1. Unit 1: Early Civilizations Prehistory – A.D. 1570

2. Quick Review of Ch. 4
Compare Spartan society to the society of Athens.
What caused and resulted from the Persian Wars?
Based on the teaching of men like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, what did the Greeks value?
Why is Alexander of Macedonia referred to as ‘Alexander the Great’?

3. Ch. 5: Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity
509 BC – 476 AD
Key Idea: Rome began as a single city and grew into a huge, diverse empire!

4. Section 1: The Roman World Takes Shape
About 800 BC, the ancestors of the Romans migrate into Italy
They borrow much from the Etruscans, Greek Colonists
509 BC – drive out Etruscan ruler and found the Roman State

5. The Romans Establish a Republic
Republic = government officials are chosen by the people
Patricians
Land-owing upper class
Served in the Senate and influenced laws
Plebeians
Farmers, Merchants, Artisans and Traders
Gained the right to elect Tribunes to represent them in government

6. Section 2: From Republic to Empire
Key: As Roman society expands, the republic falls apart, but gives birth to a mighty empire.
Discussion Q: Why do you think the Roman Republic fell apart as Roman society expanded?

7. Rome Grows Through Conquest
Rome Defeats Carthage (N.E. Africa) in the Punic Wars between 264 BC and 146 BC
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Rome’s defeat of Carthage secured their place as the dominant power in the region.

8. The Republic Ends and the Empire Begins
Political Disagreements lead to Civil Wars.
Julius Caesar Attempts to lead the Romans but is assassinated before he can take charge.
Octavian gains power and is given the title Augustus, or ‘Exalted One’
This is the beginning of what would become the Roman Empire
Roman Republic Roman Empire

9. The Pax Romana Brings Prosperity
Pax Romana = Roman Peace
200 year span from Augustus to Marcus Aurelius (27 BC to 180 AD)
Brought peace, order, unity, and prosperity to the Empire.
BC = Before Christ
BCE = Before Common Era
AD = Anno Domini (The Year of Our Lord)
CE = Common Era

10. Section 3 The Roman Achievement
Key: By war and conquest, Rome took the achievements of Roman civilization (blended with Greek and Hellenistic Culture) to distant lands.
Discussion Q: Why do you think it took war and conquest in order to spread the achievements of Roman civilization? Why couldn’t there just be peace?

11. Roman Achievements Romans Write Literature, History, and Philosophy
Borrowed Heavily from the Greeks
Roman Art and Architecture Develops
Roman Sculptures Stress Realism
Architecture emphasize grandeur (power)
Romans Apply Science and Mathematics for Practical Use
Ex: The Aqueducts
Underground or bridge-like stone structures that carried water from the hills into the cities

12. Section 4: The Rise of Christianity
Key: During the Pax Romana, a new religion known as Christianity begins to spread throughout the Roman Empire. At first Christians are persecuted, but by about 400 AD it is the official religion of the Empire.
The Religion of Rome borrowed heavily from Greek mythology. Also, the Roman Emperor (Ceasar) was to be honored as a god. When Christians refused to worship the Roman gods, it brought them persecution.

13. The Teachings of Jesus
The life and teachings of Jesus are recorded in the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Jesus of Nazareth, born around 4 B.C., is a Jew living in a Roman occupied Israel.
He builds upon Jewish teachings (Old Testament) and claims to be the promised Messiah, offering salvation to anyone who believes in him.
Jewish leaders who disagree with Jesus convince Roman authorities to have him crucified.
The disciples of Jesus claim that he rose from the dead and begin to spread his teachings throughout the Roman Empire.
Discussion Q: What were some of the most famous teachings of Jesus?
Jesus told his disciples he would make them “fishers of men”.

14. The Message of Christianity Spreads
The Apostle Paul travels throughout the Roman Empire helping start churches and writing much of what would become the New Testament.
Despite persecution from the Roman government, the message of Christianity continues to spread and is eventually accepted by Rome, later becoming the official Roman religion.
The Early Christian Church Develops
Scattered communities become an organized church

15. Section 5 The Long Decline
Key Idea: Economic problems, foreign invasions, and a decline in traditional values eventually undermined stability and security in the Roman Empire.
Discussion Q: Throughout history empires rise and fall. Why do you think empires of the past were unable to continue their rule as the most dominant power?

16. Many Problems Cause Rome to Fall
Military Attacks
Invasions from Germanic Peoples
Political Turmoil
Corrupt Officials Lost the Support of the People
Economic Weakness
Increasingly Heavy Taxes Drove Many to Poverty
Social Decay
Loss of Patriotism, Discipline, and Duty

17. Quick Review of Ch. 5 Where and when did Roman civilization begin?
How did the Roman republic form of government operate? Why did it end?
What does the phrase ‘Pax Romana’ represent?
Describe the early stages of Christianity.
How did the Roman Empire lose it’s power?