Unit 2: Lesson 1: Early Romans

Lesson Objective: 10.1.1

10.1.1: Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western political thought. Analyze the similarities and differences in Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman views of law, reason and faith, and duties of the individual.

Lesson Introduction:

Like early Greece, early Romans contributed much to the future western culture, values and institutions. The early Romans began a republic, which allowed representative government. Roman access to the Mediterranean Sea and the development of their commercial road system gave them a powerful advantage over enemies like Hannibal of Carthage. Leaders, like Julius Ceasar and Augustus left a large mark on Rome as an empire. With the rise of Christianity, and the acceptance by the Roman emperor, Constantine, this new religion spread across Roman empire lands, becoming more of a world religion. Evidence of Roman culture and influence can still be found through Europe, North America, Asia and in Africa.

In this lesson, the student should focus on different forms of Roman government and the impact they had on future world governments.

Key Terms: Republic, Patrician, Plebeians, tribune, consul, senate, dictator, legion, Punic Wars, Hannibal, civil war, Julius Caesar, triumvirate, Augustus, Pax Romana, Jesus, apostle, Paul, Diaspora, Constantine, bishop, Peter, pope

Reading Assignment:

● Chapter 6, Sections 1-3 (Roman Empire)● A Glimpse of Teenage Life in Rome: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/a-glimpse-of-teenage-life-in-ancient-

rome-ray-laurence

Self-check Questions:

1. The common citizens of Rome were called ______________.A. PatriciansB. PlebeiansC. Legions

D. Consuls

2. Who was considered the first pope of the Christian Church?A. PaulB. Jesus C. PeterD. John

3. True/False: The major power struggles in the early Roman republic were between the military and civilians.

4. In the early Roman government, who were the consuls?A. the chief executives of the governmentB. the representatives of the common citizensC. citizens of Rome and citizens of the provincesD. the executive and legislative branches of government

5. What conflict of interests lay between Rome and Carthage?A. control of EgyptB. control of the Mediterranean SeaC. control of AnatoliaD. all of the above

Application Assignments:

Write a 6 paragraph (including introduction and conclusion paragraph) compare and contrast essay about Greece and Rome. Include two comparisons and two differences. Choose between their political beliefs, economy, military, philosophy and/or leadership characteristics. Make sure to mention the influence Greece and Rome had on political systems, like the U.S. Constitution.

Speedback Questions:

1. What were the reasons that Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire?A. It embraced all people; men and women, rich and poorB. Rome’s excellent roads encouraged the exchange of ideasC. Jesus promised eternal lifeD. All of the above are true

2. Slaves had few of the benefits of this prosperity. All were victims of their owners’ whims. Some, called ____________, were forced to battle to the death before an arena full of eager spectators.

A. GladiatorsB. PatriciansC. ConsulD. Senators

3. These people were the common farmers, merchants, workers, and artisans that made up the majority of Roman citizens.

A. PatriciansB. RepublicansC. PlebiansD. Senators

4. This is one of two officials who shared the powers of ruling the republic and whose time in office was limited to one year.

A. SenatorB. TyrantC. DictatorD. Consul

5. Jesus based many of his teachings on monotheism, the Ten Commandments, and other ideas from the _________ religion.

A. HinduB. JewishC. BuddhistD. Catholic

Final Exam Questions:

1. Under Roman law, all persons had the following rights except for _____________.A. the right to receive equal treatment under the lawB. the right to be punished only for actions, not thoughtsC. the right to seek immediate justice without using the courtsD. the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty

2. Under Roman law, all persons had the following rights except for __________________.A. the right to receive equal treatment under the lawB. the right to be punished only for actions, not thoughtsC. the right to seek immediate justice without using the courtsD. the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty

© 2013 Cassidy Baker