ancient rome, the roman republic, roman empire, christianity, fall of rome

1. Ancient Rome andAncient Rome and
the Rise ofthe Rise of
ChristianityChristianity
Sections 1 and 2Sections 1 and 2

2. INTRO…INTRO…
 Ancient Rome is divided into threeAncient Rome is divided into three
periods…periods…
 1 – “Pre-Rome” or before the Roman1 – “Pre-Rome” or before the Roman
RepublicRepublic
 2 – the Roman Republic lasting from 5092 – the Roman Republic lasting from 509
BC to 27 BCBC to 27 BC
 3 – the Roman Empire which is the most3 – the Roman Empire which is the most
popular and most remembered time inpopular and most remembered time in
Roman history.Roman history.

3. INTRO…INTRO…
 Conquest and diplomacy helped Rome build aConquest and diplomacy helped Rome build a
diverse empire, extending its rule throughoutdiverse empire, extending its rule throughout
the Mediterranean.the Mediterranean.
 During the Pax Romana, emperors broughtDuring the Pax Romana, emperors brought
peace, order, unity, and prosperity to the landspeace, order, unity, and prosperity to the lands
under their control.under their control.
 Christianity spread quickly throughout theChristianity spread quickly throughout the
empire, reshaping Roman beliefs.empire, reshaping Roman beliefs.
 Foreign invasions, the division of the empire,Foreign invasions, the division of the empire,
corruption, poverty, and the breakdown ofcorruption, poverty, and the breakdown of
moral values contributed to the decline andmoral values contributed to the decline and
downfall of the Roman Empire.downfall of the Roman Empire.

4. The Italian PeninsulaThe Italian Peninsula
Tyrrhenian Sea
Mediterranean Sea
Adriatic Sea
Corsica
Sardinia
Sicily
Rome
Arno River
Tiber River
Po River
Alalia
Carthage Syracuse
Africa
Ionian
Sea

5. Focus on these essentialFocus on these essential
questions…questions…
 How did Rome conquer and rule aHow did Rome conquer and rule a
diverse empire?diverse empire?
 How was Rome a bridge b/t theHow was Rome a bridge b/t the
civilizations of the east and west?civilizations of the east and west?
 How did Christianity become a centralHow did Christianity become a central
institution of Western Civilization?institution of Western Civilization?
 Why did Roman power fade?Why did Roman power fade?

6. The Geography andThe Geography and
PeoplePeople
 Rome began as a small city-state in Italy andRome began as a small city-state in Italy and
ended up ruling the entire Mediterraneanended up ruling the entire Mediterranean
world.world.
 GEOGRPAHYGEOGRPAHY
 The Italian peninsula looks like a boot!The Italian peninsula looks like a boot!
 It is centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea.It is centrally located in the Mediterranean Sea.
 The city of Rome is in the center of Italy.The city of Rome is in the center of Italy.
 Because of its geography, Italy was muchBecause of its geography, Italy was much
easier to unify than Greece.easier to unify than Greece.

7. The Geography andThe Geography and
PeoplePeople Italy is NOT broken down into isolatedItaly is NOT broken down into isolated
valleys.valleys.
 Italy is made up of broad, fertile plains, inItaly is made up of broad, fertile plains, in
the north and west.the north and west.
 These plains supported agriculture and aThese plains supported agriculture and a
growing population just like all thegrowing population just like all the
previous civilizations we’ve studied.previous civilizations we’ve studied.
 Mesopotamia and EgyptMesopotamia and Egypt

8. The Geography andThe Geography and
PeoplePeople
 The ancestors of the Romans were theThe ancestors of the Romans were the
Latins. They migrated to Italy around 800Latins. They migrated to Italy around 800
BCE.BCE.
 They settled along the Tiber River inThey settled along the Tiber River in
small villages scattered over 7 low-lyingsmall villages scattered over 7 low-lying
hills.hills.
 Those villages would in time grow intoThose villages would in time grow into
Rome – the “city on seven hills”Rome – the “city on seven hills”

9. The Geography andThe Geography and
PeoplePeople
 The Romans shared the Italian peninsulaThe Romans shared the Italian peninsula
with the Greeks and Etruscans.with the Greeks and Etruscans.
 From the Etruscans, the RomansFrom the Etruscans, the Romans
adapted…adapted…
 An alphabetAn alphabet
 The use of the arch in building.The use of the arch in building.
 Blended Etruscan gods and goddesses toBlended Etruscan gods and goddesses to
Roman deities.Roman deities.

10. The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic
 The Romans drove out the Etruscans in 509 BCThe Romans drove out the Etruscans in 509 BC
and is the date considered to mark the beginning ofand is the date considered to mark the beginning of
the Roman state.the Roman state.
 GovernmentGovernment
 The most powerful governing body was the Senate –The most powerful governing body was the Senate –
made up of 300made up of 300 patricianspatricians (landholding upper class);(landholding upper class);
Senators served for life and they made the laws.Senators served for life and they made the laws.
 Each year, senators elected twoEach year, senators elected two consulsconsuls from thefrom the
patrician class. Their job was to supervise thepatrician class. Their job was to supervise the
government and command the armies.government and command the armies.
 Consuls could only serve ONE term.Consuls could only serve ONE term.

11. The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic
 Consuls were expected to consult with theConsuls were expected to consult with the
Senate.Senate.
 Because their time was limited and theyBecause their time was limited and they
were responsible to the Senate, Rome hadwere responsible to the Senate, Rome had
a system of checks and balances.a system of checks and balances.
 In the event of war, the Senate would choseIn the event of war, the Senate would chose
aa dictatordictator to have complete control over theto have complete control over the
government.government.
 Each dictator was granted power to rule forEach dictator was granted power to rule for
6 months.6 months.

12. The Roman RepublicThe Roman Republic
 Plebeians Demand EqualityPlebeians Demand Equality
 At first, all government officials were patricians.At first, all government officials were patricians.
 PlebeiansPlebeians were farmers, merchants, artisans, andwere farmers, merchants, artisans, and
traders who made up the majority of the population.traders who made up the majority of the population.
 450 BCE – laws of Rome inscribed on 12 tablets and450 BCE – laws of Rome inscribed on 12 tablets and
set in the Forum b/c of protests by Plebeiansset in the Forum b/c of protests by Plebeians
demanding to know the laws.demanding to know the laws.
 Plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials –Plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials –
tribunestribunes – that stood up for their rights. They could– that stood up for their rights. They could vetoveto
(or block) laws that were thought harmful to plebeians.(or block) laws that were thought harmful to plebeians.
 The consulship, high offices, and eventually the SenateThe consulship, high offices, and eventually the Senate
was opened to Plebeians.was opened to Plebeians.

13. Roman SocietyRoman Society
 The family was the basic unit of RomanThe family was the basic unit of Roman
society. The father had absolute power ofsociety. The father had absolute power of
the household and held a reign over athe household and held a reign over a
disciplined, respectful family.disciplined, respectful family.
 Boys and girls alike learned to read andBoys and girls alike learned to read and
write. Even the lower class was taught towrite. Even the lower class was taught to
write.write.
 Wealthy Romans hired tutors for theirWealthy Romans hired tutors for their
children. Boys pursuing political careerschildren. Boys pursuing political careers
would study rhetoric.would study rhetoric.

14. ReligionReligion
 Roman gods and goddesses resembledRoman gods and goddesses resembled
those of the Etruscans and Greeks.those of the Etruscans and Greeks.
 Major Roman gods and goddessesMajor Roman gods and goddesses
 Jupiter – main god; god of the sky and otherJupiter – main god; god of the sky and other
godsgods
 Juno – Jupiter’s wife; protected marriageJuno – Jupiter’s wife; protected marriage
 Neptune – god of the seaNeptune – god of the sea
 Mars – god of warMars – god of war
 The Roman calendar was full of festivals toThe Roman calendar was full of festivals to
honor the gods and ensure divine favor for thehonor the gods and ensure divine favor for the
city.city.

15. Expansion andExpansion and
ConquestConquest
 Romans conquered first the Etruscans in theRomans conquered first the Etruscans in the
north, then the Greeks in the south.north, then the Greeks in the south.
 By 270 BCE Rome controlled the entire ItalianBy 270 BCE Rome controlled the entire Italian
Peninsula.Peninsula.
 MilitaryMilitary
 Basic unit = Legion; 5000 soldiersBasic unit = Legion; 5000 soldiers
 Citizen, volunteer soldiers; fought without pay andCitizen, volunteer soldiers; fought without pay and
supplied their own weapons.supplied their own weapons.
 Commanders mixed rewards with harsh punishmentsCommanders mixed rewards with harsh punishments
 If a unit fled from battle, 1 out of every 10 soldiers would be putIf a unit fled from battle, 1 out of every 10 soldiers would be put
to death from that unit.to death from that unit.

16. Expansion andExpansion and
ConquestConquest Conquered LandsConquered Lands
 Conquered people had to acknowledge RomanConquered people had to acknowledge Roman
authority, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for theauthority, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for the
Roman Army.Roman Army.
 In return, Rome let them keep customs,In return, Rome let them keep customs,
currency, and local government.currency, and local government.
 Rome stationed soldiers throughout theRome stationed soldiers throughout the
conquered landsconquered lands
 They built a network of roads to link all territories.They built a network of roads to link all territories.

17. From Republic toFrom Republic to
EmpireEmpire
 Main Idea: As Roman power spreadMain Idea: As Roman power spread
around the Mediterranean, the republicaround the Mediterranean, the republic
ended and the age of the Roman Empireended and the age of the Roman Empire
began.began.

18. Punic WarsPunic Wars
 Between 264 and 146 BCE, Rome fought 3Between 264 and 146 BCE, Rome fought 3
wars with Carthage.wars with Carthage.
 11stst
– Rome won and took Sicily, Corsica, and– Rome won and took Sicily, Corsica, and
SardiniaSardinia
 22ndnd
– Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army– Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army
on a march across the Pyrenees, throughon a march across the Pyrenees, through
France, and over the Alps into Italy. He neverFrance, and over the Alps into Italy. He never
captured Rome and had to return to Carthage tocaptured Rome and had to return to Carthage to
defend it from the Romans.defend it from the Romans.
 33rdrd
– Rome completely destroyed Carthage; killed– Rome completely destroyed Carthage; killed
or sold all survivors into slavery.or sold all survivors into slavery.

19. Conquest and EconomicConquest and Economic
EffectsEffects Rome was committed to the policy ofRome was committed to the policy of
imperialism – est. control over foreign peopleimperialism – est. control over foreign people
and lands.and lands.
 By 133 BCE, Roman power extended fromBy 133 BCE, Roman power extended from
Spain to Egypt.Spain to Egypt.
 Wealthy families bought up huge states from allWealthy families bought up huge states from all
the conquered land called latifundia.the conquered land called latifundia.
 The use of slave labor hurt small farmers andThe use of slave labor hurt small farmers and
they fell into debt.they fell into debt.
 The farmers moved to Rome and other citiesThe farmers moved to Rome and other cities
looking for jobs.looking for jobs.
 New wealth led to more corruption.New wealth led to more corruption.

20. ReformsReforms
 Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus attemptedTiberius and Gaius Gracchus attempted
reforms when they were elected a tribune.reforms when they were elected a tribune.
 Tiberius – called on state to distribute land toTiberius – called on state to distribute land to
poor farmers.poor farmers.
 Gaius – use public funds to buy grain to feed theGaius – use public funds to buy grain to feed the
poor.poor.
 They angered the Senate and the brothers,They angered the Senate and the brothers,
along with thousands of their followers werealong with thousands of their followers were
killed.killed.
 Rome plunged into civil war and old legionsRome plunged into civil war and old legions
became professional armies.became professional armies.

21. Decline of theDecline of the
RepublicRepublic
 At issue was who should hold power – theAt issue was who should hold power – the
Senate, which wanted to govern as it had in theSenate, which wanted to govern as it had in the
past, or popular political leaders, who wantedpast, or popular political leaders, who wanted
to weaken the Senate and enact reforms.to weaken the Senate and enact reforms.
 The turmoil sparked slave uprisings and revoltsThe turmoil sparked slave uprisings and revolts
among Rome’s allies.among Rome’s allies.
 Meanwhile, the old legions of Roman citizen-Meanwhile, the old legions of Roman citizen-
soldiers became professional armies whosesoldiers became professional armies whose
first loyalty was to their commanders – rivalfirst loyalty was to their commanders – rival
generals marched their armies to Rome togenerals marched their armies to Rome to
advance their ambitions.advance their ambitions.

22. Julius CaesarJulius Caesar
 An ambitious military commander; for a time,An ambitious military commander; for a time,
dominated Roman politics with Pompey, an allydominated Roman politics with Pompey, an ally
and another military commander.and another military commander.
 Julius Caesar set out with his army to make newJulius Caesar set out with his army to make new
conquests and conquered Gaul in 59 BCE (modernconquests and conquered Gaul in 59 BCE (modern
day France).day France).
 The Senate was fearful of his rising fame .The Senate was fearful of his rising fame .
 Senate ordered him to disband his army and returnSenate ordered him to disband his army and return
to Rome; he returned to Rome BUT with his army.to Rome; he returned to Rome BUT with his army.
 He defeated Rome and most of the Mediterranean.He defeated Rome and most of the Mediterranean.
He forced the Senate to make him dictator andHe forced the Senate to make him dictator and
Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome.Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome.

23. Julius CaesarJulius Caesar
 Solved many of Rome’s problems – launchedSolved many of Rome’s problems – launched
public works programs to employ the jobless andpublic works programs to employ the jobless and
gave public land to the poor.gave public land to the poor.
 Most lasting reform was the introduction of a newMost lasting reform was the introduction of a new
calendar – the Julian calendar. With minorcalendar – the Julian calendar. With minor
changes, it is still our calendar today.changes, it is still our calendar today.
 His enemies worried he would pronounce himselfHis enemies worried he would pronounce himself
“king” of Rome – March 44 BCE, as Caesar“king” of Rome – March 44 BCE, as Caesar
arrived at the Senate, he was assassinated by hisarrived at the Senate, he was assassinated by his
enemies.enemies.
 Rome was again plunged into civil war. Octavian,Rome was again plunged into civil war. Octavian,
Caesar’s nephew became ruler of Rome.Caesar’s nephew became ruler of Rome.

24. Roman EmpireRoman Empire
 The Senate gave Octavian the titleThe Senate gave Octavian the title
AugustusAugustus, or Exalted One, and declared him, or Exalted One, and declared him
princepsprinceps, or first citizen., or first citizen.
 Augustus was the absolute ruler and namedAugustus was the absolute ruler and named
his successors just as kings would do.his successors just as kings would do.
 Under his rule, 31 BCE to 14 AD, theUnder his rule, 31 BCE to 14 AD, the
Roman Republic came to an end.Roman Republic came to an end.

25. Roman EmpireRoman Empire
 Augustus created a Stable GovernmentAugustus created a Stable Government
 He left the Senate in place but the high levelHe left the Senate in place but the high level
jobs were only for the most talented, regardlessjobs were only for the most talented, regardless
of class.of class.
 Took a census to make the tax system moreTook a census to make the tax system more
efficient.efficient.
 Created a postal service and issued new coinsCreated a postal service and issued new coins
 Put the jobless to work building roads, temples,Put the jobless to work building roads, temples,
and working on farms.and working on farms.

26. The Pax RomanaThe Pax Romana
 The 200 year span b/t Augustus and MarcusThe 200 year span b/t Augustus and Marcus
Aurelius is known as the period of theAurelius is known as the period of the PaxPax
RomanaRomana, or “Roman Peace”., or “Roman Peace”.
 Roman rule brought peace, prosperity,Roman rule brought peace, prosperity,
order, and unity from the Euphrates toorder, and unity from the Euphrates to
Britain.Britain.
 The Roman military maintained andThe Roman military maintained and
protected roads while trade flowed freelyprotected roads while trade flowed freely
from all parts of the empire.from all parts of the empire.

27. EntertainmentEntertainment
 Bread and CircusesBread and Circuses
 Circus Maximus – Rome’s largest chariot race courseCircus Maximus – Rome’s largest chariot race course
 Gladiator contests – many gladiators were slaves whoGladiator contests – many gladiators were slaves who
had been trained to fight. They battled against onehad been trained to fight. They battled against one
another or in groups. Some won their freedom whileanother or in groups. Some won their freedom while
poor showings resulted in a gladiator being killed;poor showings resulted in a gladiator being killed;
thumbs down!thumbs down!
 Colosseum – Rome’s largest stadium. SpectatorsColosseum – Rome’s largest stadium. Spectators
watched the slaughter of exotic animals, gladiatorwatched the slaughter of exotic animals, gladiator
battles to the death, and mock naval battles.battles to the death, and mock naval battles.
 An architectural marvel; floor the size of a footballAn architectural marvel; floor the size of a football
field; held up to 50,000 peoplefield; held up to 50,000 people

28. Circus MaximusCircus Maximus

29. ColosseumColosseum