Topic:The Roman Empire Unit: Ancient Rome

Essential Question: Why did the Roman Empire expand and how did the Pax Romana improve the lives of Romans?

I. Reasons for Expansion Hostile neighbors Gold, farmland, resources A good fight

After Augustus died, the Romans had taken Gaul and much of Central Europe. By the time of emperor Hadrian (early 100s CE), the Romans had conquered most of Britain.

Fearing attacks by barbarian invaders in the north, Hadrian built a huge wall across northern Britain. Hadrian’s Wall in Britain marked the border between Roman and non-Roman territory.

Romans control everything that bordered the Mediterranean and called this body of water Mare Nostrum, or “Our Sea.”

II. Trade Trade increased in Rome, both within the empire and with other people. People in Rome needed raw materials that they couldn’t produce themselves. This led merchants to Rome’s provinces to trade.

Traders brought metals, cloth, and food from the provinces to the city Traders brought metals, cloth, and food from the provinces to the city. Exotic goods such as spices and silk came from Asia, and animals from Africa. In return, Romans sent goods made by artisans such as jewelry, glass, and clothing, to the provinces.

Roman traders traveled beyond the empire’s borders to Africa, India, and Vietnam. Others traveled into Asia to meet merchants bringing goods along the Silk Road.

Nearly everyone accepted Roman coins. This helped trade grow. To pay for their goods, Romans used currency, or money, which included silver and gold coins. Nearly everyone accepted Roman coins. This helped trade grow.

There were no major wars or rebellions during the first 200 years of the Roman Empire. This peaceful period is known as the Pax Romana. Population and trade grew, the government was stable and the military was highly organized. Quality of life improved.

Life in the City Rome was the largest city in the empire, which led to difficult and crowded living conditions. Despite this, the city had many types of entertainment, such as plays, chariot races, fights, and bathhouses.

People enjoyed many types of entertainment People enjoyed many types of entertainment. They could go to comic plays and thrilling chariot races

The Chariot Race

People attended fierce gladiator games.

Those who wanted peace and quiet headed for the public baths Bath complexes were more like spas and health clubs. People could swim, soak in a hot pool, or mingle with other Romans

Romans cooked and served ostriches, mice, jellyfish, and peacocks.

More people lived in the country than in the city. In rural areas, people farmed and grew enough food for themselves. Some city dwellers also had a large farm, or villa, outside the city. These country homes belonged to rich Romans who wanted a break from the city crowds.

Wealthy Romans hosted huge dinner parties served by slaves who worked in the villas.

The Roman Empire grew and changed during its first 200 years.

Answer the Essential Question Answer the Essential Question. Include at least one example from each the sections. Why did the Roman Empire expand and how did the Pax Romana improve the lives of Romans?