end of Pax RomanaPax Romana. Ruler’s . Ruler’s after Marcus Aurelius had no idea after Marcus Aurelius had no idea how to deal with the giant empire how to deal with the giant empire and its problems.and its problems.

Rome’s Economy Rome’s Economy WeakensWeakens

Hostile tribes and pirates disrupt Hostile tribes and pirates disrupt trade.trade.Empire at limit of expansion and Empire at limit of expansion and lacks new sources of gold and silver.lacks new sources of gold and silver. empire raised taxes as a resultempire raised taxes as a result empire minted coins with less silverempire minted coins with less silver

inflation resultedinflation resulted

Rome’s Economy Rome’s Economy WeakensWeakens

Agriculture faced serious problemsAgriculture faced serious problems Harvests were increasingly meager Harvests were increasingly meager

because soil lost fertility.because soil lost fertility. Years of war destroyed farmland.Years of war destroyed farmland.

Serious food shortages, disease, and Serious food shortages, disease, and population decline resulted.population decline resulted.

Military and Political Military and Political TurmoilTurmoil

Roman military in disarrayRoman military in disarray less disciplined soldiersless disciplined soldiers allegiance to commanders, not to Rome itselfallegiance to commanders, not to Rome itself recruiting of mercenaries who were less loyal to recruiting of mercenaries who were less loyal to

RomeRome Less loyalty among average citizensLess loyalty among average citizens

Earlier Romans cared more about the Republic.Earlier Romans cared more about the Republic. Later Romans lose their sense of patriotism.Later Romans lose their sense of patriotism.

Emperors Attempt Emperors Attempt ReformReform

Diocletian Reforms the EmpireDiocletian Reforms the Empire Becomes emperor in 284.Becomes emperor in 284. Severely limits personal freedoms.Severely limits personal freedoms. Doubles size of Roman army.Doubles size of Roman army. Controls inflation by price fixing.Controls inflation by price fixing. Divides the empireDivides the empire

Greek speaking East (takes for himself)Greek speaking East (takes for himself) Latin-speaking West (appoints a co-ruler)Latin-speaking West (appoints a co-ruler)

Kept overall control.Kept overall control. Retired in A.D. 305, but civil war broke out.Retired in A.D. 305, but civil war broke out. Four rivals competed for control, including the Four rivals competed for control, including the

commander Constantinecommander Constantine

Emperors Attempt Emperors Attempt ReformReform

Constantine Moves the CapitalConstantine Moves the Capital A.D. 312 Constantine gains control of the A.D. 312 Constantine gains control of the

western part of the empire.western part of the empire. A.D. 324 he secures the eastern empire A.D. 324 he secures the eastern empire

and the system of a single ruler.and the system of a single ruler. A.D. 330 Constantine moves the capital A.D. 330 Constantine moves the capital

from Rome to Byzantium on the Bosporus from Rome to Byzantium on the Bosporus Strait between Europe and Asia.Strait between Europe and Asia.

The center of power shifts from Rome to The center of power shifts from Rome to the east.the east.

The Western Empire The Western Empire CrumblesCrumbles

Germanic InvasionsGermanic Invasions A.D. 370 the Huns move into Europe causing A.D. 370 the Huns move into Europe causing

the Germanic peoples to flee into Roman the Germanic peoples to flee into Roman territory.territory.

A.D. 410 Germans invade and overrun Rome A.D. 410 Germans invade and overrun Rome itself and plunder it for three days.itself and plunder it for three days.Attila the HunAttila the Hun

In 444 the Huns unite under Attila and In 444 the Huns unite under Attila and terrorize both halves of the empire.terrorize both halves of the empire.

In 452 the Huns advance against Rome, but fail In 452 the Huns advance against Rome, but fail in conquering the city due to famine and in conquering the city due to famine and disease.disease.

Attila dies in 453.Attila dies in 453.

The Western Empire The Western Empire CrumblesCrumbles

An Empire No MoreAn Empire No More 14-year-old emperor Romulus Augustulus 14-year-old emperor Romulus Augustulus

ousted by German by German forces in 426. ousted by German by German forces in 426. Roman power in the western half of the Roman power in the western half of the

empire ceases to exist.empire ceases to exist. The eastern half of the empire comes to be The eastern half of the empire comes to be

called the Byzantine Empire, and flourishes called the Byzantine Empire, and flourishes for 1,000 years.for 1,000 years.

The Byzantine emperors ruled from The Byzantine emperors ruled from Constantinople.Constantinople.

The Byzantine emperors saw themselves as The Byzantine emperors saw themselves as heirs to the power of Augustus Caesar.heirs to the power of Augustus Caesar.

6.5 Rome and the 6.5 Rome and the Roots of Western Roots of Western CivilizationCivilization

The Romans develop many ideas The Romans develop many ideas and institutions that become and institutions that become fundamental to Western fundamental to Western Civilization.Civilization.

The Legacy of Greco-The Legacy of Greco-Roman CivilizationRoman Civilization• A New Culture EmergesA New Culture Emerges

o Romans adopt aspects of Greek and Romans adopt aspects of Greek and Hellenistic cultureHellenistic culture

o Results in Greco-Roman culture, or Results in Greco-Roman culture, or classical civilizationclassical civilization

The Legacy of Greco-The Legacy of Greco-Roman CivilizationRoman Civilization• Roman Fine ArtsRoman Fine Arts

o Romans develop Romans develop bas-relief sculptures bas-relief sculptures to tell stories [Visual to tell stories [Visual 1]1]

o Artists skilled in Artists skilled in creating mosaics, creating mosaics, painting frescoespainting frescoes

o Pompeii—Roman Pompeii—Roman town; ash from town; ash from volcano eruption volcano eruption A.D. 79 preserves art A.D. 79 preserves art [Visual 2][Visual 2]

The Legacy of Greco-The Legacy of Greco-Roman CivilizationRoman Civilization• Learning and LiteratureLearning and Literature

o Romans borrow from Greek Romans borrow from Greek philosophy and literaturephilosophy and literature

o Poet Virgil writes epic Aeneid Poet Virgil writes epic Aeneid modeled after Homer’s Greek epicsmodeled after Homer’s Greek epics

o Roman historian Tacitus excels in Roman historian Tacitus excels in writing factually accurate historywriting factually accurate history

o Annals and Histories provide Annals and Histories provide comprehensive look at Roman lifecomprehensive look at Roman life

The Legacy of The Legacy of RomeRome• The Latin LanguageThe Latin Language

o Latin was official language of Roman Latin was official language of Roman Catholic Church until 1900sCatholic Church until 1900s

o Develops into French, Spanish, Develops into French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, RomanianPortuguese, Italian, Romanian

o More than half the words in English More than half the words in English stem from Latinstem from Latin

The Legacy of The Legacy of RomeRome• Master Builders [Visual]Master Builders [Visual]

o Romans pioneer use of arch; also Romans pioneer use of arch; also used domes and concreteused domes and concrete

o Create aqueducts—structures to Create aqueducts—structures to bring water into cities, townsbring water into cities, towns

The Legacy of The Legacy of RomeRome• Roman System of LawRoman System of Law

o Principles of Roman law form basis of Principles of Roman law form basis of modern legal systemsmodern legal systems

• Rome’s Enduring InfluenceRome’s Enduring Influenceo By preserving and adding to Greek By preserving and adding to Greek

civilization, Rome strengthened the civilization, Rome strengthened the Western cultural traditionWestern cultural tradition

The Roman Republic

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