An Overview of the Roman Republic & Empire A ncient R om e Rome began as a small river town on the Italian Peninsula. Location and climate aided in Romes growth. Quickly grew to become the most dominate empire on Earth. Section Focus It all began on a boot shaped peninsula. Most of the land was covered in mountains and hills. Few rivers flowed from mountains into the countryside. Mild climate and weather allowed for widespread farming and a variety of crops. Geography of Italy Romes origins are a mystery. Believed to have begun with Trojan hero Aeneas. Actual city began by twin brothers; Romulus and Remus. City and people became devoted to god Mars (Ares). Legendary Origins Nobles began a Republic government and voted for leaders. Supposed to keep one person from becoming too powerful. However, elected officials usually came from rich minority. Major class separations formed between rich (patricians) and poor (plebeians). The Republic To keep control and the people happy the government decided to divide power. The Republic became a tripartite (3 parts): Leadership (2 Consuls) Advisors (300 Senate) Voters (The People) Rome stabilized and began to expand. The Republic The Roman Republic grew geographically and economically. Roman armies spread over Italy and Europe. Conquered areas brought new products, wealth, control, and power. Growth of Rome Roman military success focused on the Legion. Romans treated conquered people with respect and many alliances were created. Some refused control and fought against Rome. Rome defeated all, and gained territory throughout the Mediterranean. Growth of Rome The Roman Legions (A) BRIDGE OF BOATS Roman armies could cross wide rivers by anchoring boats to the river bed and laying a road across their decks. (B) WATCHTOWER Watchtowers lined the empire's borders. Guards used beacon fires to raise the alarm. (C) LEGIONARIES Legionaries on the march carried heavy packs, often covering over 18 miles a day. (D) CENTURION A centurion commanded a unit of 80 men called a century. His helmet had a tall crest. (E) STANDARD BEARER When attacking, soldiers followed a pole with an emblem on it called a standard. They rallied around it in an emergency. (F) AUXILIARIES Auxiliaries served as border guards or as specialist soldiers, such as archers and cavalrymen. The Roman Legions The Punic Wars After the Punic Wars the military decided to take over the government, causing civil wars. Power was separated into a triumvirate (3 leaders) Crassus Pompey Julius Caesar Three men shared power, legions, and worked together to make decisions. End of the Republic Triumvirate worked well for 10 years and Rome was restored. Greed and jealously caused problems and Julius Caesar took total control. Caesar was executed by the senate and civil wars began again. Caesars adopted son, Octavian, took control of government and took Rome into its Golden Age. End of the Republic The Roman Empire Under Octavian (Augustus) the quality of life improved for people all over the empire. Peace allowed cultures to intertwine and develop. The Pax Romana brought new trade, money, laws, accomplishments, and prosperity to the People. The Roman Empire The Chariot Races (A) HISTORY The Romans probably borrowed chariot racing from the Etruscans, who themselves borrowed it from the Greeks (B) THE CIRCUS MAXIMUS Most famous race track and could seat more than 250,000 people. (C) THE RACES The races were extremely violent and often deadly. Each race consisted of seven laps. The Roman Empire The Bathhouses (A) HOTROOM The heat and steam made bathers sweat, getting rid of dirt in the pores of their skin. (B) STEAM BATH Furnaces boiled pools of water to fill the hot room with steam. (C) WARM ROOM Before entering the hot room, bathers went to the warm room to get used to the heat. (D) COLD ROOM Bathers went to the cold room last of all. Here they had a quick dip in a pool of cold water to give the skin a final rinse. (E) EXERCISE AND GAMING AREA Before going home, bathers liked to sunbathe and chat with their friends. Some also did athletic exercises. The Roman Empire The Banquets (A) THE MEAL Menus consisted of a vide variety of items collected from all over the empire. The more rare an item, the more desired to eat. (B) THE BANQUET Patricians usually dined together in groups from multiple families. Diners would lay on couches as they ate, and would be served by slaves. (C) MEETINGS Most banquets also served as meeting areas for Roman Patricians The Roman Empire The Gladiatorial Games (A) THE GLADIATOR Gladiators were usually slaves who had been trained in fighting. Their life was hard and deadly. (B) THE COLISEUM Most famous fighting arena was the Coliseum. Built by Emperor Flavius, the Coliseum had become the icon of Ancient Rome. (C) THE COLISEUM (CROSS-SECTION) Many of our current sports arenas resemble the Coliseum. Seating was based on status, but all were encouraged to attend. The Roman Empire Science & Agriculture The Roman Empire Surgery & Medicines The Roman Empire Roman Architecture The Roman Empire Roman Architecture Roman Mosaics The Roman Empire Roman Sculptures The Roman Empire Problems in the Empire As Rome expanded new cultures and religions began to intertwine. Problematic cultures were prohibited or eliminated. One proved too much for Rome; Christianity. Christianity begins with Judaism; the first monotheistic religion. Problems in the Empire Jews caused rebellions and refused to follow Roman authority. Jews were attacked by Rome and searched for a Messiah, or savior. One man, Jesus, taught peace, harmony, and love. Many plebeians began to follow Jesus teachings, not Roman laws or leaders. Problems in the Empire Jesus was convicted of treason and crucified at Jerusalem. After Jesus death, missionaries continued his teachings. Christians were forced to live in secret, but Christianity continued to grow. The Fall of Rome By 100 A.D. the Roman Empire stretched from Brittan, to Egypt, to the Atlantic Ocean, to Syria. Internal and external problems began to threaten the empire. By 476 A.D. the empire had disappeared. The Fall of Rome The Empire fell because of 3 Main Reasons: Economic Problems Poor Leadership Foreign Invaders Problems began because the empire had grown too large. To make empire easier to control it was split into two parts; east & west. The Fall of Rome A Germanic general overthrew the Western Roman emperor, and named himself king. The Eastern Empire continued to grow in money and power. The empire continued until 1453 A.D. when it was finally conquered by the Turkish Muslims.