Roman Achievements - Roads

1. Roman Achievements - Roads “(Roman roads) provided efficient means for the overland movement of armies, officials, and civilians, and the inland carriage of official communications and trade goods. Roman roads were of several kinds, ranging from small local roads to broad, long-distance highways built to connect cities, major towns, and military bases.” Source: The American Highway: The History and Culture of Roads in the United States. Evaluate: According to the map and excerpt, in what ways did roads help to unify (bring together) the Roman Empire?

2. Roman Achievements - Aqueducts “Masonry channels carried water from distant springs and reservoirs along a precise gradient, using gravity alone. After the water passed through the aqueduct, it was collected in tanks and fed through pipes to public fountains, baths, toilets, or industrial sites.” Source: The Usborne internet Linked Encyclopedia of the Roman World, page 80 Make Connections: How did the development of aqueducts change where people could live?

3. Roman Achievements - Language Latin is an ancient Italic Language originally spoken by the Italic Latins in both Latium and Ancient Rome, influenced by the Etruscan language and using the Greek alphabet as a basis, it took form as what is recognizable as Latin in the Italian Peninsula. Many students, scholars, and some members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and it is still taught in some primary, secondary and postsecondary educational institutions around the world. Latin, often referred to as the language of the Romans, is the basis of several modern romance languages, including Italian, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Almost half of all of English words come from Latin. Source: Reflections Ancient Civilizations: Rome’s Legacy In what way did Latin influence English?

4. Roman Achievements - Government “As we know from the myth of Romulus and Remus, the original community of Rome was founded in 753 BCE, in the late 600’s BCE, Romans were ruled by the Etruscans. The Etruscans were the people who lived north of Rome in central Italy. These northern Italians were highly skilled artisans who knew how to pave roads, drain marshes, and construct sewers. They were also under the control of a monarch. In 509 BCE wealthy Roman landowners overthrew the Etruscan king and vowed never to be ruled by a monarch again. In place of the monarchy, the Romans established a republic (a government of the people). A republic is a form ofgovernment in which voters elect officials to run the state. In the Roman Republic, only adult male citizens were entitled to vote and to take part in government. three important groups of citizens helped govern the republic: the Senate, the magistrates, and the assemblies.:” Source: Textbook, Journey Across Time Make Connections: When American founding fathers created our government why do you think they created a republic instead of a monarchy?

5. Roman Achievements - Laws • All free people have equal rights before the law. • A person must be considered innocent until he or she is proven guilty • Accused people should be allowed to face their accusers and defend themselves • Judges must interpret the law and make decisions fairly • People have rights that no government can take away The ancient Roman Empire was vast, covering much land and many groups of people. To maintain order and ensure rights, the Romans created a code of laws that many nations still use today. The following are some examples of principles and laws created by the Romans. The American Bill of Rights ensured that it is the government’s job to protect the rights of citizens. From which principle above did this idea evolve?

6. Roman Achievements - Laws “In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial…(he shall) have the assistance of council for his defense.” From which of the Roman principles did the US most likely adopt this idea? The following is an excerpt from Amendment 6 of the American Bill of Rights which guarantees the rights to all citizens:

7. Roman Achievements - Architecture The Roman Architectural Revolution, also known as the Concrete Revolution, was the widespread use in Roman architecture of concrete poured in architectural forms to create arches, vaults, and domes. For the first time in history, concrete was used for construction of a wide range of civil engineering structures, public buildings and military facilities. These included amphitheaters, aqueducts, baths, bridges, circuses, dams,domes, harbors and temples. The same mixtures of concrete are used in dam structures today. The following pictures are examples of building in both Rome and the US. Excerpt adapted from Concrete Revolution by Professional Engineer, David Moore Why does the author call the Roman Architectural Revolution a Concrete Revolution? Provide a direct quote as evidence from the text that shows how Roman architectural methods are still used today.