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The Roman Empire. Today’s Goal: Describe the culture and daily life in the Roman Empire and its influence on later Western civilization.

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Presentation on theme: "The Roman Empire. Today’s Goal: Describe the culture and daily life in the Roman Empire and its influence on later Western civilization."— Presentation transcript:

1 The Roman Empire

2 Today’s Goal: Describe the culture and daily life in the Roman Empire and its influence on later Western civilization

3 Why is the period from 27 BC to AD 180 referred to as the Pax Romana? Octavian, renamed Augustus, became 1 st emperor of Rome - Also known as “princeps”, imperator Rome entered the Pax Romana, or “Roman peace”, a period of peace and prosperity Augustus secures the empire & builds infrastructure (roads, temples)

4 The Age of Augustus Size of the empire under Augustus

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6 Model of Rome

7 Economy Agriculture was the most important industry in the Roman Empire The Roman coin was known as the denarius made trade easier The Romans had a vast trading network and built a navy to protect their trade ships

8 Roman Religion

9 The Virtue of gravitas

10 Society & Culture The lives of the rich and famous

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12 How did Roman gov’t distract the poor? It offered “Bread & Circuses” Entertainment to distract poor from daily struggles - Gladiator contests - Mock battles - Chariot races - Free games Over 150 holidays Events in the Coliseum, Circus Maximus, Hippodrome

13 How were slaves viewed and treated? Widespread, essential to economy - 1/3 rd of population Cruel treatment - Property of masters - Strong men fought as gladiators Slave revolts – unsuccessful Possible manumission (freedom)

14 “All Roads Lead to Rome” Network of roads - built for military purposes - linked empire to Persia & Russia - learned techniques from Etruscans & Greeks Roman aqueducts - Bring clean water to Roman cities

15 Aqueducts provided water for the Roman baths

16 Coliseum Circus Maximus http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=pbQvpJsTvxU

17 Pantheon (“temple to all gods”) Most well-preserved Roman building (saved from ruin by Christian Church) Oculus (eye designed to let light enter building)

18 Poetry & Literature Horace – poems that glorified Rome & Augustus, described joys & irritations of daily life Virgil – pastoral lyrics celebrating artistry & rural life (The Aeneid – story of Rome)

19 Augustus’ Building Projects Temple to Apollo, Palatine Hill Roman Forum

20 The Bad Emperors #3 Caligula#5 Nero#11 Domitian “Bootikins” Fell ill  insane? Hated by Jews Assassinated by Praetorian guard Adopted by Claudius Reforms “Fiddled while Rome burned”? Condemned to death by Senate  suicide Son of Vespasian Despotic His wife hired man to stab him

21 The Good Emperors # 12 Nerva #13 Trajan #14 Hadrian #16 Marcus Aurelias #15 Antoninus Pius Frail, often ill Kindly & amiable Ruled only 16 months Died of fever Spanish origin Adopted by Nerva Humble, respectful Public works, funds Stroke Became close friend of Trajan Trajan’s wife Plotina wrote letters to senate stating Hadrian as successor Adopted Antoninus Pius Fell ill Hadrians’ Wall Adopted by Hadrian Calm, kind, moral Daughter Faustina married Marcus Aurelias Died during sleep Stoic philosophy Wrote “Meditations” Made son Commodus his co-emperor Long-lasting illness

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