Roman Achievements

Greco-Roman Civilization Romans borrowed ideas from the Greeks. Romans believed that Greek art, literature, philosophy, and scientific genius were above others. Blending of Greek, Hellenistic (Greek, Persian, Egyptian, Indian), and Roman culture = Greco-Roman Civilization

Roman Sculpture Created realistic portraits in stone. Bas-relief : images project from a flat background –Used to tell stories –Represent people, soldiers, landscape

Roman Mosaics Mosaics were pictures or designs made by setting small pieces of stone, glass, or tile onto surface.

Roman Frescoes Most wealthy Romans had large, bright murals, called frescoes, painted directly on their walls. Roman villa – home of wealthy Romans

Roman Engineering Romans excelled in the practical arts of building and perfecting their engineering skills

Roman Architecture Romans emphasized grandeur to show power and dignity. Improved on the arch and the dome

Pantheon A temple to all the Roman Gods

Colosseum One of the greatest feats of Roman engineering Colossus – gigantic Home of gladiator fights, to animal hunts

Roman Aqueducts Bridgelike structures carried water from mountains into cities.

Roman Roads Constructed throughout the Roman Empire, over 52,000 miles Were effective in helping to move the army from place to place, and trade within the empire. Example of how people adapt to their environment.

Roman Law Most lasting and widespread contribution Laws were fair and applied equally to all people. –All persons had the right to equal treatment under the law. –Innocent until proven guilty –The burden of proof lies with the accuser, not the accused. –A person should be punished for actions, not for thoughts. –Guilt must be established “clearer than daylight” through evidence. These laws became the basis for legal systems in Europe and Latin America

Literature and History The Roman Empire was unified through language. Latin was adopted by many different people and became the basis for other languages, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and English. Poetry – Virgil wrote the Aeneid History – Livy – wrote The History of Rome from its foundation