1. Architecture/Christianity/Violence in Rome
Review the Emperors of Rome with Questions and candy?
-Which emperor is thought to have burnt down Rome? Nero
-Who was the emperor who Created the rule of 4 C0-Rulers in Rome, Humber Birth? Diocletian
-This emperor fixed Rome’s finances after Nero, built the ColiseumVespasian
-Forced Senate to name him consul, Worshiped a God after death – Augustus
-Who helped the poor and built orphanages and hospitals, sold his processions Marcus Aurelius
Antonius
Paterfamilia – The dominant male, head of the family, females guardians
-Roman children were raised at home
-father in charge of children’s education, some rich families educated daughters
Pax Romana–The era of peace and prosperity in Rome, it lasted for almost 100 years, “Good Emperors”
Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, ad Marcus Aurelius. – They treated the ruling classes with respect,
ended arbitrary executions, maintained peace in the empire, and supported domestic policies generally
helpful to the empire buy adopting capable men as their sons and successors.
Architecture –The Romans adopted many features of the Greek syle of art – The Greeks idealistic and the
Romans more realistic – added some imperfections. Romans used Greek styles of architecture but also
added to it the arch, vault, and dome – all based on curved lines. The use of concrete allowed them to
build on a huge scale. Constructed huge road systems, Apian way, bridges, aqueducts.
Video clip-Coliseum (Engineeringan Empire, History Channel) 41:00, Carnage opening of it – 46:00
Christians–Jesus – Taught the transformation of the inner person was important not strict observance to
the letter of the law, “Do to others what you would have done unto you.” Taught – humility, charity and
love towards others.
-Eventually his preaching stirred controversy. Some saw him as a revolutionary that might lead a
revolt against Rome.
-Jesus’ opponents turned him over to the Roman authorities and Romans crucified him
-His followers claimed he had risen from death and appeared to them.
-After reports of his resurrection the Christian movement won followers
Peter – A follower of Jesus’ during his lifetime – was the leader of the apostles
Paul – Highly educated Roman citizen – Joined after Jesus’ death because he was a Roman citizen he
could move freely throughout the Roman empire and so he spread Christianity and founded many
Christian communities.
-Paul taught – Jesus was the Savior, the son of God who came to earth to save humanity
-Jesus’ death made up for the sins of all humans

2. New Testiment – Early on the teachings of early Christianity were passed on orallyPaul and others wrote
letters. Some of the followers preserved the writings and letters. Some of Jesus’ followers had preserved
his teachings in writing and memories
-Between 40 to100 AD – became the basis of the written gospels – gave a record of Jesus’ life and
teachings. Form the Core of the NEW TESTIMENT – Second part of the Christian bible, the first being the
new testament the teachings of the jewish prophets before the birth of Jesus.
Roman Persecution of Christians: Paid little attention to them at first
-Harmful to Roman state because they refused to worship state Gods and Emperors - TREASON
-Started harassment with Nero – blamed Christians for the fire that destroyed much of Rome
Christianity Grew Quickly – Why?
-Christianity was personal and offered salvation and eternal life to individuals
-Seemed familiar – similar to other religions, immortality
-Fulfilled the human need to belong, Christians formed communities
Slaves/Gladiators – Romans brought many of the people they conquered back to Rome as slaves – Greek
slaves were in high demand. Why? – used as doctors, artists, tutors, musicians – They were treated
terribly. One Roman writer said it was cheaper to work a slave to death and get a new one than to treat
them well.
Gladiators – Slaves forced to fight. They were like celebrities but were slaves forced to fight to the death.
Slave revolts. The murder of a master by a slave would often mean the execution of all the other house
hold slaves. Spartacus a gladiator led a slave revolt were the slaves actually defeated the Roman Army.
They were eventually conquered by the Roman Army – six thousand of his followers and he wre crucified.
Violence in Rome –Roman empire was one of the most violent, one of the reasons many scholars cite for
all of the Roman empire is the decline or morals and values. – Lost Civilizations clip
- Persecutions of Christians
-Gladiators
-Animals
-Actual battles staged and watched by the crowds
What are some of the violent activities in our society today?
Classroom discussion
Assign Violence in Rome Essay