1. Journey Across Time Chapter 9 Section 1
Life in Ancient Rome
Journey Across Time
Chapter 9 Section 1

3. Roman Culture
In addition to their own developments in Science and engineering, Roman artists and writers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks
The rich and poor had very different lives in Rome, as did men and women

4. Greek vs. Roman Art & Cultures
Greeks talked about ideas, while to Romans, ideas were only important if they could solve everyday problems
Greek art was “perfect,” while Roman
was more realistic
Romans used Greek-style porches and columns/colonnades, but added
arches/vaults and domes
Romans were first to use concrete
making the buildings sturdier

5. Roman Architecture
The buildings were so well built that many still stand today incl.
Colosseum: completed A.D. 80, and held 60,000 people
Panthenon: temple built to honor
gods, with a doomed roof
aqueducts: to carry water
long distances

6. For more Roman writer’s, see pg. 304 in your SS book
Roman Literature
The Romans based much of their writing on the Greek works. Some famous Roman writer’s include:
Virgil: Aeneid, drew ideas from Homer’s Odyssey
Horace: wrote satires (poking fun at human weakness), and odes (poems expressing strong emotions about life)
For more Roman writer’s, see pg. 304 in your SS book

7. Roman Science & Engineering
The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science
Galen: Greek doctor bringing many ideas to Rome incl. importance of anatomy (the study of body structure)
Ptolemy: lived in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the sky, mapped over 1,000 stars, and created rules explaining planets and stars’ movements.
Incorrectly placed Earth at center of universe, but people in Europe accepted his ideas for centuries
Engineering incl. aqueducts, and roads,
“All roads lead to Rome.”
Romans used aqueducts to supply fresh water
from hills to the city.
Rome even had a sewer system.

8. Daily Life in Rome
The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science
Wealthy Romans: lived in large, comfortable houses with nice furniture, and beautiful gardens
Most were poor: garbage on the streets, thieves, many lived in one room in poorly built apartment buildings, and fire was constant danger
To keep people from rioting, the government provided, “bread & circuses,” aka free bread and shows

9. Gladiators
Romans of all classes flocked to the chariot races and gladiator contests
Gladiators fought animals and each other
Gladiators were enslaved people, criminals, and poor people
Gladiators were admired,
much like sports heroes are today
Show video-clips: Roman Amusements (ca 2min) & Games of Ancient Rome (ca 6min)

10. Roman Families
Families were large incl. parents, young children, married children, relatives, and servants
Paterfamilias = Father of the family, had complete control over family
Education (for boys) was important
wealthy Romans hired tutors for children
Older boys went to school to learn
reading, writing, and rhetoric
(=public speaking)

11. Roman Families
Girls did not go to school, but learned reading and writing at home, as well as household duties
Women had some rights, but were not full citizens. However, men often sought their advice in private incl. Augustus’ wife, Livia, who later was honored as a goddess
Wealthy women could own land, run businesses, sell property, and study literature
Other women could help husbands at home-run shops, and could leave home to worship in temples, and visit friends
All women sat separate from men

12. Roman Families

13. Enslaved People
Slavery was a part of Roman life from early on
Thousands of prisoners from conquered lands were brought to Italy
By 100 BC, about 40% of people in Italy were slaves
Worked in homes, fields, mines, and workshops
Greek slaves were often well-educated and served as teachers, doctors, and artisans
Those earning wages could eventually buy freedom
73 BC slave revolt broke out, led by Spartacus: 70,000 defeating Roman armies
Revolt was finally crushed: Spartacus and
6,000 of his followers were crucified

14. Roman Religion Romans believed in many gods and goddesses
Also believed spirits lived in natural things, such as trees
Greek gods & goddesses were popular, but given Roman names
Every Roman had an altar for their household god
As empire grew larger, they came in contact with other religions
These were ok, as long as they did not threaten the government (incl. Christianity: to learn more, read chapter 10)

15. Roman Religion

16. Next: The Fall of Rome