Download The Lasting Contributions of Rome

The Lasting Contributions of Rome
Standard 7.1.1
• Study the early strengths and lasting
contributions of Rome (e.g., significance of
Roman citizenship; rights under Roman
law; Roman art, architecture, engineering,
and philosophy; preservation and
transmission of Christianity) and its
ultimate internal weaknesses (e.g., rise of
autonomous military powers within the
empire, undermining of citizenship by the
growth of corruption and slavery, lack of
education, and distribution of news).
Background Knowledge
• Internal weakness and outside
invasions contributed to the
decline of the once great
Roman Empire. Nevertheless,
Rome left a rich legacy.
Architecture
• Public Works - structures built
by the government for public
use.
• The Romans built public
baths, temples, bridges,
forums, and marketplaces
• Statues, paintings and mosaics
decorated buildings
Engineering
• The Romans invented concrete,
which was stronger and easier
to use than stone and designed
huge arches and domes with it.
• Concrete was used to build
more than 50,000 miles of
roads. This network of roads
helped unify the empire.
Water Supplies
• Public fountains supplied clean
water to citizens.
• Sewer systems carried away
wastewater.
• Public baths were available for
all to enjoy.
Water Supplies
• Aqueducts carried water from
miles away.
• Comprised of arches, a covered
channel and a road or footpath
Roman Law and Language
• In 451 B.C., the leaders of the
Republic wrote the Twelve
Tables. They were posted for
all to see.
Law and Citizenship
• Although the Twelve Tables
changed some ideas stayed constant
– Good government based on rule of law
– All citizens have equal rights under the
law
• Multicultural – consisting of many
different cultures and religions
Influence of Roman Law
• Limited to Roman citizens
• Rules for foreigners
– International Law
• The United States and many
European and Latin nations have
been influenced by Roman law.
• Principles of the Roman Republic,
such as equal justice under the
law, are part of our government
The Legacy of Language
• The Romance languages (Spanish,
Italian, French…) are based on
Latin, the language of the Romans.
• Our alphabet is based on the Roman
alphabet.
The Christian Religion
• Christianity, based on the
teachings of the Jewish prophet
Jesus
• Roman officials feared a Jewish
rebellion and executed Jesus
• Early Christians were
persecuted, but in the 300’s
A.D., Emperor Constantine
made it the official religion of
the Empire.
Legacy of Ancient Rome
Architecture
• Monuments
Law
• Forums
• Public Baths • Rule of Law
• Legal Systems
Engineering
Concrete
Arches
Domes
Aqueducts
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Language
• Romance Languages
Religion
• Christianity