The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire

Rome built great stuff Rome built great roads to travel on and aqueducts to bring water into the city. Rome also built great stadiums and amphitheaters for the entertainment of the people. Romans also developed the use of the arch.

Rome was a Republic A republic is a form of government where people elect representatives. The United States has a representative government. We learned about this form of government from the Romans. Everyone voted to choose representatives. And by everyone we mean……..????

The Senate The Senate led the Roman Empire. They made the laws for the republic.

Roman Law and Rights Roman laws stressed fairness and common sense. There was equal treatment under the law in Rome and people were considered innocent until proved guilty when accused of a crime. We took much of our system of government from the Romans.

Patricians and Plebeians Two groups struggled for power in the new republic—the patricians and the plebeians. Patricians were the wealthy, land-owning class that held most power. - Made up a very small portion of the population Plebeians were common farmers, artisans and merchants - Most people fell into this class

Patricians and Plebeians In time, plebeians were able to win more rights. Plebeians elected tribunes to represent them. Tribunes protected the rights of common people from the unfair acts of the patricians. Laws at this time were unwritten so the people developed the Twelve Tables. The Twelve Tables became the basis of law in Rome and protected all citizens, including the plebeians.

Roman Government Roman government had three parts. First, Romans elected 2 consuls. Consuls were like kings. One led the government, the other led the army. They could veto each other’s decisions.

Rome’s first emperor Octavian is Rome’s first emperor. He took the name Augustus Caesar. Under his rule, Rome expanded and enjoyed a period of peace.

Pax Romana Rome lived in peace for 200 years. It was called the Pax Romana, the Peace of Rome. Unfortunately for Rome, the peace would not last.

The Punic Wars From 264 to 146 B.C., Rome and Carthage fought three bitter wars. The conflict is better known as the Punic Wars and was fought over control of trade in the Mediterranean Sea.

Rome grew weak Size – leading to invasion Taxes Slavery Corruption Civil wars

Barbarians at the gates Romans called the people who destroyed Rome Barbarians. “BAR BAR BAR BAR” The Roman Empire fell in 476 AD. The eastern part of the empire would survive.

Byzantium The eastern part of the Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire or Byzantium.