Transcript Roman Society and Culture

Roman Society and
Culture
AP World History
Roman Literature
• Most influenced by Greek models.
• Most distinguished poet of the Augustan
age was Virgil.
• The most famous Latin prose work of the
golden age was written by the historian
Livy, whose masterpiece was the History of
Rome.
Roman Law
• Rome’s system of law was one of the chief
gifts to the Mediterranean world.
• The Twelve tables was the first code of law
(had weaknesses).
• The “law of nations” had standards that
applied to both citizens and foreigners.
Roman Art & Architecture
• The Romans adopted many features of the
Greek style of art.
• The Romans excelled in architecture (rows,
columns, rectangular buildings; and
curvilinear forms: arch, vault, & dome).
• 1st people in antiquity to develop and use
concrete on a massive scale.
The Roman Family
• The paterfamilias was the supreme authority
in the home, but this changed over time.
• Women married early – legal age was 12.
• Upper class women had considerable
freedom and independence.
Slavery
• The Romans had more slaves and relied on
slave labor more than any other people in the
ancient world.
• The Roman conquest of the Mediterranean
meant that large numbers of slaves were brought
back to Italy as a result of their capture.
• The most famous slave revolt was led by
Sparticus in 73 B.C.
Daily Life in Rome
• Rome was overcrowded, noisy, and
dangerous at night.
• There were enormous differences between
rich and poor.
• Entertainment such as horse and chariot
races, dramas, and gladiator shows were
free to the public.