The Legacy of the Roman Empire

Essential Question: How does Rome compare and contrast to our world today and what lessons can we learn from her mistakes?

1.1 Introduction
Rome was the capital of the worlds greatest empire, encompassing the entire Mediterranean world and 50 million people.
What problems are caused by such a vast empire?

1.2 Why Did the Roman Empire end in the West?

What Were the Problems in the Late Empire? Political instability: Rome never figured out how to transfer power. Economic ($) and social problems: Huge taxes, unemployment, corruption, crime. What problems are caused by heavy taxes? Weakening frontiers: Gigantic size was hard to defend, invaders and foreigners moving in. Think of a leaky pipe.

What Was the Fall of Rome?

After Constantine, the empire was divided into the east and west (Rome capital in west, Constantinople in east). What problems do you think two capitals and two separate empires caused? Rome sacked in 410, and last emperor in west thrown out in 476. Empire in east goes on for another 1,000 years (Byzantine Empire).

Visigoths sacking Rome in 410

1.3 What Was the Legacy of Roman Art?

Roman art was heavily influenced by the Greeks. Sculptures, busts and statues, were XT lifelike. Greco-Roman art revived during the Renaissance (1500s) and can still be seen in Washington D.C. today.

Tiberius Julius Caesar

Brutus

Nero

Roman Painting on Wood

Roman Mural

Roman Fresco

Roman Mosaics

Roman Cameos
Where do we see Roman art in our world today?

1.4 What Was the Legacy of Roman Architecture?

Romans were responsible for the arch, vault, and the dome, and they were the first to really use concrete. Medieval architects were influenced by Rome in building cathedrals, and many buildings in Washington D.C. have a Roman influence. Notice anything Roman about these federal buildings in Washington D.C.?

Roman Architecture

Arch Vault Dome

The most well known

St. Peters in Rome

What Was the Legacy of Roman Engineering?

Rome was the ancient worlds greatest builders of roads, bridges, and aqueducts. Do you think any of these are still around today? They constructed 50,000 mi. of roads and their aqueduct system stretched over 60 miles.

Roman Bridges

Roman Aqueduct

1.5 What Was the Legacy of Roman Language and Writing?

Romans spoke Latin, which is the basis of French, Spanish, and Italian. English is heavily influenced by Latin because our words have Latin roots and prefixes. Many Latin proverbs as well as Roman numerals are still used today.

Latin Roots
Can you find words that use these Latin roots?

1.6 What Was the Legacy of Roman Philosophy, Law, and Citizenship?
What Was Stoicism? A Greek philosophy popular in Rome. Living rightly meant living in a way that agreed with nature. Stoics believed you should have good character, self control and courage. They were known for bearing pain/suffering bravely.

How might life be different if more people were stoic?

What Was Law and Justice?

Roman laws covered all parts of everyday life, and are still used in Italy and France. Romans believed in the universal law of justice (natural law) which means that people are born with natural rights. Anybody know which American document speaks of natural rights?

What Was Citizenship?

All free people living in the Roman Empire were known as citizens, who had the same rights, obeyed same laws, and owed allegiance to Rome. What are some of the positives to being a citizen? What are some of the responsibilities?