1. ROMAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE 6.3 Notes

2. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome What was life really like in the Roman Empire?

3. Roman society and culture The Romans developed a complex and advanced society and culture that continues to effect the world today Essential Question: What social and cultural factors influenced life in Rome, and what was the cultural legacy of ancient Rome?

4. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Though life was good under the Pax Romana, their was not an equal distribution of wealth Life For The Rich  Life for rich Romans typically meant the family had a city and a villa - country house, with running water and baths. Wealthy Roman men were often involved with politics.  Public office was not a paid job so only the wealthy held political offices  Who you knew… family, friendship and marriage ties were just as important as class interests.  Roman politicians worked to perfect their public-speaking skills to better sway the opinions of others

5. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Life For the Poor  Life for poor Romans typically meant the family lived in crowded 3-4 story apartments where fire was a constant threat.  To keep the poor from rebelling against such awful conditions they were given free food and entertainment  A Roman poet once noted that only two things interested the Roman masses- bread and circuses

6. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Public Entertainment  All social classes enjoyed entertainment  Circuses provided a place to watch chariot races. Rome had the Circus Maximus that could hold 250,000 people and the Colosseum, an amphitheatre where people could watch theatre shows and gladiator fights  Enjoyed blood in the Colosseum  Fights between wild animals and professional fighters  Condemned criminals and slaves would fight one another  Gladiator v. Gladiator  They enjoyed the theatre, particularly comedies and satires  Public baths served two functions for hygiene and entertainment  Relaxing  Socializing  Steam room  Exercise facilities  Meeting rooms

7. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Family  Families were patriarchal – headed by males, often the oldest living male. Women had little power, but this did hold true for lower class women, who worked outside the home  Women could own and inherit land, but could do little else without a male guardian  Lower class women had more freedoms, such as working  Adoption was very important in their society  Families without sons would adopt a young man to be the head of the family  It ensured the family name would be carried on

8. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Education  The Romans placed great value on education, especially in the upper class.  Children were typically home-schooled  wealthy may hire private tutors or send their children to private schools

9. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Religion  Romans placed a great deal of importance on religion, which was heavily influenced by the Greeks.  The Romans also borrowed gods and goddesses from Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Asia.  The Romans believed the Gods were responsible for their greatness and would send them signs that were interpreted by priests known as augurs  They worshipped household gods  Many thought of the emporer as god

10. 6.3- Rome’s Cultural Legacy Science and Engineering  After Rome’s fall in 476 CE their culture still influenced people across the world  Roman advances in science and engineering can be seen in their architecture. The goal of Roman scientists was to extend scientific knowledge and apply it to better everyday life  The development of concrete and aqueducts are two legacies important for western civilization, and construction of large buildings and large sustainable cities  Romans were very practical. They tried to apply the knowledge they gained from science to plan their cities  Other notable legacies  Galen- wrote volumes of medical knowledge  Ptolemy- astronomy, sad the earth was the center of the universe

11. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Architecture  Their influences can still be seen in southern Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia  Round arch  Vault- allowed them to build big structures  Seen for many centuries  Michelangelo used Roman models to design the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilicas in Rome in 1547  Thomas Jefferson used this model to build the library at UVA

12. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Language and Literature  Roman language, Latin, is the root language for the branch of Romance languages that include French, Spanish, and Italian. Roman language has also influenced English with words such as veto and curriculum and many words in medicine  The technique of satire was derived from Roman authors

13. 6.3 Life in Imperial Rome Law Roman law has influenced many countries civil laws – written code of laws Roman influence can be seen in the legal system in most of the world

14. Assignment You are teenagers living in ancient Rome. Create a booklet that compares ancient Roman life to modern times You will have 2 pages for each section. One page of the Roman teenage life and one page for modern teenage life  Religion  Education  Entertainment  Health Write realistic details about each topic as a Roman teen on the left and you actual life on the right You can Romanize your name