The Legacy of Rome in the Modern World SS.6.W.3.14, SS.6.G.3.2, and SS.6.C.2.1

Roman Engineering Aqueducts were an ancient system for bringing water from as far as 60 miles away to the homes, baths, and fountains in Rome’s cities. Roman arches from aqueducts can still be found in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. Other features of Roman architecture can still be seen in the modern world as well.

Roman Architecture Vault: an arch used to support a ceiling or roof Dome: a half-round or hemisphere- shaped roof

Language Many features of Rome’s language, Latin, are common in modern English. We still use the Roman alphabet, although Latin used 23 letters, and English uses 26. Latin proverbs or sayings are also common. Example: E pluribus unum means, “Out of many, one.” Can you think of where you have heard this phrase before?

Language Continued Several modern European languages, called the Romance languages, developed from Latin, including Italian, Spanish, and French. Although, English is not a Romance language, it still borrows heavily from Latin. Many English words either have Latin root words or prefixes. Prefix: a set of letters at the beginning of a word that carries its own meaning We still often use Roman numerals as well!

Roman Philosophy and Law The Romans believed that there was a universal law of justice that came from nature, and therefore, by this natural law, every person had rights. This concept of rights for every person became one of the major ideas on which many modern countries, including the United States, were founded. The idea that a judge should always try to be fair and that major decisions should be made by a jury of one’s peers figured prominently in ancient Rome as well as in America today.

And if that wasn’t enough for you… Amphitheatres Arcades Atriums Brides in white with veils Cremation urns Fast food restaurants Glass blowing Keystones Mosaics Portrait busts Public toilets Race tracks Reflecting pools Reinforced concrete Spiral staircases Sports stadiums Sundials Twelve month calendar