The Classical Civilization of Rome

Geography of Rome
- The seas surrounding the Italian peninsula

Roman civilization
- With Rome's conquest of Greek cities, thousands of Greeks headed for Italy
- Rome's Generals carried away Greek works of art and books on their way back to
Rome
-Greece influenced the civilization that developed in Rome

According to legend, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus founded the city and
kingdom of Rome on April 21, 753 BC. These two brothers came from the lineage of
the Trojan prince Aeneas. After many disputes, Romulus killed Remus, and named the
city after him, as Rome.

Rome Under the Republic

Roman Republic - According to tradition, the Romans expelled the Etruscan chief and
established a REPUBLIC, a government without a king.
*Plebian or Free People
- Lack of livelihood
- member of the Assembly made up of citizen warriors
- the Plebian had no power and could not marry a Patrician

The Etruscans
- Their land is called Etruria
- They came from the Eastern Mediterranean, possibly Asia Minor
- They brought their political system to Rome
- The Senate is made up only of Patricians and is the king's advisory board
- In the Constitution of Servius, he brought about a change in the Roman army.

The institution of the Senate remained but became more powerful. It consisted of
300 patricians appointed by the consuls.

Conquests of the Roman Empire

- Italy
- Carthage
-Macedonia
-Sicily
-Corsica
- Mesopotamia
- Egypt
-Sardinia
-Gaul (France)
-England
-Spain
-Greece
-Asia Minor

Five Good Kings

1. Nerva - ruled for 16 months: "Era of Good Feelings"
- defender
2. Trajan- Rome reached the widest border of the Roman Empire
3. Hadrian - built "Hadrian's Wall"
4. Antoninus Pius - happiest of all
5. Marcus Aurelius - "Stoic Emperor"
- a scholar, writer and philosopher

Augustus Caesar
- first emperor of Rome
- heir to a vast empire
- ordered a Census to regulate taxation
-stationed Legions on the empire's borders
-appointed the Praetorian Guard to protect him
- "PAX ROMANA" (roman peace)

The following Emperors:

1. Tiberius - under his rule Christ was crucified
2. Caligula - "Little Boots"
- killed the praetorian guards
-he made his horse consul
3. Claudius - during his time England became a province of Rome

Religion
The ancient Romans believed in many gods. In every home there is a statue of Vesta,
the goddess of the hearth. Moreover, Jupiter is also known as the god of the sky;
Mars, god of war; Diana, goddess of the moon, and many others.
Later, the Romans worshiped many gods. Many believe in the new religious leader.
Soon, Christianity spread.

Contribution to History
Location
- The city of Rome is in the center of Italy. Rome is the center of Italy and is
located on the Tiber River. The Tiber River connects Rome to the Mediterranean Sea.
*Tiver River - It allowed Rome to easily trade with the surrounding countries and
the Mediterranean Sea.

2 Types of Roman Society

*Patrician - derived from the latin word "Patres" or "Fathers" they were wealthy
land owners
*Plebeian - common people such as farmers and merchants

Contributions
- Patricians and Plebeians
- Emperors and Senators
- Chariot Race
- Gladiator Games
- Colosseum
- Legionaries

Contribution in various Fields

*law
- The Romans were recognized as the GREATEST LEGISLATORS of ancient times
- TWELVE TABLES - it states the rights of citizens and legal procedures
*literature
- The literature of Rome was translations of Greek poetry and plays
- Livius Andronicus who translated the Odyssey
- Marcus Plautus and Terence first comedy writers
- Lucretius and Catallus
- Cicero - writer and orator
*architecture
-cement
-stucco
-arch - used in temples, aqueducts and buildings
-BASILICA - a hall that served as a court and meeting place
-FORUM - city center
-public baths and markets
-COLOSSEUM - an amphitheater for Gladiator combat
*engineering
- Built roads and bridges to connect the entire empire
-APPIAN WAY - connected to Rome and Southern Italy
-aqueduct - bring water to the city
*home of the rich and the poor
- residence of the rich
^ the houses of rich roman families were made of brick, stone and marble
^ with a wide atrium or hall
^with rug and soft bed
^food - shellfish, eggs, dormouse and ostrich
^uses spoon, knife
^after the meal, the slave carries a basin of fragrant water to wash the hands.
-housing of the poor
^lives in rental houses that reach 7 floors
The light and the heat every winter comes from a stove that is used to cook for
the family
^porridge is the usual breakfast and longganisa for lunch and porridge again for
dinner
*entertainment
-gladiator - usually criminal, slave or captive who fights each other or against a
wild animal
- public executions are also held in the Colosseum. A criminal is thrown into the
center to be savagely stroked
*clothes
- roman man
^ tunic - knee-length home garment
^ knee - worn over the tunic if they are going out of the house
- roman woman
^stola - foot-length home garment
^palla - placed over the stola
*agriculture
- many of the romans and peasants
-plants: wheat, barley, vegetables, fruits
- domestic animals: sheep and cattle as livelihood