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The Roman Empire
After Julius Caesar’s death, people gathered in the forum, or public square, to listen to
policies, or plans, of those who wished to be leaders.
Caesar’s grandnephew, Octavian, and Mark Antony controlled all Roman Lands.
Octavian claimed the western part of the empire. Mark Antony claimed the east,
including Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt.
Mark Antony had fallen in love with the Egyptian Queen, Cleopatra.
They planned on setting up their own empire.
Octavian declared war on Antony & Cleopatra when he learned of their plan.
Octavian won a great sea battle near Actium, Greece, in 31 BCE.
The Roman Senate gave Octavian the title Augustus, which means “respected one” or
“holy one.”
Augustus was a strong leader. “Roman Peace”, or a Pax Romana spread across the
empire and lasted for 200 years.
The government policies were strong and popular.
It was easier to become a citizen.
People were treated more fairly and equally.
Some principles are important in our legal system today.
A person is innocent until proven guilty.
A person cannot be forced to speak against themselves in a court of law.
The Romans took a census, or count, of the country’s people to insure that all paid
taxes.
The Roman army helped keep peace and unity. Large groups of soldiers, or legions,
were stationed along the borders
Roads helped to unite the Roman people. They connected all parts of the empire to
Rome.
Augustus called for magnificent marble government buildings in the center of Rome.
People set up markets around the basilicas.
The buildings reflected the beauty of the Greek style.
To the Greek columns, they added Roman domes and Etruscan arches.
The Roman aqueducts used bridges and canals to carry water from place to place.
Some of the buildings are still standing, but they are being damaged by acid rain.
Roman’s enjoyed entertainment. They had theaters and sports areas.
They watched battles between slaves and prisoners, called gladiators, who often fought
to the death.
Rome looked to Greece for cultural ideas, including art, writing, and philosophy.
Poet Virgil wrote the Aeneid, which gives a poet's view of early Roman history.
Language also brought all parts of the Roman Empire together.
The Beginnings of Christianity
As the Roman Empire grew, so did the number of religions.
Augustus was the ruler of the Roman Empire and a religious leader.
Romans worshipped many gods, including Saturn, Mars, Ceres, and Janus.
The Romans accepted may religious ideas, and adopted the Greek gods under Roman
names.
The Romans allowed the Jewish people to follow their own religious leaders.
The Jewish people believed that a messiah, or wise leader, would establish a kingdom
on earth.
During Herod’s rule, word of the messiah’s birth in Bethlehem was heard.
Jesus was the son of Mary.
Reports of his teachings and performing of miracles were repeated .
He taught the beliefs of Judaism, including one God, and the Ten Commandments.
Jesus message was to love others and help the poor.
As the Son Of God, he would redeem humankind for their sins.
Some Roman and Jewish leaders feared his power.
Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judaea, ordered Jesus to be put to death by
crucifixion.
Jesus had twelve trusted followers called Apostles.
The Apostles spread the teachings of Jesus.
The Greek word for messiah was christos.
The followers of Jesus Christ became known as Christians, and their religion as
Christianity.
A believer named Paul wrote down the teachings of Christianity and start Christian
churches.
The New Testament part of the Christian Bible tells about the life and teachings of
Jesus .
Four books of the New Testament that describe Jesus’ life are called the Gospels.
Gospels means “good news.”
The Jewish Bible contains the books known as the Old Testament.
Christianity was seen as a threat to the Roman Empire. Christians were threatened,
arrested and persecuted.
People who suffer or die for their beliefs are called martyrs.
The Christians were willing to show their faith by dying for it.
Constantine was a Roman General who adopted Christianity and became emperor.
The Edict of Milan made Christianity and accepted religion.
Decline of Rome
Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium and renamed it
Constantinople.
Rome’s power declined, and the Empire split.
Christianity and the message of Jesus spread far beyond the Roman Empire.
Many people still stand up for what they believe in. Can you think of a person who
stood up for what they believe in even if it was a hard thing to do?