1. Ancient Rome Notes

2. Rome – The Beginning Republic – government of the people
Patricians – Upper class, landholding, made laws
Dictator – Time of war, complete control
Plebeians – farmers, merchants, majority of population
Tribunes – Plebeian officials
Veto – can block laws harmful to plebeians

3. Roman Society Women given more power, held jobs, business
Boys and girls taught to read and write
Religions – similar to Greek but different names
Citizen-Soldiers were part of legion (5000)
Provided own weapons with no pay
Conquered lands treated with justice
Built roads, connected empire
People assimilated and united under Roman rule

4. Rome – Empire Building Imperialism –control over foreign lands
Corruption was common
Reformers - Julius Caesar
Popular Military General
Public works jobs, reorganized government of providences
Created calendar – Julian Calendar
Killed by best friend, Brutus
Census – count people
Good and Bad emperors
Pax Romana – Time of Roman Peace

5. Roman Achievement Literature – Aeneid, Satirize – make fun of
History – Livy, kept track of events
Philosophy – Emperor Marcus Aurelius – stoic
Art – Sculpture, Mosaic – picture made of tiles
Architecture – Huge temples, arch and columns
Engineering – built aqueducts
Law – Civil Law and Law of Nations

6. Christianity Early Religions tolerated by Romans
Most were polytheistic, like Romans
Jews rejected Roman religion, persecuted, revolt, fled
Jesus born in 4 B.C.
Apostles and him spread message of peace, love
Deeply rooted in Judaism
Romans crucified him for rebellion
Seen as religion for all – everyone welcome

7. Roman Decline 26 emperors in 50 years
Several tried to help with reforms
Invasion by several groups of nomads hurt Rome
Causes
Military – Mercenaries used, little loyalty
Political – Corruption, divided empire
Economic – Taxes, slaves ran away, economic downfall
Social – Lack of patriotism and devotion
Long, slow decline
Lead to Byzantine Empire (Western Rome)