ANCIENT ROME 750 BCE 500 CE GEOGRAPHY Italy

ANCIENT ROME 750 BCE— 500 CE

GEOGRAPHY Italy is a centrally located peninsula with easy access to the Mediterranean Sea. ***The Tiber River was the main supply of water. *** The Apennine Mountains did not divide Rome into small isolated communities like in Greece. Rome also had more land for farming than Greece.

ROMAN CULTURE Roman culture borrowed many ideas from the Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans. Greco-Roman culture included: – – – Frescoes painted on walls Literature which followed Greek forms and models, but addressed Roman themes Many gods like the Greeks ***Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and eventually emerged as the official religion in Rome. *** Gladiatorial shows were a form of entertainment for the poor in Rome.

QUESTIONS What was the main source of water in Rome? – Was Rome divided into isolated communities like in Greece? – No the Apennine Mountains did not divide Rome What religion emerged as the official religion in Rome? – Tiber River Christianity What was the purpose of gladiator shows in Ancient Rome? – Entertainment

ROMAN GOVERNMENT Early Rome was ruled by monarchs, but the Romans were best known for establishing a republic form of government. – ***republic – power is in the hands of representatives and leaders elected by the people. *** The Roman Republic greatly influenced the western world by establishing: – – executive, legislative, and judicial powers jury trials legal codes idea of “Innocent until proven guilty”

ROMAN ADVANCEMENTS Advancements in architecture included: – – elaborate arches and domes concrete was used for Roman buildings sculptures stone paved roads throughout the empire ***Roman architecture played a huge role in designing many American buildings. *** Aqueducts were built to transport water to urban areas. The Roman Coliseum was the biggest and most famous public arena in Rome.

SLAVERY The Romans relied more on slavery than any other ancient civilization. Slaves were often prisoners of war. They built roads and public buildings and farmed large estates. Slave revolts were common in ancient Rome, the most successful was led by Spartacus. – Spartacus was a gladiator who

QUESTIONS What kind of government did Rome establish? – Name two advancements made by the Romans? – arches, domes, concrete, sculptures, stone paved roads, aqueducts Why is Roman architecture so significant? – republic many American buildings have similar designs Who was the slave that led a revolt against the Roman Empire? – Spartacus