1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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 ( 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

6. Society In Rome
Males between 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

7. 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.

8. 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 years of Roman “Peace”
Rome built its infrastructure
Roads for trade
Fortresses and walls for defense

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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