2. Vast and Powerful Empire

3. Rome reached its peak from beginning of Augustus’ rule in 27 BC to AD 180. For 207 yrs. the empire lived in peace This period of peace was known as Pax Romana which means “Roman peace” During Pax Romana, empire included more than 3 million sq. miles Population of Roman Empire– 60 and 80 millions people Population of Rome – 1 million

4. Agriculture and Trade Agriculture was most important industry in Rome 90% of people were engaged in farming Goods not produced in empire were obtained through trade Common coinage called denarius was used throughout empire and helped with trade Rome had a large trading network Rome traded with China and India

5. Roman army protected ships traveling on the Mediterranean Sea Roman roads linked the empire to places as far away as Russia Built by roman army for military purposes Roman army helped patrol roads to make safe for travel and trade Most important route was Silk Roads that connected the empire to Asia

6. Roman Government Augustus was Rome’s most successful emperor Stabilized frontier, built public buildings and created a new system of government He set up civil service where workers were paid to manage government affairs – Grain supply, tax collector, postal system Senate still in place, but civil servants helped run the empire After Augustus’ death his son Tiberius became his successor Rome lacked written laws for selecting a new emperor so there was always a threat of civil war when an emperor died

7. Problem was temporarily solved with The Five Good Emperors – Nerva – Trajan – Hadrian – Antonius Pius – Marcus Aurelius Marcus Aurelius death marked the beginning of the empires decline and the end of Pax Romana

8. Men & Women Gravitas – values of discipline, strength and loyalty Romans were very practical Heart of Roman society was family – Paterfamilias – “father of the family,” had power to rule household – Women – became social equals of men, could own property but could not vote – Children – Romans favored boys over girls Boys would become citizens with the right to vote Girls were not given their own names instead they were given the feminine form of the fathers name Few went to school Girls were often married between the ages of 12 and 15

9. – Slaves – Significant part of Roman life Slaves made up 1/3 of Roman population Many slaves were from conquered lands Slaves were property of their owner and could be sold, punished, rewarded, set free or put to death Strong healthy slaves were forced to become gladiators or professional fighters Gladiators fought to death in public display

12. Gods & Goddesses Worshipped powerful spirits called numina Lares were guardian spirits of each family Each spirit had humanlike forms and personalities with Roman names Government and religion were linked Deities were symbols of state and Romans were expected to honor them at home and in public Most important Roman gods and goddesses were Jupiter, Juno and Minerva Worship of the emperor also became

13. Bread and Circuses Roman classes had very little in common Rich lived extravagantly, spend money on homes, slaves and luxuries Majority of Romans were poor and unemployed Many crowded into sprawling tenements where fire was a huge danger To control the masses the government provided free games, races and gladiator contents Colosseum, a huge arena could hold 50,000 people During this time a new religion began to develop and spread throughout the empire called Christianity