Ancient Rome The Roman Republic 509 27 B

Ancient Rome

The Roman Republic (509 -27 B. C. E) • Rome initially was a Republic-people vote for their leaders • The Republic expanded over time • Its geographic location allowed Rome to control the Mediterranean • Punic Wars (264 -146 B. C. E)-Rome v. Carthage (Rome won)

The Roman Empire (27 B. C. E-476 C. E) • The Republic eventually collapsed because of economic turmoil and civil war • The Roman Empire-territory ruled by an emperor; makes decisions faster; for life. • Julius Caesar-great military general who took control of Rome (44 B. C. E) and helped the poor; murdered by the Senate • Augustus-First Emperor of the Roman Empire (27 B. C. E 14 C. E); made many reforms • Pax Romana (27 B. C. E-180 C. E. )-207 year period of peace and prosperity in Rome.

The Rise and Spread of Christianity • Rome was originally polytheistic • In Judea around 6 -4 B. C. E, Jesus was born. • At age 30, Jesus spread his teachings across Judea. • Romans feared and resented Jesus because Christians would not worship Roman gods. • Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem • After his death, Christianity spread across the Empire: – Good Roads – Idea of love for all people – Promise of eternal life • Emperor Constantine-made Christianity an accepted religion in 313 C. E.

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire • Following the Pax Romana, Rome had many problems: • Political – Diocletian split the empire into two halves; the East thrived for centuries after • Social – Disloyalty, corruption, rich v. poor, population decline • Economic – Inflation, food shortage, high taxes, trade disrupted, loss of gold and silver • Military – Attacks from Germanic Tribes, low funds, decline in patriotism

The Legacy of Rome • Greco-Roman Culture-the mixing of Greek and Roman cultures. – Language, architecture, Gods • Classical Civilization. Influenced modern-day countries (art, philosophy, government, literature, architecture) • Republican Government • Latin Language • Arches, arenas • Accurate 365 day calendar • Law