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The Roman Empire
Today’s Goal:
• Describe the culture and daily life in the Roman Empire and its influence on later Western civilization
Why is the period from 27 BC to AD 180 referred to as the Pax Romana?
• Octavian, renamed Augustus, became 1st emperor of Rome- Also known as “princeps”, imperator
• Rome entered the Pax Romana, or “Roman peace”, a period of peace and prosperity
• Augustus secures the empire & builds infrastructure (roads, temples)
The Age of Augustus
Size of the empire under Augustus
Model of Rome
Economy• Agriculture was the most important industry in the
Roman Empire• The Roman coin was known as the denarius made
trade easier • The Romans had a vast trading network and built a
navy to protect their trade ships
Roman Religion
The Virtue of gravitas
Society & Culture
The lives of the rich and famous
How did Roman gov’t distract the poor?• It offered “Bread & Circuses”• Entertainment to distract poor
from daily struggles- Gladiator contests- Mock battles- Chariot races- Free games
• Over 150 holidays• Events in the Coliseum,
Circus Maximus, Hippodrome
How were slaves viewed and treated?• Widespread, essential to
economy- 1/3rd of population
• Cruel treatment- Property of masters- Strong men fought
as gladiators• Slave revolts – unsuccessful • Possible manumission
(freedom)
“All Roads Lead to Rome”• Network of roads
- built for military purposes- linked empire to Persia & Russia- learned techniques from Etruscans & Greeks
• Roman aqueducts- Bring clean water to Roman cities
• Aqueducts provided water for the Roman baths
Coliseum
Circus Maximus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbQvpJsTvxU
Pantheon (“temple to all gods”)• Most well-preserved Roman building
(saved from ruin by Christian Church)• Oculus (eye designed to let light enter
building)
Poetry & Literature
Horace – poems that glorified Rome & Augustus, described joys & irritations of daily life
Virgil – pastoral lyrics celebrating artistry & rural life (The Aeneid – story of Rome)
Augustus’ Building Projects
Temple to Apollo, Palatine Hill
Roman Forum
The Bad Emperors
#3 Caligula #5 Nero #11 Domitian
“Bootikins”Fell ill insane?Hated by JewsAssassinated by Praetorian guard
Adopted by ClaudiusReforms“Fiddled while Rome burned”?Condemned to death by Senate suicide
Son of VespasianDespoticHis wife hired man to stab him
The Good Emperors
# 12 Nerva
#13 Trajan
#14 Hadrian
#16 Marcus Aurelias
#15 Antoninus Pius
Frail, often illFrail, often illKindly & amiableKindly & amiableRuled only 16 Ruled only 16 monthsmonthsDied of feverDied of fever
Spanish originSpanish originAdopted by Adopted by NervaNervaHumble, Humble, respectfulrespectfulPublic works, Public works, fundsfundsStrokeStroke
Became close friend of Became close friend of TrajanTrajanTrajan’s wife Plotina wrote Trajan’s wife Plotina wrote
letters to senate letters to senate stating stating Hadrian as Hadrian as successorsuccessorAdopted Antoninus PiusAdopted Antoninus PiusFell illFell illHadrians’ WallHadrians’ Wall
Adopted by HadrianAdopted by HadrianCalm, kind, moralCalm, kind, moralDaughter Faustina Daughter Faustina married married Marcus Marcus AureliasAureliasDied during sleepDied during sleep
Stoic philosophyStoic philosophyWrote “Meditations”Wrote “Meditations”Made son Made son Commodus his Commodus his co-co-emperoremperorLong-lasting illnessLong-lasting illness