Strand 3: Chapter 14 The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire The spread of the Empire The Roman Empire began to develop from around 800 BC. The Empire lasted for over 1,000 years and stretched from Italy to most of Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East. About 2,000 years ago, Rome was the largest and most important city in the world. We know so much about the Romans because of the rich variety of primary sources that they left behind: Written records – Titus Livy Ancient ruins – Pompeii/Herculaneum/the Colosseum

The Roman Empire Roman houses Poor Romans lived in apartment blocks called insulae: Some apartments were large and luxurious Most were in poor condition Families lived in one room No running water Upper floors were reached by a ladder rather than stairs Rubbish and the contents of toilet pots were thrown onto the street below. Rich Romans lived in a house called a domus: One story in height An entrance hall called an atrium A walled back garden called a peristyle Walls were decorated with murals and mosaics Houses of rich Romans had toilets

The Roman Empire Roman Pastimes Circus Maximus/Hippodrome – chariot races – 250,000-capacity stadium Colosseum – 50,000-seater amphitheatre – gladiator contests The theatre – spectacular stage scenes Roman baths – baths/gym/library

The Roman Empire The Roman Army The Roman Army was made up of legions of up to 4,000 soldiers. Each legion was broken up into smaller groups of 100 soldiers called centuries. Soldiers served for 20–25 years. They lived in barracks under strict discipline. Roman soldiers did not wear armour on their back. They had to complete a 30-km road march three times a month. They were given a plot of land upon retirement.

The Roman Empire The Roman legacy Latin – influenced many modern languages Christianity – Rome is still the centre of the Catholic Church Roads – built wonderful roads Building and architecture – used large columns and arches. Many important buildings have since been built using this style The Romans set up sewerage systems in their towns Central heating – designed the first system of underfloor heating Shopping centres – Trajan’s Forum is regarded as being the first shopping centre in the world The calendar – designed the modern calendar and named the months after Roman emperors and gods Law and order – established a system of state and civil law