1. Strand 3: Chapter 14
The Roman Empire

2. The Roman Empire The spread of the Empire
The Roman Empire began to develop from around 800 BC.
The Empire lasted for over 1,000 years and stretched from Italy to most of Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East.
About 2,000 years ago, Rome was the largest and most important city in the world.
We know so much about the Romans because of the rich variety of primary sources that they left behind: Written records – Titus Livy Ancient ruins – Pompeii/Herculaneum/the Colosseum

3. The Roman Empire Roman houses Poor Romans lived in apartment
blocks called insulae:
Some apartments were large and luxurious
Most were in poor condition
Families lived in one room
No running water
Upper floors were reached by a ladder rather than stairs
Rubbish and the contents of toilet pots were thrown onto the street below.
Rich Romans lived in a house called a domus:
One story in height
An entrance hall called an atrium
A walled back garden called a peristyle
Walls were decorated with murals and mosaics
Houses of rich Romans had toilets

4. The Roman Empire Roman Pastimes
Circus Maximus/Hippodrome – chariot races – 250,000-capacity stadium
Colosseum – 50,000-seater amphitheatre – gladiator contests
The theatre – spectacular stage scenes
Roman baths – baths/gym/library

5. The Roman Empire The Roman Army
The Roman Army was made up of legions of up to 4,000 soldiers.
Each legion was broken up into smaller groups of 100 soldiers called centuries.
Soldiers served for 20–25 years.
They lived in barracks under strict discipline.
Roman soldiers did not wear armour on their back.
They had to complete a 30-km road march three times a month.
They were given a plot of land upon retirement.

6. The Roman Empire The Roman legacy
Latin – influenced many modern languages
Christianity – Rome is still the centre of the Catholic Church
Roads – built wonderful roads
Building and architecture – used large columns and arches. Many important buildings have since been built using this style
The Romans set up sewerage systems in their towns
Central heating – designed the first system of underfloor heating
Shopping centres – Trajan’s Forum is regarded as being the first shopping centre in the world
The calendar – designed the modern calendar and named the months after Roman emperors and gods
Law and order – established a system of state and civil law