The Legacy of the Roman Empire

Chapter 1

1.1 Introduction

• Rome was the capital of the world’s greatest empire, encompassing the entire Mediterranean world and 50 million people.

1.2 Why Did the Roman Empire end in the West?

What Were the Problems in the Late Empire?• Political instability: Rome never figured out how to transfer power.• Why is this a problem?• Economic ($) and social problems: Huge taxes, unemployment,

corruption, crime.• Why such heavy taxes?• Weakening frontiers: Gigantic size was hard to defend, invaders and

foreigners moving in.Who was crazier?

Nero… Caligula?

Or,

What Was the Fall of Rome?• After Constantine, the empire was divided into the east and

west (Rome capital in west, Constantinople in east). • What’s the problem with this?• Rome sacked in 410, and last emperor in west thrown out in

476.• Empire in east goes for another 1,000 years (Byzantine Empire).

Visigoths sacking Rome in 410

1.3 What Was the Legacy of Roman Art?

• Who do you think the Romans were influenced by?• Roman art was heavily influenced by the Greeks.

Sculptures, busts and statues, were XT lifelike.• Greco-Roman art revived during the Renaissance

(1500s) and can still be seen in Washington D.C. today.

Tiberius Julius Caesar BrutusNero

Roman Painting on Wood

Roman Mural

Roman Fresco

Roman Mosaics

Roman Cameos

Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

1.4 What Was the Legacy of Roman Architecture?

• Romans were responsible for the arch, vault, and the dome, and they were the first to really use concrete.

• Medieval architects were influenced by Rome in building cathedrals, and many buildings in Washington D.C. have a Roman influence.

• Notice anything Roman about these federal buildings in Washington D.C.?

Roman Architecture

Arch

VaultDome

What Was the Legacy of Roman Engineering?

• Rome was the ancient world’s greatest builders of roads, bridges, and aqueducts.

• Do you think any of these are still around today?• They constructed 50,000 mi. of roads and their

aqueduct system stretched over 60 miles.

Roman Bridges

Roman Aqueduct

1.5 What Was the Legacy of Roman Language and Writing?

• Romans spoke Latin, which is the basis of French, Spanish, and Italian.

• Does Latin influence English?• English is heavily influenced by Latin because our words have

Latin roots and prefixes.• Many Latin proverbs as well as Roman numerals are still used

today.

Latin Roots

Latin PrefixesLatin Prefix Meaning English Words

In, im, il Not Inactive, impossible

Inter among, between International

Com, co Together, with Communicate

Pre Before Precede

Post After, behind Postpone

Re Back, again Remember

Semi Half semicircle

Sub Under, less than submarine

trans Across, through transportation

1.6 What Was the Legacy of Roman Philosophy, Law, and Citizenship?

What Was Stoicism?• A Greek philosophy popular in Rome. “Living

rightly meant living in a way that agreed with nature.”

• Stoics believed you should have good character, self control and courage. They were known for bearing pain/suffering bravely.

What Was Law and Justice?

• Roman laws covered all parts of everyday life, and are still used in Italy and France.

• Romans believed in the universal law of justice (natural law) which means that people are born with natural rights.

• Anybody know which American document speaks of natural rights?

What Was Citizenship?

• All free people living in the Roman Empire were known as citizens, who had the same rights, obeyed same laws, and owed allegiance to Rome.

• What are some of the positives to being a citizen?

• What are some of the responsibilities?