Classical Rome

Geography and History of Rome Rome:

-Center of Italian peninsula-Midpoint of Mediterranean

Earliest settlers arrived in 1000 B.C.E.-Latins, Greeks, Etruscans

Monarchy established in 800 B.C.E.

Aristocrats drove out monarchy in 507 B.C.E.

Political Institutions 507: Romans establish republic-form of government

where power rests with citizens who vote for leader. Two competing groups

-Patricians: Wealthy landowners who have most of the power-Plebeians: Common farmers/artisans/merchants

Both have right to vote, but plebeians often pushed out of highest offices. (Conflict of Orders)

Plebeians form own assembly known as the tribune.

Political Institutions ContinuedThree Branches of Government Executive

-2 consuls elected by assembly for 1 yr. term (Chief executive, commander of army, and veto power)

Legislative-300 member senate (aristocracy) for life (Foreign and financial policies, advise consul)-In crisis, senate chose dictator (power only lasts for 6 months)

Judicial-8 judges, called praetors, elected for 1 yr. Two oversee criminal and civil courts, while others govern provinces.

Roman Law Code Set of laws meant to hold together vast empire.

Without a written law code, aristocrats often interpreted the law to suit themselves.

In 451 B.C., a group of ten officials began work on new law codes.

Inscribed on 12 stone tablets (tables) and hung in the forum.-The law became known as The Twelve Tables

The Forum and The Twelve Tables

The Roman Army All land-owning citizens

served in military. Soldiers organized into

legions.-Key to expansion

265 BCE-Romans controlled the entire Italian peninsula.

Different rules for conquered people-Full citizenship-Citizens without right to vote-Allies with Rome

The Roman Principate (31 BCE to 330 CE 100 BCE:

-Breakdown of military loyalty-Growing gap between rich and poor-Civil war

60 B.C.-Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey join forces as a triumvirate.

46 B.C., Caesar won support from public and military. Named dictator and instituted reforms.

Civil war breaks out after Caesar’s death Second triumvirate (Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus)

Octavian takes over and accepts title of Augustus (“Exalted one”).

New class of paid civil servants (Equites)

Pax Romana Rome was at the peak of its power from 27

B.C. to 180 A.D.

Pax Romana- “Roman Peace”-Age of prosperity and peace; relative tolerance-Empire covers 3 million sq. miles-60 to 80 million inhabitants

Augustus was Rome’s most able leader-Stabilized frontier -Buildings-Grain for public -Tax collection -Postal service -Manufactured goods

Economy and Society Agriculture most important industry in empire

-90% involved in agriculture-Large estates (latifundia) replace small farms

Money (denarius) facilitates trade throughout empire

Vast trading network-Sea routes and road systems

Slavery-Conquered people brought back by army-Slaves bought and sold-Decrease technological innovation -Work in households, on farms, and in mines (Not in military)

Economy and Society Continued Tight, patriarchal family structure

-Paterfamilias

Women held important economic functions, but in legal and cultural sense were held inferior.

-More freedom than Greece (Marriage)

Huge contrast between social classes-Inequality (Rich lived extravagantly, while poor were crowded into tenements)

To control masses, government provides free entertainment-Games, races, mock battles, and gladiator contests

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfgKkhVHI-4&feature=related

The Rise of Christianity Christians always lived in the Roman empire, but

posed a problem because they wouldn’t worship Roman gods.

Scapegoats for economic and political troubles.

Persecution intensified by the 100’s.-Exiled, imprisoned, or executed

Many became martyrs-willing to die for a cause/belief

Key moment occurs at Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 A.D.

The Rise of Christianity Continued Constantine, went into battle and

prayed for divine help.

Reportedly, Constantine saw the Chi-Rho was told to take up the sign to be victorious.

Constantine has his men put the symbol on the shields and they win the battle.

In 313 A.D., Constantine signs the Edict of Milan which allows the practice of Christianity in the empire. In 325, they write the Nicene Creed.

In 380, it is made the official religion of the empire by Theodosius.