Section 2: the Roman Empire
Chapter 10, 11
Ancient Rome c
• Rome had grown to become
one of the world’s leaders.
• Many in Rome worked to take
over the new power gained
through conquest.
• Military power began to
dominate government power.
Section Focus
Julius Caesar
• After the Punic Wars, military took over the
government, causing civil wars.
• Power was separated into a
triumvirate (3 leaders):
– Crassus
– Pompey
– Julius Caesar
End of the Republic
• Three men shared power, legions,
and made decisions for 10 years.
• Greed and jealously
caused problems
and Caesar took
total control.
End of the Republic
• Caesar was rich, educated, a brilliant general,
and loved by Rome.
• Caesar wanted solve problems
of Rome:
– Gave poor, land for farming
– Increased the size of army
– Fixed roads for trade
Julius Caesar
• Fearing that Caesar
would begin a monarchy
the Senate killed him
on March 15, 44 B.C.
• Rome erupted into chaos.
• Caesar’s adopted son,
Octavian, took control of
Rome and into it’s “Golden Age.”
Julius Caesar
The Roman Empire • Under Octavian (Augustus) life
improved for people all over the
empire.
• Rome began to grow and develop
into an empire.
• The Pax Romana brought trade,
money, accomplishments, and
prosperity to the people.
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
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
Rome & Christianity • As Rome expanded, cultures
began to mix.
• One proved too much
for Rome; Christianity.
• Begins with Judaism;
first monotheistic religion.
Rome & Christianity • Jews rebelled against Roman authority
and were attacked.
• Jews looked for a Messiah, or savior.
• One man, Jesus, taught peace,
harmony, and love.
• Many plebeians also followed
Jesus and not Rome.
Rome & Christianity • Jesus was convicted of treason
and crucified.
• After death, missionaries
continued teachings and
Christianity grew.
• Christianity led to
downfall of Rome.