RomeRome

Introduction to Roman HistoryIntroduction to Roman History

Major Influences of RomeMajor Influences of Rome

RoadwaysRoadways AlphabetAlphabet Dissemination of conquered culturesDissemination of conquered cultures Political systemsPolitical systems

Roman AttitudeRoman Attitude

Divinely appointed rulers of the worldDivinely appointed rulers of the world As they conquered, spread other culturesAs they conquered, spread other cultures Didn’t see themselves as “creative”Didn’t see themselves as “creative”

Art a luxury left to others with timeArt a luxury left to others with time Talents lay in governing, military prowessTalents lay in governing, military prowess Took ideas from other cultures and made Took ideas from other cultures and made

them distinctly Romanthem distinctly Roman

History of RomeHistory of Rome

Founded in 8Founded in 8thth century BCE, ruled by century BCE, ruled by “kings” for about 250 years“kings” for about 250 years

Split into two periodsSplit into two periods Republican Rome (509 BCE – 31 BCE)Republican Rome (509 BCE – 31 BCE) Imperial Rome (31 BCE – 476 CE)Imperial Rome (31 BCE – 476 CE)

Etruscan InfluenceEtruscan Influence

Developed North of Rome, actual origins Developed North of Rome, actual origins are unknownare unknown

Sophisticated technological abilitiesSophisticated technological abilities Art aimed at making immediate impactArt aimed at making immediate impact Rome started as a country town, Rome started as a country town,

Etruscans made it an urban centerEtruscans made it an urban center Roads, buildings, chariot races, togasRoads, buildings, chariot races, togas

Republican RomeRepublican Rome

Etruscans taught Romans too well, became Etruscans taught Romans too well, became absorbed into Roman cultureabsorbed into Roman culture

Republic – Greek model, less democraticRepublic – Greek model, less democratic 2 consuls elected to one-year terms2 consuls elected to one-year terms Senate consisted mostly of aristocratsSenate consisted mostly of aristocrats Power concentrated in upper class (patricians)Power concentrated in upper class (patricians) Lower class allowed an assembly (plebeians)Lower class allowed an assembly (plebeians)

Political UpheavalPolitical Upheaval

More conquering = more headachesMore conquering = more headaches Plebeians gain power through numbersPlebeians gain power through numbers Middle class emerges, mostly plebeians Middle class emerges, mostly plebeians

who earn money and status through warwho earn money and status through war Skirmishes and civil wars at home lead to Skirmishes and civil wars at home lead to

constant violence (Caesar and Pompey)constant violence (Caesar and Pompey) Assassination of Caesar in 44 BCE is the Assassination of Caesar in 44 BCE is the

beginning of the end for Republicbeginning of the end for Republic