Geography Politics Social Order ROME Geography Politics Social Order

The Vast Empire Empire included most of what would now be considered Western Europe. The main countries conquered were England/Wales, Spain, France, Greece, the Middle East, and the North African coastal region. one in every four people on earth lived and died under Roman law.

Social Order in Rome The social structure of ancient Rome was based on: Heredity property wealth citizenship freedom It was also based around men: women were defined by the social status of their fathers or husbands.

Moving Up the Ladder The boundaries between the different classes were strict and legally enforced BUT social advancement was always possible for those with wealth and property

Power is a Social Construction Emperors sat at the top of Rome's social order Men held all of the power controlled property he decided the fate of his children Money granted you influence in politics

Crowning the Emperor Chosen by hereditary rule. not chosen on the basis of their ability Chosen because they were born in the right family Always men Often inherited the throne after an assassination At the end of the period did Rome select somebody based on their ability

Hereditary Rule Exists Today

Life of an Emperor A Job for life no elections or term limits, no early retirement or pension plans. Only death ended the rein of an emperor No always a dream job At times forced to marry due to politics not love Constant threat of assassination Family is a targets of your enemies

The Fine Line Between Rich and Poor THE RICH lived in beautiful houses outside Rome, away from the noise and the smell. extravagant lifestyle with luxurious furnishings, surrounded by servants and slaves to cater to their every desire. exclusive dinner parties and enjoy the exotic dishes

The Fine Line Between Rich and Poor THE POOR lived in shabby houses that could collapse or burn at any moment. they might abandon newborn babies to the streets, hoping that someone else would take them in as a servant or slave Had the power of a mob due to large numbers

Overlapping Lives dinner was the main meal of the day. Men had all power Romans of all classes visited baths after work each day to exercise, wash and chat.

Happily Ever After? Marriage in Roman times was often not at all romantic. Rather, it was an agreement between families. Men would usually marry in their mid-twenties, while women married while they were still in their early teens

Wedding Ceremony bride and groom were committed to marry each other at the betrothal, a formal ceremony between the two families. Gifts would be exchanged and the dowry agreed. A written agreement would be signed and the deal sealed with a kiss.

Till Death Do We Part? Roman divorce was as simple as marriage. All that the law required was that they declare their wish to divorce before seven witnesses. divorce was common, particularly in the upper classes. When she divorced, a wife could expect to receive her dowry back in full and would then return to the protection of her father. If she had been independent before her wedding, she would regain her independence upon divorce.

Roman Army The Roman Army was one of the most successful in the history of the world soldiers were rightly feared for their training, discipline and stamina while soldiers were loyal to their emperor, they were more loyal to their commanders could be a threat to an emperor