Alexander The Great Son of Philip II, student of Aristotle Conquered as far as India in the east Became a pharaoh in Egypt Chose native residents to help rule empire Persians in Iran His leaders married Persians Died at the age of 32, his kingdom was divided into three kingdoms

Hellenistic Culture Example of syncretism (blending of cultures) Greek culture spread to other areas Alexandria, Egypt Greco-Buddist art seen in South Asia People in the empire could become Greek citizens through education, language, and names (assimilation) Influenced Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome The geography of Italy did NOT prevent unification as it did in Greece Rome: Near Tiber River and Tyrrhenian Sea Ideal for trade, distance from oceans was a natural defense Location near the Mediterranean made it ideal for trade and contact with other cultures 509 B.C.E. - Roman aristocrats overthrew their king, established a republic - representative government Patricians (wealthy class) 2 Consuls - elected by the Senate on a rotating basis

The Roman Republic Plebeians: Poorer classes Small farmers, tradespeople, craftworkers Became full citizens in 287 B.C.E. Represented by Tribunes Twelve Tables - public laws displayed for all to see Crimes, property, etc.

The Roman Republic Expands As Rome expanded, people in conquered areas were eligible for citizenship Rome conquered Greece and Gaul (present-day France) Punic Wars (264 - 146 B.C.E.) Wars between Rome and Carthage (North Africa) Rome won, destroyed the city of Carthage By 455 C.E., Rome fell to Vandals

Society In Rome Males between 17 - 46 served in the Roman military (Legions) Slaves: Often captured in wars Worked in homes and on large farms Educate children of upper classes Women: Not citizens -> could NOT vote (patriarchy society) Some women received education (higher classes) Some women could inherent property and wealth

Roman Empire Civil Wars between Generals whose soldiers were loyal to them, not Rome Julius Caesar defeated his rivals, had support of the common people (plebeians) Caesar became a dictator for life in 46 B.C.E. New reforms under Caesar Calendar Senate increased its size Citizenship was extended to others Land was given to poor veterans Caesar was killed on the “Ides of March”, 44 B.C.E.

Roman Empire Octavian (Caesar’s adopted son) fought Marc Antony for control of Roman Empire Battle of Actium - Octavian wins Became Augustus Caesar Pax Romana - 200 years of Roman “Peace” Rome built its infrastructure Roads for trade Fortresses and walls for defense

Roman Empire Culture Rights of women increased during the Empire Women could divorce Could gain property Arts: Roman writers demonstrated an influence from Greece Poetry Epicureanism - focus on simple living Stoicism - taking things as they come, being detached

Decline of the Empire The Empire was massive and expensive to rule Large estates did not pay as much in taxes -> declining revenue Disease ravaged Rome Population decreased by 25% between 250 C.E. and its fall (the western portion) in 476 Invasion from outside forces Vandals in 455 C.E.

Roman Religion Roman gods were often combined with Greek gods (syncretism) Requirement to practice state religion Could practice other religions Conflicts with Jews in early centuries C.E. More in next video

Quick Recap Alexander the Great and his conquests Characteristics of Hellenistic Culture Rome’s geography Roman Republic Classes and government structure Expansion of Rome (Punic Wars) Roman Society (slaves, women - lack of rights) Roman Empire: Julius New reforms Augustus Caesar and Pax Romana Culture of the Roman Empire Decline of the Roman Empire Religion in the Roman Empire