Mediterranean Society: The Roman Phase

Rome’s HistoryBegan as a small, agricultural city-state, then

developed into a monarchy, then a republic, then an empire, and eventually, the dominant Mediterranean power!

The Founding of RomeLegend has that brother Romulus and Remus

(descendants of a Trojan Prince) were competing for the right to found the Rome.Romulus wins and build his city on seven hills

overlooking the Tiber River.More likely it was founded by Indo-

Europeans who crossed the Alps and were attracted by warm weather, pasture lands, and agricultural valleys.

The founding of RomeThe next people to migrate across the Alps

were the Etruscans.Quickly built cities across northern Italy.Produced fine bronze, iron, gold, and silver

products to trade throughout the western Mediterranean.

Built roads and bridges that created the city of Rome, which prospered through trade.

Challenges from outside Rome and rising aristocracy caused the overthrow of the last Etruscan king in 509 BCE.

The Roman Republic and Its ConstitutionRome had Republican form of Government that

allowed them to avoid destructive class struggles for 500 yearsPatricians – Wealthy AristocratsPlebeians – Common Roman CitizensConsuls – Two main executive branches of government

Senate – Dominated by the aristocrats Two Assemblies – One for the patricians, and on for the

plebeians. Tribune – Office that included up to 10 men whose job it was

to speak for the plebeians. Dictator – Made executive decisions in times of crisis, time in

office limited to six months so as not to gain too much power

Expansion of the RepublicFourth through second centuries BCE – Time

of growth for the Roman republic.First, Rome consolidated its power in Italy,

through military and political means.Allowed conquered people to trade freely,

govern their own affairs. Stipulation was that they remain militarily loyal to

Rome and intermarry with Romans.

Expansion of the RepublicSecond, Rome established itself as a

dominant power in the western Mediterranean.After a victory in a series of bloody wars with

Carthage, a former Phoenician colony in North Africa which was a major naval and trading empire.

Secured with the defeat of the Antigonids and Seleucids in the east.

Republic to EmpireImperial Expansion and Domestic Problems

Expansion brought wealth, power, and problems to Rome.

Unequal distribution of wealth and strained governmental capacity caused the end of the republic and the creation of an imperial government.

Wealthy aristocrats were gaining land from conquests and selling products cheaper than smaller counterparts, thus squeezing them out. Lead to social unrest and eventually civil war.

Republic to EmpireTiberius and Gauis Gracchus

Tried to reform land policies but were assassinated before they could get results.

For the next 100 years civil war and unrest resulted from poor leadership and rebellion.

Julius Caesar eventually came to power and brought brief years of peace, but also resulted in the end of the republic and the beginning of Imperial Rome.

Republic to EmpireThe Foundation of EmpireJulius Caesar – Talented General and great

understanding of people.Used wealth from victories in Egypt, Greece, and

Gual to promote building and entertainment projects in Rome, which pleased and pacified the poor people of Rome.

Redistributed land to army veteransExtended Roman citizenship to conquered people

Actions brought him great public support, but frightened the Roman Elite, who eventually had him assassinated in 44 BCE.

Republic to EmpireDeath of Julius Caesar led to thirteen years of

civil war.Octavian, Caesar’s nephew, eventually gained

control.Set up monarchy disguised as a republic.Controlled all important government functions

including leading the military.Empire was strong and stable, but was not a

republic.

From Republic to EmpireContinuing Expansion and Integration of the

EmpirePax Romana – Started by Octavian and

continued for more than 200 years, is a period of domestic peace and foreign expansion for Rome.

Rome – At its high point stretched from Britain to Mediterranean and into Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Grow of cities and urban culture dramatic as a result.

From Republic to EmpireRoads

Extensive road systems that were wide, well maintained, and safe

Facilitated trade and communication.This technology was very important for maintaining

the empire’s power and wealthLaw

Standardized law lead to order, stability, and rationality.

Developed enduring ideas of innocent until proven guilty, right to confront accusers, and principles of judicial review and judicial precedents.

Economy and SocietyRoman rule and trade brought economic and

social changes for people throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Expansion was sustained through the use of slave labor and the confines of a patriarchal society.

Economy and SocietyTrade and Urbanization

Commercial Agriculture – played vital role in economic integration and expansion Roads made it easy to trade agricultural products in

exchange for luxury goods, which could then be sold in urban centers, etc.

Aqueducts – Engineering marvels that brought huge amounts of fresh drinking water to Roman cities making urban life possible.

Urban growth – Occurred in all parts of the empire as existing cities grew and new ones popped up.

Economy and SocietyFamily and Society in Roman Times

Pater Familias – Roman tradition where eldest male ruled the house, deciding virtually all matters for family members, free servants, and slaves.

Wealthy often flaunted their wealth in extravagant ways.

Slavery – Essential component of the Roman empire’s economic success. Made up more than 1/3 of the population in Rome Harsh conditions.

The Cosmopolitan MediterraneanCultural and religious traditions were also

affected by the integration of the Mediterranean region during the Roman empire.

Roads and communication networks encouraged the spread of religious ideas beyond their original foundations throughout the empire.

Christianity is one such example.

The Cosmopolitan MediterraneanGreek Philosophy and Religions of Salvations

Earliest Romans were polytheistic, worshiping gods associated with nature and fertility.

Drew on the teachings of Stoics (Hellenistic Greek Ideals) – Especially those related to morals and ethics.

Roman populace became increasingly interested in religions of salvation which they were exposed to via trade and travel.

Judaism and Early ChristianityJews

Had many conflicts with Romans due to conflicting religious views and refusal to participate in Roman ceremonies that conflicted with their monotheistic views.

Eventually led to open rebellion and Jews being exiled from their homeland in 70 CE

Judaism and Early ChristianityChristianity emerged as some Jews sought to

form a community around Jesus of Nazareth.Leader who taught peace, devotion to God, and

love for fellow human beings.Romans became concerned about more Jewish

uprisings and fearful about Jesus’ proclamation that the “kingdom of God is at hand,” arrested and executed him in the early 30s CE

Early ChristianityFollowing the death of Jesus, his followers

proclaimed him as the son of God who had risen from the dead.

Said belief in him offered the key to eternal reward and salvation.

Teaching of Jesus were spread by people like Paul of Tarsus using the infrastructure of Rome.

At first, Christians were frequently persecuted, but by 300 CE, it was the most popular religion in the Mediterranean.