Chapter 1 lesson 1
Life in Ancient Rome
I. A Prosperous Empire
1. Augustus was Rome’s first
emperor, who led a long era of
peace known as the Pax Romana,
or Roman Peace.
2. Augustus provided security for
his empire by building a professional
army of Roman citizens, rebuilt
Rome, fed the poor, improved
government, reformed the tax and
legal systems and placed governors
in charge of regions.
Augustus
Roman accomplishments of the Pax Romana
Roman mosaics inside the Baths of Caracalla (Rome)
Mr. Mispagel at Trajan’s Market, Rome – Summer 2011
3. No laws stated how the next emperor
would be chosen after the death of
Augustus. Members of his family known
as the Julio-Claudian emperors
followed him. Some were poor and
cruel.
4. After the Julio-Claudian emperors,
Rome went through a period of
disorder. Vespasian took the throne
and eventually restored order.
Ruins on Palatine Hill of the Emperor’s arena
The ancient Forum – The center of Roman Government
Roman Forum
Trajan’s Column – The column tells the story how the
Emperor Trajan defeated the Dacians
Detail of Trajan’s Column - Rome
Emperor Nero
Known as a cruel emperorbuilt a huge palace in the center
of Rome for himself with
public taxes.
Emperor Vespasian
The “Good Emperor”Tore down Nero’s
Golden Palace and built
the Coliseum for the
citizens of Rome
The Roman Forum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPVvXvf4xRc
5. After Vespasian, five emperors
unrelated to Augustus or Vespasian
came to power. These emperors were
known as the “good emperors.” The
empire expanded and prospered under
their rule.
6. Hadrian, the third emperor, decided
the empire had grown too large and he
pulled troops out of Mesopotamia.
HADRIAN’S WALL
BRITAIN c. 122 AD
Hadrian – Third
of the five “good
Emperors”
Limit expansion and control the area Rome has
already conquered. Build a wall to keep out those
that would cause harm to Rome (Hadrian)
7. The Roman Empire was one of the
greatest empires in history and people
spoke different languages, and
practiced different customs. All these
people shared Roman laws (The Twelve
Tables)
Comparative history: How is the Roman
Empire similar to the United States?
What connects us in the United States?
II> Roman Culture
1. The Romans admired the Greeks and
copied some of their ideas.
2. Roman statues portrayed flaws while
Greek statues portrayed ideal (NO
IMPERFECTIONS) people.
How would you like to be displayed for
generations to see you?
Would you like a realistic statue or one
that makes you look more perfect?
3. The Romans
incorporated Greek
ideas into their
architecture such as
columns and
porches. The
Romans also had
their own ideas such
as domes, arches,
and vaults.
4. Two of Rome’s most famous buildings
still stand today: The Colosseum, a large
arena, and the Pantheon, a large temple
built to honor the gods.
Colosseum
The Pantheon
Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, Consul for the third time
built this.”
Inside the Pantheon (domes, arches and columns)
5. The Roman writer Virgil wrote the
Aeneid, which tells the story of the
Trojan prince Aeneas.
6. The poet Horace wrote satires,
works that poke fun at human
weaknesses and odes which express
strong emotions.
Virgil
Can you think of a modern day satire?
Any TV show that might make fun of
our weaknesses?
Why would “I Love Lucy” be considered a
satire?
7. The writers Ovid and Catullus were
both inspired by Greek writing and
myths
8. Livy, one of Rome’s most famous
historians wrote “The History of Rome”
9. Many modern European languages
today are based on Latin, the language
of the Romans.
10. The Greek doctor Galen brought
many ideas to Rome.
11. Ptolemy was a famous scientist
who studied the stars.
12. Engineers built advanced road
systems and aqueducts to bring water
into Roman cities.
Roman roads were made with interlocking stones.
Notice how the roads slope to allow for drainage.
13. Greek gods and goddesses were
popular in Rome.
14.Romans borrowed from the Greeks
the idea of Stoicism, which encouraged
Romans to live in a practical way.
Roman / Greek gods
QUICK REVIEW 1.1
What was the Pax Romana?
Why was the Pantheon built?
What is the difference between a satire
and an ode?
Who wrote “The History of Rome”
Who was Galen?
What were the Roman excellent at
building to connect their empire?