SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 35
The Relevance of the Romans: Roman
Influences on Western Culture
A Presentation by Tom Richey (TomRichey.net)
The Roman Empire at its greatest extent (117
AD)
That was a long time ago.
Why should I care about something that
happened so long ago?
We should ALL CARE about the Romans. Yes,
that is an acronym.
The Romans have influenced our
Alphabet, Language, Law, Calendar, Architectur
e, Religion, and Entertainment.
Ron Burgundy cares about the Romans. When
in Rome…
In the United States, we use the Latin
alphabet.
So does every other Western (and
westernized) nation.
The classical Latin alphabet was a few letters
short. J, U, and W were added later. The
movie clip from Indiana Jones and the Last
Crusade (linked) illustrates this.
Not only have we borrowed our alphabet from
the Romans, but we have also borrowed many
words from their Latin language, which is
named for the region in Central Italy where
Rome is located.
Latin is technically a “dead” language because
it is no longer spoken, but even in death, Latin
is a constant presence in our everyday speech
(or diction). This is even more the case with
Romance languages
(French, Spanish, Italian), which borrow much
more heavily from Latin than the English
language does.
CLICK for a list
of words in English
derived from Latin!


            Click the link to go to Wikipedia and see how
            many Latin words there are in the English
            language!
We have borrowed our laws from the Romans.
Our system of government is heavily
influenced by theirs.
Every time the Pledge of Allegiance is
said, Americans pledge “to the republic.” The
Romans were the first to refer to their
government as a republic.
The United States Senate is one of our most
important lawmaking institutions, which also
has a large say in foreign policy decisions.
The Romans had a Senate way before we did!
In ancient Rome, laws were passed in the
name of “the Senate and the People of Rome,”
often abbreviated, SPQR.
Although our calendar is often called the
“Christian” calendar, the only thing Christian
about it is the year. All of the months were
named by the Romans (the days of the week
are Norse in origin).
Even the word, calendar, comes from the
Romans! The kalends was the first day of each
month.
Many of our governmental buildings, including
the U.S. Capitol, are built in the Neoclassical
style, which imitates Roman buildings with
domes, columns, and symmetry. The Capitol
Dome has all of these features, including a
statue of Freedom on the top. The Romans
often personified their values in art.
The Supreme Court building was built to
resemble a Roman temple.
…as was the Jefferson Memorial
Augustus has seen this building before…
The Jefferson Memorial was modeled after the
Roman Pantheon (a temple to “all gods”).
Roman Pantheon Ceiling
Jefferson Memorial Ceiling
The imitation is shameless and Jefferson, an
admirer of the Romans, would have certainly
approved.
The Romans have also given us the world’s
largest religion: Christianity.
One third of humanity professes Christianity as
a religion today.
Christianity has its origins in the Roman
Empire. Jesus was born in Judea, on the
outskirts of the empire.
The traditional Christmas story in the Gospel of
Luke begins with Caesar Augustus ordering a
census of the entire Roman world.
Today, Rome is the center of Roman
Catholicism, the world’s largest branch of
Christianity.
The Romans still entertain us, as well. They
still make very entertaining film subjects.
CLICK! CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE! TOM
RICHEY.NET! @TomRichey YouTube
WOOHOO!!!

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

6 3 the rise of christianity (1)
6 3 the rise of christianity (1)6 3 the rise of christianity (1)
6 3 the rise of christianity (1)
 
The Age of Exploration
The Age of ExplorationThe Age of Exploration
The Age of Exploration
 
Ancient Rome
Ancient RomeAncient Rome
Ancient Rome
 
The roman empire
The roman empireThe roman empire
The roman empire
 
Maximilien robespierre
Maximilien robespierreMaximilien robespierre
Maximilien robespierre
 
The Crusades
The CrusadesThe Crusades
The Crusades
 
The Renaissance
The RenaissanceThe Renaissance
The Renaissance
 
6.1 -The Roman Republic & Punic Wars
6.1 -The Roman Republic & Punic Wars6.1 -The Roman Republic & Punic Wars
6.1 -The Roman Republic & Punic Wars
 
Roman Republic
Roman RepublicRoman Republic
Roman Republic
 
Napoleon
NapoleonNapoleon
Napoleon
 
Age of Exploration Power Point
Age of Exploration Power PointAge of Exploration Power Point
Age of Exploration Power Point
 
Fall of the Roman Empire
Fall of the Roman EmpireFall of the Roman Empire
Fall of the Roman Empire
 
The children's crusade crusades
The children's crusade crusadesThe children's crusade crusades
The children's crusade crusades
 
Ancient rome powerpoint
Ancient rome powerpointAncient rome powerpoint
Ancient rome powerpoint
 
The great empires
The great empiresThe great empires
The great empires
 
The renaissance ppt
The renaissance pptThe renaissance ppt
The renaissance ppt
 
6.3 - The Rise Of Christianity
6.3 - The Rise Of Christianity6.3 - The Rise Of Christianity
6.3 - The Rise Of Christianity
 
The Roman Empire
The Roman EmpireThe Roman Empire
The Roman Empire
 
The Romans
The RomansThe Romans
The Romans
 
The Protestant Reformation
The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation
The Protestant Reformation
 

Similar to The Relevance of the Romans

Similar to The Relevance of the Romans (20)

Chapter 6 Rome Part 5
Chapter 6 Rome Part 5Chapter 6 Rome Part 5
Chapter 6 Rome Part 5
 
Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity ppt
Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity pptAncient Rome and the Rise of Christianity ppt
Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity ppt
 
Roman empire lesson 4 the legacy of rome
Roman empire lesson 4 the legacy of romeRoman empire lesson 4 the legacy of rome
Roman empire lesson 4 the legacy of rome
 
607
607607
607
 
304
304304
304
 
309
309309
309
 
Roman Legacy
Roman LegacyRoman Legacy
Roman Legacy
 
305
305305
305
 
609
609609
609
 
6.5 rome and the roots of western civilization
6.5   rome and the roots of western civilization6.5   rome and the roots of western civilization
6.5 rome and the roots of western civilization
 
Roman Legacies
Roman LegaciesRoman Legacies
Roman Legacies
 
Sack Of Rome Essay
Sack Of Rome EssaySack Of Rome Essay
Sack Of Rome Essay
 
Essay Armor Of Ancient Rome
Essay Armor Of Ancient RomeEssay Armor Of Ancient Rome
Essay Armor Of Ancient Rome
 
Essay On Ancient Roman Laws
Essay On Ancient Roman LawsEssay On Ancient Roman Laws
Essay On Ancient Roman Laws
 
The Legacy Of Rome Essay
The Legacy Of Rome EssayThe Legacy Of Rome Essay
The Legacy Of Rome Essay
 
Lesson 2 Italian History
Lesson 2   Italian HistoryLesson 2   Italian History
Lesson 2 Italian History
 
Overview of Roman History
Overview of Roman HistoryOverview of Roman History
Overview of Roman History
 
Chapter 4 Republic to Empire
Chapter 4 Republic to Empire Chapter 4 Republic to Empire
Chapter 4 Republic to Empire
 
Michelle Welsh discussion Board 3 CollapseTop of Form.docx
Michelle Welsh discussion Board 3 CollapseTop of Form.docxMichelle Welsh discussion Board 3 CollapseTop of Form.docx
Michelle Welsh discussion Board 3 CollapseTop of Form.docx
 
Roman Empire and Roman Religions
Roman Empire and Roman ReligionsRoman Empire and Roman Religions
Roman Empire and Roman Religions
 

More from Tom Richey

Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)
Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)
Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)Tom Richey
 
George Washington's Foreign Policy
George Washington's Foreign PolicyGeorge Washington's Foreign Policy
George Washington's Foreign PolicyTom Richey
 
Principles of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionTom Richey
 
The Golden Age of Latin Literature
The Golden Age of Latin LiteratureThe Golden Age of Latin Literature
The Golden Age of Latin LiteratureTom Richey
 
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)Tom Richey
 
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)Tom Richey
 
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey RebellionThe Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey RebellionTom Richey
 
Principles of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionTom Richey
 
Legacies of the American Revolution
Legacies of the American RevolutionLegacies of the American Revolution
Legacies of the American RevolutionTom Richey
 
The American Enlightenment
The American EnlightenmentThe American Enlightenment
The American EnlightenmentTom Richey
 
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)Tom Richey
 
The Virginia Colony
The Virginia ColonyThe Virginia Colony
The Virginia ColonyTom Richey
 
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)Tom Richey
 
The Rise of Hitler
The Rise of HitlerThe Rise of Hitler
The Rise of HitlerTom Richey
 
The Radicalization of the French Revolution
The Radicalization of the French RevolutionThe Radicalization of the French Revolution
The Radicalization of the French RevolutionTom Richey
 
The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789Tom Richey
 
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern Philippic
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern PhilippicMitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern Philippic
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern PhilippicTom Richey
 
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific Revolution
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific RevolutionCopernicus and Galileo: A Scientific Revolution
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific RevolutionTom Richey
 
Trump and Hitler Compared
Trump and Hitler ComparedTrump and Hitler Compared
Trump and Hitler ComparedTom Richey
 
Jacques-Louis David: French Neoclassical Painter
Jacques-Louis David:  French Neoclassical PainterJacques-Louis David:  French Neoclassical Painter
Jacques-Louis David: French Neoclassical PainterTom Richey
 

More from Tom Richey (20)

Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)
Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)
Mannerism (Late Renaissance Art)
 
George Washington's Foreign Policy
George Washington's Foreign PolicyGeorge Washington's Foreign Policy
George Washington's Foreign Policy
 
Principles of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
Principles of the Constitution
 
The Golden Age of Latin Literature
The Golden Age of Latin LiteratureThe Golden Age of Latin Literature
The Golden Age of Latin Literature
 
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)
The Road to Civil War (1850-1860)
 
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)
Ancient Israel (Division and Diaspora)
 
The Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey RebellionThe Whiskey Rebellion
The Whiskey Rebellion
 
Principles of the Constitution
Principles of the ConstitutionPrinciples of the Constitution
Principles of the Constitution
 
Legacies of the American Revolution
Legacies of the American RevolutionLegacies of the American Revolution
Legacies of the American Revolution
 
The American Enlightenment
The American EnlightenmentThe American Enlightenment
The American Enlightenment
 
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)
The Reign of Terror (French Revolution 1793-1794)
 
The Virginia Colony
The Virginia ColonyThe Virginia Colony
The Virginia Colony
 
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)
The Declaration of Independence (US History EOC Review)
 
The Rise of Hitler
The Rise of HitlerThe Rise of Hitler
The Rise of Hitler
 
The Radicalization of the French Revolution
The Radicalization of the French RevolutionThe Radicalization of the French Revolution
The Radicalization of the French Revolution
 
The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789The French Revolution of 1789
The French Revolution of 1789
 
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern Philippic
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern PhilippicMitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern Philippic
Mitt Romney's Trump Speech: A Modern Philippic
 
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific Revolution
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific RevolutionCopernicus and Galileo: A Scientific Revolution
Copernicus and Galileo: A Scientific Revolution
 
Trump and Hitler Compared
Trump and Hitler ComparedTrump and Hitler Compared
Trump and Hitler Compared
 
Jacques-Louis David: French Neoclassical Painter
Jacques-Louis David:  French Neoclassical PainterJacques-Louis David:  French Neoclassical Painter
Jacques-Louis David: French Neoclassical Painter
 

Recently uploaded

Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDMeasures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDThiyagu K
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdfQucHHunhnh
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsTechSoup
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...Sapna Thakur
 
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinStudent login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinRaunakKeshri1
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Krashi Coaching
 
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajan
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajansocial pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajan
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajanpragatimahajan3
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...fonyou31
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactdawncurless
 
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..Disha Kariya
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionSafetyChain Software
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxSayali Powar
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)eniolaolutunde
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfchloefrazer622
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionMaksud Ahmed
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3JemimahLaneBuaron
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Sapana Sha
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfciinovamais
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SDMeasures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
Measures of Dispersion and Variability: Range, QD, AD and SD
 
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi  6.pdf
1029-Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa khoi 6.pdf
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
BAG TECHNIQUE Bag technique-a tool making use of public health bag through wh...
 
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinStudent login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
Kisan Call Centre - To harness potential of ICT in Agriculture by answer farm...
 
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajan
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajansocial pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajan
social pharmacy d-pharm 1st year by Pragati K. Mahajan
 
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
Ecosystem Interactions Class Discussion Presentation in Blue Green Lined Styl...
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
 
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory InspectionMastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
Mastering the Unannounced Regulatory Inspection
 
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptxPOINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
POINT- BIOCHEMISTRY SEM 2 ENZYMES UNIT 5.pptx
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
 
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
Call Girls in Dwarka Mor Delhi Contact Us 9654467111
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 

The Relevance of the Romans

  • 1. The Relevance of the Romans: Roman Influences on Western Culture A Presentation by Tom Richey (TomRichey.net)
  • 2. The Roman Empire at its greatest extent (117 AD)
  • 3. That was a long time ago.
  • 4. Why should I care about something that happened so long ago?
  • 5. We should ALL CARE about the Romans. Yes, that is an acronym.
  • 6. The Romans have influenced our Alphabet, Language, Law, Calendar, Architectur e, Religion, and Entertainment.
  • 7. Ron Burgundy cares about the Romans. When in Rome…
  • 8. In the United States, we use the Latin alphabet.
  • 9. So does every other Western (and westernized) nation.
  • 10. The classical Latin alphabet was a few letters short. J, U, and W were added later. The movie clip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (linked) illustrates this.
  • 11. Not only have we borrowed our alphabet from the Romans, but we have also borrowed many words from their Latin language, which is named for the region in Central Italy where Rome is located.
  • 12. Latin is technically a “dead” language because it is no longer spoken, but even in death, Latin is a constant presence in our everyday speech (or diction). This is even more the case with Romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian), which borrow much more heavily from Latin than the English language does.
  • 13. CLICK for a list of words in English derived from Latin! Click the link to go to Wikipedia and see how many Latin words there are in the English language!
  • 14. We have borrowed our laws from the Romans. Our system of government is heavily influenced by theirs.
  • 15. Every time the Pledge of Allegiance is said, Americans pledge “to the republic.” The Romans were the first to refer to their government as a republic.
  • 16. The United States Senate is one of our most important lawmaking institutions, which also has a large say in foreign policy decisions.
  • 17. The Romans had a Senate way before we did!
  • 18. In ancient Rome, laws were passed in the name of “the Senate and the People of Rome,” often abbreviated, SPQR.
  • 19. Although our calendar is often called the “Christian” calendar, the only thing Christian about it is the year. All of the months were named by the Romans (the days of the week are Norse in origin).
  • 20. Even the word, calendar, comes from the Romans! The kalends was the first day of each month.
  • 21. Many of our governmental buildings, including the U.S. Capitol, are built in the Neoclassical style, which imitates Roman buildings with domes, columns, and symmetry. The Capitol Dome has all of these features, including a statue of Freedom on the top. The Romans often personified their values in art.
  • 22. The Supreme Court building was built to resemble a Roman temple.
  • 23. …as was the Jefferson Memorial
  • 24. Augustus has seen this building before…
  • 25. The Jefferson Memorial was modeled after the Roman Pantheon (a temple to “all gods”).
  • 28. The imitation is shameless and Jefferson, an admirer of the Romans, would have certainly approved.
  • 29. The Romans have also given us the world’s largest religion: Christianity.
  • 30. One third of humanity professes Christianity as a religion today.
  • 31. Christianity has its origins in the Roman Empire. Jesus was born in Judea, on the outskirts of the empire.
  • 32. The traditional Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke begins with Caesar Augustus ordering a census of the entire Roman world.
  • 33. Today, Rome is the center of Roman Catholicism, the world’s largest branch of Christianity.
  • 34. The Romans still entertain us, as well. They still make very entertaining film subjects.
  • 35. CLICK! CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE! TOM RICHEY.NET! @TomRichey YouTube WOOHOO!!!

Editor's Notes

  1. The Relevance of the Romans: Roman Influences on Western Culture A PowerPoint Presentation by Tom Richey (www.tomrichey.net)
  2. The Roman Empire at its greatest extent (117 AD)
  3. That was a long time ago.
  4. Why should I care about something that happened so long ago?
  5. We should ALL CARE about the Romans. Yes, that is an acronym.
  6. The Romans have influenced our Alphabet, Language, Law, Calendar, Architecture, Religion, and Entertainment.
  7. Ron Burgundy cares about the Romans. When in Rome…
  8. In the United States, we use the Latin alphabet.
  9. So does every other Western (and westernized) nation.
  10. The classical Latin alphabet was a few letters short. J, U, and W were added later. The movie clip from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (linked) illustrates this.
  11. Not only have we borrowed our alphabet from the Romans, but we have also borrowed many words from their Latin language, which is named for the region in Central Italy where Rome is located.
  12. Latin is technically a “dead” language because it is no longer spoken, but even in death, Latin is a constant presence in our everyday speech (or diction). This is even more the case with Romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian), which borrow much more heavily from Latin than the English language does.
  13. Click the link to go to Wikipedia and see how many Latin words there are in the English language!
  14. We have borrowed our laws from the Romans. Our system of government is heavily influenced by theirs.
  15. Every time the Pledge of Allegiance is said, Americans pledge “to the republic.” The Romans were the first to refer to their government as a republic.
  16. The United States Senate is one of our most important lawmaking institutions, which also has a large say in foreign policy decisions.
  17. The Romans had a Senate way before we did!
  18. In ancient Rome, laws were passed in the name of “the Senate and the People of Rome,” often abbreviated, SPQR.
  19. Although our calendar is often called the “Christian” calendar, the only thing Christian about it is the year. All of the months were named by the Romans (the days of the week are Norse in origin).
  20. Even the word, calendar, comes from the Romans! The kalends was the first day of each month.
  21. Many of our governmental buildings, including the U.S. Capitol, are built in the Neoclassical style, which imitates Roman buildings with domes, columns, and symmetry. The Capitol Dome has all of these features, including a statue of Freedom on the top. The Romans often personified their values in art.
  22. The Supreme Court building was built to resemble a Roman temple.
  23. …as was the Jefferson Memorial
  24. Augustus has seen this building before…
  25. The Jefferson Memorial was modeled after the Roman Pantheon (a temple to “all gods”).
  26. Roman Pantheon Ceiling
  27. Jefferson Memorial Ceiling
  28. The imitation is shameless and Jefferson, an admirer of the Romans, would have certainly approved.
  29. The Romans have also given us the world’s largest religion: Christianity.
  30. One third of humanity professes Christianity as a religion today.
  31. Christianity has its origins in the Roman Empire. Jesus was born in Judea, on the outskirts of the empire.
  32. The traditional Christmas story in the Gospel of Luke begins with Caesar Augustus ordering a census of the entire Roman world.
  33. Today, Rome is the center of Roman Catholicism, the world’s largest branch of Christianity.
  34. The Romans still entertain us, as well. They still make very entertaining film subjects.
  35. CLICK! CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE! TOM RICHEY.NET! @TomRichey YouTube WOOHOO!!!