ROMAN CIVILIZATION

1. ROMAN CIVILIZATION Concluding Chapter 4

2. Basics • 800 BCE – 476 CE; actual “empire” from 550 BCE – 476 CE; was a monarchy from 800 – 550 BCE. • Rome (Roman Empire) is located west of Greece in the Mediterranean Sea. • Romans are NOT identical to Greece, but they DO preserve most Greek achievements • Rome created a massive “empire” • Their influence during this time was in engineering, language, and law.

3. Subjugating The Mediterranean • The final phase of Mediterranean Civilizations was when the Roman Empire subjugated (take control of) both Greece and the Hellenistic Kingdoms. • Hellenistic Kingdoms = Alexander the Great’s kingdom: Macedonia (northern Greece) + spread East all the way to Indian border + Egypt • Leaders during this time: Julius Caesar, Augustus Caesar, & Marcus Aurelius

4. Roman Political Structure • Similar to Greece with aristocracy • The Constitution of Roman Republic: • All Roman citizens could gather in assemblies • Most important legislative body was the Senate composed mainly of aristocrats • Some political writings resembled Confucianism (China). • Roman army officers often held great political power (sometimes even over the emperor)

5. Roman Political Structure • Romans had a high tolerance for local customs and religions as well as a strong military organization • First Roman code of law is the “Twelve Tablets” (450 BCE) • Used to restrain upper classes and to subject them (and common people) to common legal principles • Believed that laws should evolve to meet changing conditions • Roman law promoted “common-sense fairness”

6. Roman Political Structure • Rome placed greater importance on military conquest than all of Greece did. • Roman government/empire built public baths, stadiums (gladiator fights), offered cheap food…all for the people! • This helped the government keep the masses in order and to prevent popular disorder.

7. Roman Religion • Did NOT create a single “world-class” religion (example: Confucianism) • Christianity did arise later during the Roman Empire, however it was NOT a product of Roman culture…just influenced by it. • Had gods & goddesses (polytheistic) who “regulated” human life. • Ceremonies to the gods had political importance because they (political leaders) believed the gods could foresee the future.

8. Roman Technology & the Arts • Built aqueducts which carried running water to cities (large and small). • Construction of elaborate arches so buildings could carry more weight • Engineering (built roads) • Plays and stories were elaborate and devoted to the gods • Art emphasized beauty of realistic portrayal of human form (Human-centered art) • Roman Empire known more for athletic performances than Greece (Gladiators and chariot races) • Not as technologically advanced as China or India

9. Roman Economy • Commercial agriculture, trade, slavery • Commercial agriculture leads to trade • Most Romans are farmers • Roman Republic declined because, later, too many farmers became dependent on protection of landlords. • Traded mainly in the Mediterranean, but also some trade in India & China • Slavery spread towards end of Roman Republic • Slaves used in military expansion, working the mines, agriculture work, and household tasks – including tutoring!

10. Roman Family/Social Structure • Still a predominately patriarchal society • Tight family structure • Women often commanded great influence in upper class households, but were inferior to men in law and culture.

11. DONE-ZO! • 