Transcript The Significance of Rome

The Significance of Rome
Rome is the standard to which all civilizations are judged in Western
Civilization
Rome as an civilization in the West lasted about 1000 Years
500 B.C. to A.D. 476
Roman civilization and influence in the East lasted almost
another 1000 years until the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman
Turks in 1453.
In one fashion or another Rome influenced and set the standard for
almost 2000 Years
Roman Government
Republican form of government: Rome was not a true democratic
Republic, but did allow all classes to vote and elect individuals
to express and defend their views.
Roman Law; question number 4
Roman Technology
Roman Arch = Stronger buildings, larger building
Concrete = Cheaper, strong, and easily found building material
Aqueducts = Abundant cheap potable water
Improved Roads = Faster, easier communication and trade
Sanitation (sewer) = More potable water, healthier environment
Concrete—cheap, durable, and versatile—was one of Rome's greatest contributions to
architecture. Here, Tony Rook, a building materials specialist before he studied archeology,
makes concrete the way the Romans might have.
An ancient recipe for concrete comes down to us from the Roman architect Vitruvius. The
recipe calls for quicklime mixed with water, which turns into a fine powder. As more water is
added, the powder becomes a putty that holds together the sand and small rocks that are
added. The Romans added crushed tile or volcanic ash to waterproof the concrete, making it
perfect for structures such as aqueducts and baths.
Roman Military Success
Punic Wars :Makes Rome great, defined and shaped Rome
Hannibal
Discipline :Tactics; formations, use of weapons, etc
: Strategy; Roman Legions, Organization, etc.
: Duty; Loyalty and expectations
Rise of Christianity
Roads: aided in the spreading the Christian Dogma
Philosophy: Stoicism set the stage
Languages: Greek and Latin aided in spread of the Gospels
Pax Romana: 200 years of peace helped the spread of the Gospels
Stoicism: The Greeks saw life brought many challenges to deal
with life and Stoicism taught “accept what life brings one and
remain indifferent to pain, pleasure, unhappiness or otherwise
remain unemotional.
Stoicism taught the concept of moral virtue and the natural
order of things and of each rational soul as a divine element provided
one basis upon which later ideas of natural laws were based . Stoicism
also taught the rational order of things suggests the Christian idea of
conforming one's will to divine providence. The influence of Stoicism
on subsequent Western ethical and religious thought testifies to its
continuing importance.
Stoicism influenced religion and government
Roman Failures
Punic Wars victory, great number of war slaves and
increased unemployment of the plebeians created an
atmosphere in Rome of “what will Rome do for me?”
The rise of dictators and the emperors and the loss of the
Republic
Issues: unemployment, lost value of work, corruption of
government, weakening of military (hired soldiers, i.e.,
mercenaries) welfare state, unequal wealth distribution, etc.
Roman Decline
Rome collapses really from within not from the outside
(barbarians seeking refuge within the empires boarders)
Barbarians allowed into the army confused loyalty, turn on
Rome.
To save Rome divided Rome into two East and West (see map).
East rich
West poor.
Barbarians threatening Rome from within and from
outside (see map).
Split of Roman Empire caused a split in The Church, The Western
Church, from Rome dominated Western Europe and was led by the
Pope. Eastern Church from Constantinople until A.D. 1453
dominated Eastern Europe and was led by the Patriarch. The first
real schism of the Christian Church.
Battle of Adrianople A.D. 378, Visigoths heavy horse defeat Roman
foot legions, Shows Rome’s weakness and changes Western
European warfare for thousand years.
Last Roman Emperor replaced in A.D. 476. Roman Empire in the
West declared ended.