Daily Life in the Roman Empire Part II

Daily Life in the Roman Empire, Part II Do Now: 1. Take out class work from Friday and open binders to class notes – Daily Life in Rome 2. Answer the following in your notes: - Why would rich Romans wear dirty togas out in public? - What were thermopolia? - What is an atrium? - What is a stylus?

Public Services: The government gave free wheat to male citizens on a regular basis. This gift of food was important to the poor people of Rome, who often went hungry. On special occasions, the emperor also gave money to the citizens of Rome. The wheat and money came from taxes that farmers and other people in the provinces paid. Another benefit of living in Rome was the plentiful water supply. The system of aqueducts carried 200 million gallons of water to Rome daily. Rich and poor could bathe and swim for a small fee. Do Now: List all the benefits of living in Rome that you have learned in this unit so far.

Homework: Copy question and answer in notation form Make a chart listing the pros and cons of having as many holidays as the Romans had. Consider both Roman society and our own when making your response.

Do Now – take out homework assignment from Monday Make a chart listing the pros and cons of having as many holidays as the Romans had. Consider both Roman society and our own when making your response.

Religion: Many Romans believed that they had been able to build their empire and find peace because they had kept their gods happy. Like many other ancient peoples, the Romans had gods for every act and event in their lives. The Great gods of the Roman state were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. Jupiter was the supreme god. He controlled thunder and lightning and was the special guardian of Rome. Juno was his wife. She was the queen of the gods and the protector of women. Minerva was the goddess of wisdom and guardian of craft workers. The Romans joined together on specific days to worship these gods. At home, the Romans worshipped Vesta (guarded the fireside), Lares (guarded the land), and Penates (who watched over stored food).

Religious Ceremonies: The Roman religion was based on rituals (ceremonies), rather than a written creed or right behavior. If a priest carried out the rituals properly, the gods would be happy and would reward them with protection and wealth. In one of the most important rituals, priests sacrificed animals to please the gods. By the 100 s CE, many Romans were becoming dissatisfied with the state religion. Since their religion did not teach people how to act, some Romans started looking for others in Asia, Persia, and Egypt. People in many parts of the empire were becoming Christians. Like the Jews, the Christians believed in just one god. For the most part, the Romans were tolerant of other religions within the empire. However, when the fortunes of the empire began to decline, emperors tried to force people to follow the state religion – a struggle lay ahead over what beliefs should guide the Roman people. (dun duuun)

Homework How did their religion make the Romans feel they had some control over the unknown?