The Lasting Contributions of
Rome
Standard 7.1
Architecture
• Public Works were structures
built by the government for the
use of the public. They built
public baths, temples, bridges,
forums, and marketplaces
• The three most important
innovations were the arch,
cement, and the baked brick
Engineering
• The Romans invented cement,
which was stronger than stone and
designed huge arches and domes
with it.
• They also used concrete to build
more than 50,000 miles of roads.
This helped unify the empire.
• Aqueducts carried water from the
countryside to the city.
Water Supplies
• Public fountains supplied clean
water to citizens.
• Sewer systems carried away
wastewater.
• Public baths were available for
all to enjoy.
Art
• Romans created
masterpieces of art in
sculpture, painting, pottery,
and mosaics.
• Frescos were painted on walls
throughout the cities.
• The arts were greatly
influenced by the Greeks.
Roman Law and Citizenship
• In 451 B.C., the leaders of the
Roman Republic wrote the
Twelve Tables. This code of
laws dealt with daily Roman
life.
• Citizenship gave people the
right to participate in
government and gave them
equal rights under the law.
The Twelve Tables
• Table IV: A dreadfully deformed
child shall be quickly killed.
• Table V: Females should remain in
guardianship even when they have
attained their majority.
• Table XI: Marriages should not take
place between plebeians and
patricians.
Influence of Roman Law
• The United States and many
European and Latin nations
have been influenced by
Roman law.
• Principles of the Roman
Republic, such as equal justice
under the law, are still
important.
The Legacy of Language
• The Romance languages (Spanish,
Italian, French…) are based on
Latin, the language of the Romans.
• Our alphabet is based on the Roman
alphabet.
The Christian Religion
• Christianity, based on the teachings of
Jesus of Nazareth, urged followers to
love God and one another.
• Though Jesus was executed under
Roman rule, his message was carried
throughout the empire by his followers.
• Early on, Christians were persecuted,
but in the 300’s A.D., Emperor
Constantine made it the official religion
of the Empire.
• Today, Christianity is the largest
religion in the world.