Roman Empire Lesson 2: Legacy of the Roman Empire

BELL WORK1. What does the word

“legacy” mean?2. People who are famous or

powerful are often called “legends”. List a person who you consider to be a legend and explain why.

OBJECTIVE & STANDARD

7.1 Analyze the legacy of the Roman Empire.

I can analyze the legacy of the Roman Empire.

THE LEGACY OF ROME

MAIN IDEA:Rome passed on many achievements in government,

law, language and the arts to future generations.

THE LEGACY OF ROMAN WORDSDo you know where the words “doctor”, “animal”,

“circus” and “family” come from the Latin language, which was spoken by the Romans.

THE LEGACY OF ROME• Much of the world’s knowledge about construction

comes from the Romans. • Early Romans borrowed architectural ideas from the

Greeks, but they also developed their own style.

ROMAN ARCHITECTURE• Roman designs often included vaults, columns,

domes and arches. • New architectural ideas meant that buildings could

be constructed in brand new ways.

ROMAN ARCHITECTURE• Because of concrete and a new design, Roman theaters

did not have to be built on natural slopes to have tied seating…early Greek theaters are only found on slopes.

GREEK THEATER

ROMAN THEATER

ROMAN ARCHITECTURE• Columns, domes and arches still appear in

many modern buildings. • Banks, homes and government buildings

often use a Roman style. • Can you think of a building with columns?

ROMAN IDEAS & GOVERNMENT• Roman ideas about law, as first written in the

Twelve Tables, are with us today. • We, like the Romans, believe that all people are

equal under the law and should be treated fairly.

ROMAN IDEAS & GOVERNMENT• Roman ideas about government and citizenship are also

important today in the United States. • Like early Romans, Americans believe that a republic

made up of equal citizens is the best government.

ROMAN INFLUENCE ON LANGUAGE• Today the alphabet of the Latin language, which

expanded from 22 to 26 letters, and is used throughout the Western World.

• Latin shaped the languages of Italy, France, Spain, Portugal and Romania.

ROMAN INFLUENCE ON CULTURE• When you visit Washington D.C., or the capital city of any

state, you will likely see buildings with domes and arches that are directly inspired by Roman architecture.

ROMANS & CHRISTIANITY• As you probably know, Christianity is one of the

major religions in the world today. • Christianity really began in the Roman Empire.

ROMANS & CHRISTIANITY• When Rome's government adopted Christianity in the 300’s C.E. it helped the new religion to grow and spread.

• After Rome’s fall, many Roman ideas blended with those of Christianity.

THE LEGACY OF ROME

Listening Check: Which aspects of the Roman

Empire are Reflected in present day cultures? Discuss with your

group.

THE LEGACY OF ROME

Writing Prompt:Write a thank you card to the Romans thanking them for 4

contributions to the world. Also, explain how 2 of the contributions

benefit your life.

SWAP PARAGRAPHS

1. Swap paragraphs with another member in your group

2. Read about the contributions they listed.

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