Unit 4 WH

Greek Culture Influence on Romans

Greek Culture Influence on Romans

• Hellenistic culture influence

• Greek mathematical and scientific knowledge

• Concept of democracy (adapted in roman politics)

• Greek Mythology (Latin names)

• Greek Art and Architecture

Roman Art

• Marble and bronze sculptures of famous leaders

• Coulums in their building design

• Focused on clothed, realistic portrayals

Rome Mythological Origins

Romulus and Remus myth highlights Roman belief in myths and gods.

Rome Historical Origins

• Rome developed from settlements along the Tiber River.

• Transition from monarchy to the Roman Republic in 509 BC after overthrowing the Etruscans.

Republic

A form of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them

Roman Republic

• Senate composed of consuls, patricians, and tribunes.

  • Consuls: Highest stature, elected for one-year terms, two consuls to prevent autocracy.

  • Patricians: Aristocracy, landowners, served for life, advised consuls.

  • Plebeians: Working class, elected tribunes to represent them.

Citizenship and Legal Rights

• Citizenship granted legal protection, voting rights, and property ownership.

• Only land-owning males could vote.

• Slaves and women had limited or no rights.

  • Slaves had no rights or representation.

  • Women could not vote or hold public office but could own property, practice business, and obtain a divorce.

• The Twelve Tables established legal equality for male citizens only and allowed for equal treatment before the law

Punic Wars (264 BC - 146 BC)

• Rome fought Carthaginians for control of North Africa, Mediterranean islands, and Iberian Peninsula.

• Control of important ports like Sicily and Carthage for Mediterranean trade monopoly.

• Conquered areas received Roman Army protection and paid taxes.

• Conquered people could gain citizenship by joining the army.

• Roman Army adapted enemies' weapons, such as Hannibal's elephants and sarissa.

• Political and social unrest due to plebeians losing property while serving in the army.

First Triumvirate

• Formed by Marcus Licinius Crassus, Gaius Julius Caesar, and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus.

• Triumvirate broke after Crassus's death; civil war ensued.

• Julius Caesar became "dictator for life" in 45 BC, but was assassinated in 44 BC.

Second Triumvirate:

• Formed by Gaius Octavian, Marc Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus.

• Octavian controlled the West, Marc Antony the East, and Lepidus Northern Africa.

• Marc Antony's affair with Cleopatra caused conflict with Octavian.

• Octavian defeated Antony and Cleopatra, leading to their suicides.

Octavian (Augustus)

• Became the first Roman emperor in 27 BC.

• Initiated the Pax Romana (27 BC - AD 180), a period of peace and prosperity.

• Developed infrastructure (roads, aqueducts, sewage systems) and public services (baths, amphitheaters, circuses).

Juvenal: Bread and Circuses

Poet Juvenal criticized Roman citizens for prioritizing entertainment and free grain over politics and civic duty.

Great Fire in Rome

AD 64: Great fire in Rome; Emperor Nero blamed Christians to divert blame and distract from reconstruction costs.

End of Pax Romana

• Series of power-hungry or unstable emperors.

• Difficulties in controlling a vast empire and maintaining high costs.

• Executions of potential rivals and persecution of Jews and Christians.

• Empire eventually fell in AD 476.

Colosseum

• Completed in AD 80, an architectural and engineering marvel.

• Hosted gladiator games, animal fights, and staged naval battles.

• Notable for its arched design.

Roman Polytheism

• Influence: Romans were influenced by Greek culture; Roman gods had Latinized names.

• Worship: Included spirits of nature (rivers, trees), household spirits, and family spirits.

• Practices: Numerous rituals and festivals.

Judaism Origins

• Began around 1812 BC with a covenant between Abraham and God.

• Abraham moved to Israel, believed to be promised by God.

• Exodus led by Moses from Egypt; received the Ten Commandments and the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Judaism in the Roman Empire

• Initially allowed under Julius Caesar and Augustus.

• AD 66: Jewish revolt in Judaea; Romans destroyed the sacred temple, beginning the Jewish diaspora.

• Post AD 70: Jews had to pay a tax to practice their religion.

Christianity origins

• Jesus of Nazareth born between 7 BC and AD 1.

• Taught peace, justice, and salvation; appealed to the poor.

• Executed by Romans around AD 32; believed by followers to be the Messiah.

Christianity in the Roman Empire:

• Initially persecuted due to perceived threat to Roman authority.

• AD 313: Edict of Milan by Emperor Constantine granted religious tolerance to Christians.

• AD 380: Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Spread of Christianity

• Apostle Paul’s Roman citizenship allowed free travel to spread teachings.

• Common language (Latin) facilitated communication of Jesus’s teachings.

• Legalization by Constantine and official adoption by Theodosius key to widespread adoption.

Summary of Polytheism, Judaism, Christianity

• Polytheism: Dominant in Rome, influenced by Greek mythology with rituals and festivals.

• Judaism: Monotheistic; faced revolts and diaspora under Roman rule, but continued to practice with restrictions.

• Christianity: Emerged from Judaism; initially persecuted but later legalized and adopted as the official religion, spreading rapidly through the empire due to key figures, common language, and imperial support.

Fall of the Roman Empire: Political Causes

• Division of the Empire: Diocletian split the empire into Eastern and Western regions in AD 285, weakening centralized control.

• Constantine's Reforms: Constantine moved the capital to Constantinople in AD 330 and legalized Christianity, causing religious and political tensions.

• Instability: Corruption, frequent assassinations, and civil wars led to weak leadership and loss of citizen trust.

Fall of the Roman Empire: Economic Causes

• Resource Overextension: The vast size of the empire strained resources and finances, especially with continuous military expenditures.

• Economic Decline: High unemployment, inflation, and military costs hurt the economy.

• Dependence on Mercenaries: Reliance on non-loyal mercenaries from "Barbarian" tribes weakened military integrity.

Fall of the Roman Empire: Social Causes

• Loss of Civic Pride: Political instability led to disengagement from civic duties and a focus on personal gain.

• Cultural Shifts: The rise of Christianity caused internal divisions and challenged traditional Roman beliefs.

• Barbarian Invasions: Constant invasions, such as by the Visigoths and Vandals, exposed and exploited the empire's vulnerabilities.

Impact of the Fall of the Roman Empire

• After Rome fell, it broke into several different pieces.

  • The eastern part became the Byzantine Empire and flourished for another thousand years.

  • The western part would break up into multiple fiefs, or little kingdoms, which would usher in the feudal system and Europe's Dark Ages.

Language Influence

• Latin influenced many European languages (Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese).

• Latin roots in English words (e.g., "pre" in pre-order, pre-arrange).

Law and Government Influence

• Introduction of the republic system where citizens elect representatives.

• Modern governments inspired by Roman republican principles (e.g., USA).

• Roman Senate and Twelve Tables influenced modern legislative and judicial systems.

• Principles like equality before the law, trial by jury, and innocent until proven guilty.

Science, Engineering, and Architecture Influence

• Julian Calendar (365 days, 12 months, months July and August named after Caesar).

• Engineering feats: aqueducts, extensive road networks (50,000 miles by AD 200).

• Architectural achievements: domes, perfected arches (e.g., Colosseum).

Art Influence

• Pottery and sculpture influenced by Hellenism, used to promote leaders.

• Coins used as both currency and propaganda.