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Chapter 5: Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity (509 B.C.–A.D. 476) Geography and Rome • Rome is located in the center of the Italian peninsula. The location helped the Romans expand in Italy and beyond. • Mountains run down the center of Italy but are not too rugged. • Fertile plains supported a growing population. • Ancestors of the Romans settled along the Tiber River. • Early villages eventually grew into Rome. The Roman Republic In 509 B.C., the Romans set up a new government, which they called a republic. Republic- government in which the officials are chosen by the people. Patricians- landholding upper class, made up only 10% of the population. Plebeians- Lower- middle class of farmers, merchants and traders. The Early Republic Romans wanted to prevent one person from gaining too much power. All government officials were patricians. Plebeians had little power. Plebeians demanded written laws & won the right to: 1. choose their own officials 2. veto laws that harm them 3. hold any office in the government Government of Ancient Rome 2,000 years later, writers of the United States Constitution used Roman ideas about government. Roman Society Family Male was head of the household and had absolute authority Women gained greater freedom and influence over the centuries Some women ran businesses. Most worked at home, raising families Education Both girls and boys learned to read and write Education was highly valued Religion Gods and goddesses resembled those of Greeks Religious festivals inspired a sense of community Romans built many temples for worship Expansion in Italy By 270 B.C., Rome controlled most of the Italian peninsula by: Skilled diplomacy Loyal, well-trained army Treated defeated enemies fairly Gave rights to conquered people Winning an Empire After gaining control of the Italian peninsula, Rome began to build an empire around the Mediterranean Sea. Romans followed a policy of imperialism, establishing control over foreign lands and peoples. Carthage, Macedonia, Greece, and parts of Asia Minor became Roman provinces. By 133 B.C., Roman power extended from Spain to Egypt. Decline of the Republic Conquered people worked as slaves which led to huge quantities of grain Small farmers no longer needed to produce food- went to Rome and other cities looking for jobs New wealth increased corruption among government officials From Republic to Empire Civil wars broke out Julius Caesar forced the Roman senate to make him dictator Caesar instituted reforms to try to solve Rome’s many problems- elected as dictator for 9 more years Caesar is killed by enemies who feared that he planned to make himself king of Rome More civil wars broke out Many power struggles over who should lead Rome The Roman senate gave Octavian the title of emperor The 500-year republic came to an end Empire and Peace Augustus (Octavian) established a stable government that would function well for 200 years. This period was called the Pax Romana- meaning Roman Peace. Reforms of Augustus Civil service to enforce the laws High-level jobs to men of talent, regardless of race Cities and provinces govern themselves Ordered a census, or population count, in order to make the tax system more fair Set up a postal service and issued new coins Employed the jobless Bread & Circuses Used to mask the problems of the society Free bread was passed out to the poor Rich and poor loved spectacular entertainment Chariot races, gladiator fights were all popular The Coliseum was Rome’s largest stadium- held 50,000 spectators Roman Achievements History Historians wrote about the rise and fall of Roman power Poetry Writers imitated Greek styles in poetry Poets satirized, or made fun of, Roman society Philosophy Roman philosophers borrowed heavily from the Greeks Emphasized acceptance of fate and concern for the well-being of others Technology Built roads, bridges, and harbors throughout empire Built many aqueducts Science Romans left scientific research to the Greeks Ptolemy proposed that Earth was the center of the universe Art Sculptors stressed realism Artists depicted life scenes in frescoes and mosaics Architecture Emphasized grandeur Improved column and arch Developed rounded dome Roman Law During the Roman empire, The Twelve Tables of Rome were the principles of law that fostered unity and stability. These principles are the basis for legal systems in Europe and America. An accused person was: – presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. – was permitted to face the accuser and offer a defense. Guilt had to be established through evidence. Judges were expected to interpret the laws and make fair decisions. The Rise of Christianity Religious Diversity in the Early Empire People honored Roman gods and the emperor and were allowed to worship other gods as they pleased. Romans excused the monotheistic Jews from worshiping the Roman gods. The Teachings of Jesus Some Jews believed that a messiah would appear to lead the Jewish people to freedom. Some of Jesus’ teachings were rooted in Judaism: Belief in one God Ten Commandments Belief in heaven and hell Old Testament Jesus also preached new beliefs: – Called himself the Son of God – Proclaimed that he brought salvation and eternal life to anyone who would believe in him Rome mistrusted Christians because they refused to make sacrifices to the emperor or honor the Roman gods. Roman officials persecuted the Christians. Many Christians became martyrs, people who suffer or die for their beliefs. Crucifixion was the common Roman method of execution. Spread of Christianity Disciples began to preach in Jewish communities throughout the Roman world. Jews who accepted the beliefs of Jesus became the first Christians. Paul spread Christianity beyond the Jewish communities, to non-Jews. The Long Decline Two Reformers: Diocletian Divided the empire into two parts to make it easier to govern Fixed prices to slow inflation, or the rapid rise of prices Established laws to ensure steady production of food and goods Constantine Granted toleration to Christians, this led to the rapid growth of Christianity Became the first Christian emperor Built a new capital at Constantinople, making the eastern part of the empire the center of power The Decline and Fall of Rome Political Causes Corrupt and oppressive officials Divided empire Economic Causes Heavy taxes Population decline Military Causes Invasions Weakened Roman Legions Social Causes Erosion of traditional values Self-serving upper class