Download Ancient Rome (509 BC to 476 AD)

Ancient Rome (509 B.C. to 476 A.D.)
In 509 B.C., Rome was founded. They formed a republic, where the people chose some
of the officials. In a republic, people elect representatives to speak for them. This is the
same type of democracy that we have in the United States today.
The city of Rome, with its central location on the Italian peninsula, was able to extend its
influence over the entire Mediterranean Basin. Unlike Greece, Italy’s geography made it
easier to unify.
Locations and Places:
- Rome: Centrally located in the Mediterranean Basin and distant from eastern
Mediterranean powers.
- The capital is located on the Italian Peninsula.
- The Italian Peninsula was protected by the sea and the arc of the Alps Mountains.
- Sea-borne commerce (trade).
Roman Military Domination of the Mediterranean Basin and Western Europe:
After the victory over Carthage in the Punic Wars, Rome was able, over the next 100
years, to dominate the Mediterranean basin, leading to the diffusion (spreading out) of
Roman culture.
Carthage was a city-state in North Africa, settled by North Africans and Phoenician
traders. As Rome began expanding westward, conflict arose between the two. Three
wars resulted in Roman victory, the destruction of Carthage, and expanded trade and
wealth for Rome. The wars were called the Punic Wars, from Punicus, the Latin word
for Phoenician. Rome and Carthage were in competition for trade.
Punic Wars: Rome vs. Carthage (264-146 B.C.)
First Punic War:
Rome defeated Carthage and won the Islands of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia.
Second Punic War:
Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army through Gaul (modern day France) and over
the Alps. Hannibal invaded the Italian Peninsula. Hannibal moved across Italy for 15
years, winning battles until the Romans moved to attack Carthage. Hannibal never took
the city of Rome. Hannibal returned to Carthage where his army was defeated. Carthage
lost all lands outside of Africa.
Third Punic War:
Rome moved in to destroy Carthage. Rome takes the land and establishes itself as
dominating the Western Mediterranean.
Evolution of the Roman Empire and Spread of Roman Culture:
- Mediterranean basin (Africa, Asia, Europe, including the Hellenistic world of the
Eastern Mediterranean).
- Western Europe (Gaul, British Isles).
Contributions of Ancient Rome
Conquests and trade spread Roman cultural and technological achievements throughout
the Empire. Like Greece, Western civilization was influence by the cultural
achievements of Rome.
Contributions of Ancient Rome:
Art and architecture: Pantheon, Colesseum, Forum.
The Pantheon is a building in
Rome, Italy, commissioned as a
temple to all the gods of Ancient
Rome. It was destroyed in a fire
and was rebuilt in 126 A.D.
The Colosseum, or the Coliseum is
an elliptical amphitheater in the
center of the city of Rome, Italy. The
largest ever built in the Roman
Empire, built of concrete and stone.
It was used for gladiatorial matches
and public spectacles.
The Roman Forum is a rectangular
plaza surrounded by the ruins of
several important ancient
government buildings at the center
of the city of Rome. It was a center
for public life in Rome. It was often
used for processions, elections,
public speeches, criminal trials,
gladiatorial matches, a marketplace,
and monuments.
Technology: Roads, aqueducts (to carry water to the city), Roman arches.
Roman roads were a vital part of the development of the Roman state, from about 500
B.C. through the expansion during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Roman
roads enabled the Romans to move armies, trade goods and to communicate.
Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid: A Latin epic poem, written by
Virgil between 29 and 19 B.C., that tells the legendary story of
Aeneas, a Trojan who traveled to Italy, where he became the
ancestor of the Romans.
Science: Achievements of Ptolemy (A.D. 90 – A.D. 168) was a
Greek-Roman citizen of Egypt who wrote in Greek. He was a
mathematician, astronomer, geographer, astrologer, and poet of a
single epigram in the Greek Anthology.
Medicine: Emphasis on public health (public
baths, public water systems, medical schools).
Language: Latin, romance languages.
Religion: Roman mythology: Rome
adopted Greek polytheism. Eventually,
Rome adopted Christianity as the imperial
religion.
Law: concepts were introduced such as the principle of “innocent until
proven guilty” (from the Twelve Tables). The Law of the Twelve Tables
formed the centerpiece of the constitution of the Roman Republic.
Roman Social Structure
Although women, most aliens (non-Romans living in the Republic), and slaves were
excluded from the governing process, the Roman Republic made major strides in the
development of representative democracy, which became a foundation of modern
democracy.
Social Structure in the Roman Republic:
- Patricians: Powerful nobility (few in
number); made up of the landholding upper
class.
- Plebeians: Majority of population; made
up of merchants, artisans, traders.
- Slaves: Slavery was not based on race.
Slaves were made up of people captured in
battle, abandoned children, children who
were sold into slavery to settle debts, and
some criminals.
Citizenship:
- Made up of patrician and plebeian men and selected foreigners.
- They had rights and responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., voting, taxes, military service).
Features of Democracy:
- Representative democracy – People elect representatives
to speak for them. People would gather in assemblies to
make laws and conduct important matters.
- The Senate – 300 members that were elected for a life
term, who greatly influenced the Roman republic’s laws.
At first, it was open only to Patricians, but was eventually opened to Plebeians.
- Consuls – (2 elected) The
consuls supervised the
government and commanded
the armies. Like the senate, it
was originally open only to
patricians, but was eventually
opened to plebeians.
- Tribunes – Eventually, as plebeians gained more political power, tribunes were elected.
Tribunes set out to protect the interests of the plebeians by vetoing (blocking) laws that
were harmful to the plebeians.
- Laws of Rome were codified as Twelve Tables. The
Constitution is to the United States as the Twelve Tables is
to Rome. The Twelve Tables were posted in the Forum in
Rome. The Forum was the central marketplace and
important gathering place in Rome.
The Decline of the Roman Republic and the Rise of the Roman Empire
The Roman Republic, in the face of changing social and economic conditions,
succumbed to civil war (war between citizens of the same country) and was replaced by
an imperial regime, the Roman Empire.
Causes for the Decline of the Roman Republic:
- Spread of slavery in the agricultural system. Slave revolts in the
provinces of Rome added to the turmoil of the republic.
- Migration of small farmers into cities and unemployment.
- Civil war over the power of Julius Caesar (pictured left).
- Devaluation of Roman currency; inflation.
Struggles for power between the senate and other political leaders of Rome led to poor
management of Rome. Also, there were armies staying loyal to their commanders, who
provided them more benefits than the Roman government. Rival armies began emerging.
During this time, Julius Caesar rose to power. Caesar was a military commander who
was very successful in his conquest of Gaul. He was also part of the first triumvirate.
The First Triumvirate was a political alliance of three individuals (Pompey, Caesar, and
Crassus). After Caesar’s popularity rose, a rival by the name of Pompey ordered the
disbanding of Caesar’s army. Caesar returned, with his army, to Rome in 49 B.C. Civil
War broke out! Caesar defeated Pompey and forced the Senate to name him a dictator.
Caesar became the absolute ruler of Rome, but maintained the senate and republic.
Julius Caesar ruled from 48 B.C. to 44 B.C. He instituted a number of successful policies
intended for reform. Citizenship increased in the Roman provinces, jobs were created,
the poor were given land, and a new calendar was introduced (similar to what we use
today, but with minor changes). In 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was killed. His enemies feared
that he was going to name himself king of Rome.
The Origin and Evolution of Imperial Rome:
- The outcome of the First Triumvirate (Julius Caesar taking
power).
- Julius Caesar: After his seizure of power, his assassination.
- Augustus Caesar (pictured right): Defeated of Mark Antony
in a civil war, and became Rome’s first emperor.
After Caesar's assassination, Antony (pictured left) formed an
official political alliance with Octavian (the future Augustus) and
Lepidus, known to historians today as the Second Triumvirate.
Another civil war broke out (again!) between Octavian (Julius
Caesar’s grandnephew) and Mark Antony (Julius Caesar’s chief
general). Octavian won the power and became emperor. He took the
title of Augustus (Exalted One), where he ruled from 31 B.C. until 14
A.D. Augustus brought an era of peace and stability called Pax
Romana.
- The empire was unified and enlarged, using imperial authority and the military. All of
the states were unified under one emperor.
- There was a failure to provide for peaceful succession of Emperors. There was no clear
way to select a new emperor.
Pax Romana
Augustus Caesar established the Roman Empire by instituting civil service, rule by law, a
common coinage, and secure travel and trade throughout the Empire.
Following Augustus Caesar, the Roman Empire enjoyed 200
years of peace and prosperity known as Pax Romana (Roman
Peace). The period ended with Marcus Aurelius.
Features of Pax Romana:
- Two centuries of peace and prosperity under imperial
rule.
- Expansion and solidification of the Roman Empire,
particularly in the Near East.
Economic Impact of the Pax Romana:
- Established uniform system of money, which helped to
expand trade.
- Roman legions guaranteed safe travel and trade on Roman
roads.
- Promoted prosperity and stability.
Social Impact of the Pax Romana:
- Returned stability to social classes.
- Increased emphasis on the family.
Political Impact of the Pax Romana:
- Created a civil service (government workers).
- Developed a uniform rule of law.
“I found Rome a city of bricks and
left it a city of marble”
- Caesar Augustus
Religions of Rome
The Pantheon is a temple in Rome dedicated
to the seven planetary gods: Jupiter, Neptune,
Pluto, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and Saturn.
Roman Mythology
Roman Mythology, like Greek mythology, was based upon a
polytheistic religion that was integral to culture, politics, and
art. Greek gods and goddesses still appear in many symbols
and images in literature, art, and architecture.
Many Western civilization’s symbols, metaphors, words,
and idealized images come from ancient Roman mythology.
- Based on Greek polytheistic religion.
- Explanations of natural phenomena, human qualities, and life events.
Roman Gods and Goddesses:
- Jupiter (Derived from Zeus), Juno (Hera), Apollo (Still Apollo), Diana (Artemis),
Minerva (Athena), Neptune (Poseidon), Pluto (Hades), and Venus (Aphrodite).
Origins of Christianity
The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, bringing it into
conflict with Roman polytheism and eventually changing Western civilization.
Origins of Christianity:
- Had its roots in Judaism.
- Was led by Jesus of Nazareth, who was proclaimed the Messiah. Jesus is regarded by
Christians as the Messiah of the Hebrew prophecies and the savior of humankind.
- Conflicted with polytheistic beliefs of Roman Empire.
Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Christianity:
- Monotheism (belief in one god).
- Jesus as both son of God and incarnation of God.
- Life after death.
- New Testament, containing accounts of the life and
teachings of Jesus, as well as writings of early Christians.
- Christian doctrines (writings) established by early church councils.
Category
Nature of God
Nature of Messiah
Commandments
Paths of Atonement (Fixing your
wrong doings)
Sin (wrong doings)
Righteousness
Holy Scriptures
Satan
Afterlife for Sinners
Heaven
Propagation of Faith (How it is
spread)
Judaism (Hebrew)
Absolute One.
Human Righteous King.
Eternal and ultimate value.
Sincere repentance (Remorse).
All begin with a clean slate (born
without sin).
Within our power to choose.
Torah: Written and oral.
Agent of God.
Gehinnom (Jewish Hell): A
temporary situation enabling a
corrective, redemptive process for
the soul, with individual exceptions.
All righteous have a place.
They seldom convert people. Most
are born into it. They encourage
people to follow their law. Only
very sincere converts are accepted
to the faith.
Christianity
Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy
Ghost).
Divine sin sacrifice.
Fulfilled in Jesus and therefore
obsolete.
Only through the blood of Jesus.
All stained by the sin of Adam and
Eve.
Impossible.
Written scriptures only.
Fallen angel and enemy of God.
Hell: Eternal damnation.
Only Christians go to heaven
Missionaries are encouraged to
spread the faith.
Spread of Christianity:
- Popularity of the message.
- Early martyrs (someone who is killed for their beliefs) inspired others.
- Carried by the Apostles (important early Christian teacher), including Paul, throughout
the Roman Empire.
Decline and Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Over a 300 year period, the western part of the Roman Empire steadily declined because
of internal and external problems.
Causes for the Decline of the Western Roman Empire:
Geographic size: Difficulty of defense and administration of the Empire.
Economy: The cost of defense, and
devaluation of Roman currency
(Inflation).
Military: Army membership started to
include non-Romans, resulting in decline
of discipline.
Moral Decay: People’s loss of faith in
Rome and the family.
Political Problems: Civil conflict and
weak administration. Eventually, citizens lost faith in the government and stopped
supporting it.
Invasion: Attack on borders. Germanic invaders were able to exploit Rome’s
weaknesses and slowly started to take over the Western Roman Empire. In 476 A.D.,
Rome, itself, was invaded and looted. To many, this marked the end of the Western
Roman Empire.
Division of the Roman Empire:
Due to the massive size of the Empire, and various problems caused by Rome’s decline,
Rome was split into two empires in order to control it better. This occurred in 284 A.D.
by Emperor Diocletian. The empire
would be ruled by co-emperors.
In 312, Emperor Constantine moved the
capital from Rome to Byzantium and
renamed it Constantinople.
The Western Roman Empire survived until 476 A.D., when it ceased to have a Roman
emperor. The Roman emperor was forced out by a Germanic leader. This is marked as
the fall of Rome. The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire) survived for another
1000 years.
Military Causes:
- Germanic Invasions
- Weakened Roman Legions
- Problems securing borders
- Less military disciplie and training
Political Issues:
- Oppressive Government
- Corrupt officials
- Divided empire
- People stopped supporting government
The Decline and the Fall
of Rome
Social Causes:
- Erosion of traditional values
- Self-serving upper class
- Lack of discipline and devotion to duty.
Economic Causes:
- Heavy taxes to pay government
- Middle class falling into poverty
- Inflation and high prices
- Farmers losing land
The Significance of the Church in the Late Roman Empire
In 313 A.D., Emperor Constantine (pictured right) granted freedom
of worship to all citizens of the Roman Empire and by the end of
the century, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman
Empire.
As the Roman Empire declined in the West, the Church of Rome
grew in importance, followers and influence.
Because of the geographical nature of the divided empire, the church had different
influences in the two empires. In the East Empire, the emperor had more influence. In
the West Empire, the Church was more influential.
Impact of the Church of Rome in the Late Roman Empire:
- The Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and made it legal.
- Christianity later became the official state religion.
- The Church became a source of moral authority.
- Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor.
- The Church became the main unifying force of Western Europe.
Greek
Name
Roman
Name
Aphrodite
Venus
Goddess of love and beauty, wife of Hephaestus, was said to have been born fullygrown from the sea-foam.
Apollo
Apollo
God of the arts, of light and healing (Roman sun god) twin brother of Artemis, son of
Zeus.
Ares
Mars
Hated god of war, son of Zeus and Hera.
Artemis
Diana
Goddess of the hunt, twin sister of Apollo, connected with childbirth and the healing
arts.
Athena
Minerva
Warrior goddess of wisdom, patron goddess of the useful arts, daughter of Zeus who
sprang fully-grown from her father's head.
Cronus
Saturn
Titan sky god, supreme ruler of the titans and father to many Olympians, his reign
was referred to as 'the golden age'.
Demeter
Ceres
Goddess of the harvest, particularly of grain, sister of Zeus, mother of Persephone.
Dionysus
Bacchus
God of wine and vegetation, patron god of the drama.
Gaia
Terra
Mother goddess of the earth, daughter of Chaos, mother of Uranus.
Hades
Pluto
God of the underworld, ruler of the dead, brother of Zeus, husband of Persephone.
Hephaestus
Vulcan
Lame god of the forge, talented blacksmith to the gods, son of Zeus and Hera,
husband of Aphrodite.
Hera
Juno
Goddess of marriage and childbirth, queen of the Olympians, jealous wife and sister of
Zeus, mother of Hephaestus, Ares and Hebe.
Hermes
Mercury
Quick-witted, clever messenger of the gods, patron god of travelers, thieves and
merchants, escort of souls to Hades, son of Zeus.
Hestia
Vesta
Peace-loving goddess of the hearth, guardian of the home, sister of Zeus.
Persephone
Proserpine
Daughter of Zeus and Demeter who was kidnapped by Hades and forced to become
his wife; she spends half the year in the underworld with her husband and returns
every spring to live with her mother.
Poseidon
Neptune
God of the sea and earthquakes, brother of Zeus.
Rhea
Ops
Wife of Cronus.
Uranus
Uranus
Father of the Titans.
Zeus
Jupiter
Sky god known as 'the thunderer,' supreme ruler of the Olympians.
Description