Rise of Rome

Unit 5 - spread of Christianity and downfall of Rome

Founding of Rome

Traditionally dated to 753 BC, attributed to the legendary figure Romulus.

Factors that weakened the Republic

Greed of the rich, inequality between rich and poor, failed reforms, ambitious generals, Civil Wars.

Second Triumvirate

Formed by Mark Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus to defeat Senate forces.

Outcome of Battle of Philippi

Defeat of Brutus and Cassius by the Second Triumvirate in 42 BCE.

Pax Romana

The Roman peace established by Caesar Augustus lasting until A.D. 180.

Key characteristics of Pax Romana

Relative peace, economic prosperity, common coinage, effective road system.

Roman Empire size at peak

Covered roughly 3 million square miles and had a population of 60-80 million.

Agricultural reliance in Rome

90 percent of the population was engaged in farming.

Meaning of Bread & Circuses

Government providing entertainment to control the masses.

Gladiators

Slaves forced to fight to the death in public displays.

Roman theater

Coliseum, a huge arena holding 50,000 people for gladiatorial competitions.

Jewish Diaspora

Widespread migration of Jews from their homeland due to conquest.

Early Christianity roots

Christianity has its roots in Judaism, centered around Jesus of Nazareth.

Significance of Jesus' crucifixion

Charged with blasphemy and crucified by Pontius Pilate.

Beliefs of Christianity

Monotheistic belief in one God centered on Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.

Good Friday

The day of Jesus' crucifixion, significant for Christians.

Easter

The day Jesus is believed to have risen from dead, representing victory over sin.

Concept of Messiah

The anointed one sent by God to restore His kingdom on Earth.

Edict of Milan

Decriminalized Christianity under Emperor Constantine.

Impact of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Despite persecution, Christianity grew in popularity and influence.

Aksum Kingdom

Powerful African Kingdom in Eastern Africa that became Christian in the 4th century CE.

Reasons for the fall of the Western Roman Empire

Invasions by barbarians, economic reliance on slavery, political corruption.

Mount Vesuvius eruption

Natural disaster that buried the city of Pompeii in 79 CE.

Julius Caesar's assassination

Led to civil wars and struggles for power following his death.

First Roman Emperor

Octavian, later known as Augustus, who secured absolute authority.

Rise of the Empire

Transition from the Republic to the Empire marked by civil strife and wars.

Religious practices in Rome

Included worship of deities and the emperor as part of theocratic governance.

Jesus’ teachings

Promoted social change, salvation, and often critiqued Jewish practices.

Role of apostles

Peter and Paul helped spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

Gladiatorial games

Public spectacles used as entertainment and control in Rome.

Common languages in the Empire

Use of Latin and Greek was widespread across the Roman Empire.

Roman roads

Engineered for military and trade purposes, connected the empire.

Natural disasters impact on economy

Disasters like the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius contributed to economic issues.

Social classes in Rome

Divided between rich patricians and poor plebeians, leading to civil unrest.

Inflation in Rome

Devaluation of currency primarily due to economic overreach.

Military overspending

Major factor in the decline of Roman governance over large territories.

Jesus' followers

Included disciples who spread his teachings after his resurrection.

Theocracy in Rome

The linking of government and religion, with emperor worship.

Roman engineering feats

Roads and aqueducts that contributed to urban development.

Experiences of Jewish people under Roman rule

Involved oppression, revolts, and eventual dispersion known as the Diaspora.

Cultural shift in Rome

Transition towards Christianity from traditional Roman myths.

Roman economy structure

Heavily reliant on agriculture, trade, and slavery.

Total emperors in 500 years

54 emperors ruled the Roman Empire over an extensive period.

Civil Wars' effect

Undermined stability and led to the end of the Republic.

Roman legacy

Lasting influences in governance, architecture, and culture.

Fall of Rome timeline

Factors accumulated over time contributing to eventual collapse.

Spread of Christianity

Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond due to trade, the Roman roads, and the missionary work of apostles like Paul, often appealing to both the poor and the elites.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Officially fell in 476 CE when Romulus Augustulus was deposed by Germanic invaders.

Key reason for Roman downfall

Constant invasions by barbarian tribes weakened Roman defenses and control.

Economic issues in Rome

Reliance on slavery led to labor shortages and economic struggles.

Weakening of the Roman Army

Use of mercenaries resulted in a lack of loyalty and effectiveness.

Overexpansion of the Empire

Too vast to govern and defend effectively, leading to vulnerabilities.

Political instability in Rome

Frequent changes in leadership resulted in inconsistent governance.

Impact of Huns on Rome

Invasions pushed Germanic tribes towards Roman borders, contributing to instability.

Rise of Christianity

Shift in focus from emperor worship to monotheism affected loyalty to the state.

Consequences of bad emperors

Corruption and focus on personal glory increased social inequalities.

Inflation in the Roman Empire

Rising prices due to increased taxes and devaluation of currency.

Tiberius

Emperor from 14-37 CE, known for abolishing the Assembly but did not want to rule.

Caligula

Emperor from 37-41 CE, began effective but ended with disastrous rule, assassinated.

Nero

Emperor from 54-69 CE, notorious for personal excesses and the Great Fire of Rome.

Diocletian's reforms

Divided the Empire into East and West to improve governance and response to issues.

Constantine the Great

Ruled from 306-337 CE, moved the capital to Constantinople and legalized Christianity.

Theodosius I

Made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire in 380 CE.

Division of the Roman Empire

Led to different developments in Eastern and Western empires post-395 CE.

Good Emperors

Includes Vespasian, Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius known for effective governance.