Transcript Slide 1

Roman Empire
Clash of Romans & Christians
Origins
– (750-150 BC) Rome developed from small village to Empire
– Monarchial to Republic
– Stable Govt.
– Respected Judicial System
– Wise Alliances w/ neighbors
Mythology
– Romulus & Remus
– True Story!
Romulus became
King of the new city,
which was called
Rome in his honor.
Punic Wars
• Long Series of Wars w/ Carthage (Phoenicians)
• Rome wins early
• Hannibal approaches w/ His Tanks!
• Unstoppable Force
• Until…
RESULTS
• Rome acquired Mediterranean Empire
• Became more Militaristic and Bureaucratic
• Now had to Govern New Territories
• Power switches to hands of small group of men
Senate!
Imperial Rome
Economy
• Lots of Slaves from territory acquisition
• Small farmers forced out of business
• Choices
Join Army
Be a Bum
Flock to Cities
– Overcrowded and unemployment up
– Impoverished People in streets
– Disgruntled citizens make what?
Imperial Rome
Slavery
• More slaves than any prior civilization
• Rural slaves known as “talking stock”
(farm animals = “dumb stock”)
• Gladiators
– All were slaves
– Not treated the same
– Could gain freedom
Imperial Rome
Social Conditions
• The Gap
– (between Rich & Poor)
• Wealthy had running water, slaves, country villas
• Emphasis on leisure
• Recreation & Games
• Carpe Diem
Imperial Rome
Government
•
Senate
•
More concerned w/ maintaining authority than
solving society’s problems
•
Sanctions murders of reformers, opponents
•
Regarded as selfish and power hungry
•
Were Dictators/Emperors different?
Pax Romana
• Augustus
• Ushers in Pax Romana (29 BC – 180 AD)
• Period of Peace & Prosperity
• Maintained appearance of Republican govt.
• Republican govt finished!!!
These are you groups if
you are confused!