Ancient Rome - 7th Geo

aqueduct

a long pipe or channel that brings water from distant places.

empire

a form of government that controls a large area with a diverse population and has one ruler, an Emperor

patrician

Upper class Roman citizens; hereditary (determined by birth) positions; many positions in the army and government can only be held by patricians

plebeian

ordinary Roman citizens (farmers, workers, craftsmen); had fewer rights than patricians

republic

a form of government, in which the citizens VOTE to select their leaders; Leaders rule in the name of the people

Rome's location

In central Italy, along the Tiber River, approximately 16 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.

Geographic features that made Rome ideal for a city?

- Rome was built on Seven Hills, which made it easy to defend.
- Rome was located on the Tiber River, which made transportation and trade easier.
- There was fertile soil which was good for farming.

Why did Rome have an advantage in trade?

Rome was in the central Mediterranean Sea which helped them control trade

Punic Wars

Punic Wars - 3 wars with Carthage over control of Mediterranean; Rome wins and destroys Carthage in 146 BCE

Forms of Roman government experienced?

3 different forms -
1st - Monarchy
2nd - Republic
3rd - Empire

Plebeians Life

lived in apartments called flats; small living spaces with no toilets or running water; made of wood; ate simple food - porridge, vegetables, fruit

Homes of Patricians

Single family home with many rooms; made of brick; access to toilets and running water; ate more expensive foods - includes meat, bread, cheese

Roman contributions in architecture and engineering

Romans used arches, domes and vaults which we use in many of our buildings.
Romans developed concrete, which we use today
Romans developed new methods to build roads. Many Roman roads are still used today.

Roman language and writing

The Romans spoke Latin. Italian, Spanish and French are all based on Latin.
Many English words are based on Latin prefixes.
Examples - pre- means before post- means after

Roman art

Roman art still influences statues, murals, frescoes, and realism. Much of Roman art later influenced the Renaissance, an art movement made famous by Michelangelo and Da Vinci, among others. One such work of art influenced by Rome is Michelangelo's fresco in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

Roman law, philosophy, and citizenship

Romans developed laws on marriage, inheritance and contracts. Many European laws are still based on Roman laws.
Romans developed important ideas on justice. Roman judges tried to treat all people equally. That is an important idea in American law.

Primary reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire

Foreign invaders, failing military discipline, poor leadership, economic issues, and natural disasters

Challenges of Early Christianity in the Roman Empire?

Rome initially persecuted (punished and mistreated) Christians as their beliefs were misunderstood

Ancient Rome Entertainment

Gladiator battles in Roman stadiums. The most important stadium was the Coliseum in Rome.
Chariot Races

Roman Empire

At the height of the Roman Empire (1 A.D.), Rome controlled the entire Mediterranean region, stretching from Britain in the north, to Spain and Morocco in the west, then the Black Sea and Mesopotamia in the east, and down through Egypt and north Africa, but limited to the south by the Sahara Desert.

Colosseum

A large stadium in ancient Rome where athletic events took place

Tiber River

The river where Rome was founded; runs through the city

Mediterranean Sea

Body of water that separates Europe and Africa; made trade by water easier

3 types of government Rome experienced

Monarchy 753 BCE-509 BCE
Republic 509 BCE-27 BCE
Empire 27 BCE-476 CE

How did the Roman government change during the time of Julius Caesar and Octavian? What were their roles in this change?

Julius Caesar became a dictator with no end claiming more power than any Roman had ever had during the Republic. The Senators hated him for it, killed him on the floor of the Senate, and then a civil war started.
Octavian won the civil war after 17 years and became the emperor, with total power, taking the name Augustus.

mythical founding of Rome

The mythical founding of Rome = twin brothers Romulus and Remus. When they were babies, the brothers were thrown in a river because their uncle didn't want them to rule when they got older. They were saved by a she-wolf and later a shepherd, they grew old, killed their uncle, then Romulus killed Remus and became the first king of Rome, settling on the seven hills of Rome.