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Life in Ancient Rome . Journey Across Time Chapter 9 Section 1. Roman Culture . In addition to their own developments in Science and engineering, Roman artists and writers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks The rich and poor had very different lives in Rome, as did men and women .
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Life in Ancient Rome Journey Across Time Chapter 9 Section 1
Roman Culture • In addition to their own developments in Science and engineering, Roman artists and writers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks • The rich and poor had very different lives in Rome, as did men and women
Greek vs. Roman Art & Cultures • Greeks talked about ideas, while to Romans, ideas were only important if they could solve everyday problems • Greek art was “perfect,” while Roman was more realistic • Romans used Greek-style porches and columns/colonnades, but added arches/vaults and domes • Romans were first to use concrete making the buildings sturdier
Roman Architecture The buildings were so well built that many still stand today incl. • Colosseum: completed A.D. 80, and held 60,000 people • Panthenon: temple built to honor gods, with a doomed roof • aqueducts: to carry water long distances
Roman Literature The Romans based much of their writing on the Greek works. Some famous Roman writer’s include: • Virgil:Aeneid, drew ideas from Homer’s Odyssey • Horace: wrote satires (poking fun at human weakness), and odes (poems expressing strong emotions about life) For more Roman writer’s, see pg. 304 in your SS book
Roman Science & Engineering The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science • Galen: Greek doctor bringing many ideas to Rome incl. importance of anatomy (the study of body structure) • Ptolemy: lived in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the sky, mapped over 1,000 stars, and created rules explaining planets and stars’ movements. • Incorrectly placed Earth at center of universe, but people in Europe accepted his ideas for centuries Engineering incl. aqueducts, and roads, “All roads lead to Rome.” Romans used aqueducts to supply fresh water from hills to the city. Rome even had a sewer system.
Daily Life in Rome The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science • Wealthy Romans: lived in large, comfortable houses with nice furniture, and beautiful gardens • Most were poor: garbage on the streets, thieves, many lived in one room in poorly built apartment buildings, and fire was constant danger • To keep people from rioting, the government provided, “bread & circuses,” aka free bread and shows
Gladiators • Romans of all classes flocked to the chariot races and gladiator contests • Gladiators fought animals and each other • Gladiators were enslaved people, criminals, and poor people • Gladiators were admired, much like sports heroes are today Show video-clips: Roman Amusements (ca 2min) & Games of Ancient Rome (ca 6min)
Roman Families • Families were large incl. parents, young children, married children, relatives, and servants • Paterfamilias = Father of the family, had complete control over family • Education (for boys) was important • wealthy Romans hired tutors for children • Older boys went to school to learn reading, writing, and rhetoric (=public speaking)
Roman Families • Girls did not go to school, but learned reading and writing at home, as well as household duties • Women had some rights, but were not full citizens. However, men often sought their advice in private incl. Augustus’ wife, Livia, who later was honored as a goddess • Wealthy women could own land, run businesses, sell property, and study literature • Other women could help husbands at home-run shops, and could leave home to worship in temples, and visit friends • All women sat separate from men
Enslaved People • Slavery was a part of Roman life from early on • Thousands of prisoners from conquered lands were brought to Italy • By 100 BC, about 40% of people in Italy were slaves • Worked in homes, fields, mines, and workshops • Greek slaves were often well-educated and served as teachers, doctors, and artisans • Those earning wages could eventually buy freedom • 73 BC slave revolt broke out, led by Spartacus: 70,000 defeating Roman armies • Revolt was finally crushed: Spartacus and 6,000 of his followers were crucified
Roman Religion • Romans believed in many gods and goddesses • Also believed spirits lived in natural things, such as trees • Greek gods & goddesses were popular, but given Roman names • Every Roman had an altar for their household god • As empire grew larger, they came in contact with other religions • These were ok, as long as they did not threaten the government (incl. Christianity: to learn more, read chapter 10)
