1.3 Roman Civilization

What were some Roman contributions in law?

• Rule of law / Equality before the law

• Civil and contract law codes

The Romans constructed ______ throughout their Republic and later Empire, to bring water from outside sources into cities and towns

aqueducts

The Roman emperors, constructed large _______ with the aim to collect an ever increasing quantity of water that was necessary for meeting the needs of the numerous fountains and bath installations.

cisterns

Is an outstanding transportation network of the ancient Mediterranean world, extending from Britain to the Tigris-Euphrates river system and from the Danube River to Spain and northern Africa.

Roman road system

These architectural forms allowed Roman architects to create large roofed structures without a reliance on pillars.

Arches

Roman ________ was introduced in the 3rd century BC, proving revolutionary. Also called opus caementicium, its three primary ingredients were lime, volcanic ash and water.

Concrete

When did the Roman Republic begin and end?

509 - 27 BC

The Roman Republic started after what event?

After Etruscan control was overthrown

Describe the social structure of Roman society

Roman society was divided into 3 classes: patricians, plebeians, and slaves.

The propertied class/wealthy elites

patricians

Main body of Roman citizens, common people

plebeians

Describe the Roman government, what were its main components?

Consuls, the Senate, and the Centurial Assembly.

The Romans replaced the king with ________ - rulers who had many of the same powers as the king but were elected to serve one-year terms.

two consuls

The reason why there are ___ consuls is because

2, Each consul could veto, or reject, the actions of the other consul.

What historic event led to the emergence of Rome as a dominant power in the Mediterranean?

Punic Wars with Carthage

What were the Punic Wars?

A series of three conflicts involving the Roman Republic and the Empire of Carthage

When did the Punic Wars occur?

264 BCE until 146 BCE

Why were Carthage and Rome in conflict during the Punic Wars?

Rome's expanding influence and strategic interests in the Mediterranean.

What was the significance of the Punic Wars?

Allowed Rome to emerge as the dominant power in the Mediterranean

After the Punic Wars, what did Rome do?

• Incorporated Greek culture into its empire

• Expanded into world republic

When was Caesar assassinated?

44 BC

What was the significance of his death?

Signified ____________. Rather than _____ _____ ___, his death led to ______ _____, ultimately leading the way for ___ _____ __ ___ _____ _____.

Signified the end of the Roman Republic. Rather than restoring traditional governance, his death led to further conflict, ultimately leading the way for the rise of the Roman Empire.

What is the main difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire in terms of government?

Roman Republic was a democratic society and Roman Empire was run by only one man. 

What is the main difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire in terms of peace and war?

Roman Republic was in an almost constant state of war, whereas the Roman Empire's first 200 years were relatively peaceful

When did Augustus become the first emperor of the Roman Empire?

27 BC

What is the significance of Augustus becoming emperor of Roman Empire?

initiated an imperial cult and an era of imperial peace

What is Pax Romana?

Roman peace, two centuries without a major war

When did Pax Romana begin and end?

27 BC - 180 AD

When did the Roman Empire experience economic and political decline?

End of 2nd century AD

What were the 3 main causes for the fall of the Roman Empire?

1. Continuous barbaric invasion

2. Internal conflict

3. Rise of Christianity divided the empire

What was 1 internal agricultural factor that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?

1. 🌽 decreasing farm production

What was 1 internal military factor that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?

1. ⚔ decline of the military; citizens no longer supporting Rome

What were 2 internal economic factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?

1. 💰 Inflation

2. 💰 excessive taxation