Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome Overview

  • Statue depicting mythical she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

The Early Roman Empire

  • Under Republican rule, heavily influenced art, architecture, and culture.

  • Religion was critical for both Romans and Jews.

Key Takeaways

  • Settled by Etruscans, Greeks, and Latins.

  • Rigid societal hierarchy observed.

  • Empire reached greatest extent early 100s CE through roads/public works.

  • Initial prohibition of Christianity evolved as it spread.

Roman Geography

  • Dominated Mediterranean for over 500 years.

  • Influential on modern governance and art.

  • Founded 16 miles inland for defense and located on seven hills.

  • Access to the sea and trade via the Tiber River.

Early Roman History

  • Mythology states founded in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus, sons of god Mars.

  • Abandoned as infants, nurtured by a she-wolf.

  • Romulus kills Remus, establishes Rome.

Population and Monarchy

  • Early occupants included Latins, Greeks, and Etruscans (1000-500 BCE).

  • Etruscan dominance around 600 BCE led to kingship.

  • Seven kings ruled; last king, Tarquinius Superbus, overthrown.

  • Established republic post-monarchy where citizens elect leaders.

  • Helots were peasants tied to the land at which they worked

The Roman Republic

  • Initially dominated by patricians, plebeians fought for rights.

  • Codification of laws through Twelve Tables made laws public.

  • Consuls held highest office, Senate advised magistrates.

  • Assemblies like Comitia Centuriata and Concilium Plebis represented voters.

  • Dictator could be appointed in emergencies.

Roman Expansion

  • Began around 500 BCE; land-owning citizens served in the army.

  • Legions were organized military units, around 5,000 soldiers each.

  • Controlled Italian peninsula by 264 BCE, led to conflicts, particularly with Carthage.

  • Punic Wars (264-146 BCE) resulted in Roman dominance; Hannibal's invasion noted.

Decline of the Republic

  • Growing divide between wealthy and poor:

    • Wealthy owned estates worked by enslaved people (1/3 of population by 100 BCE).

    • Political violence initiated by Tiberius Gracchus's assassination (133 BCE).

  • Social tensions led to the Social War (90-88 BCE) and changes in military allegiance.

Triumvirate and Civil War

  • Triumvirate: Crassus, Pompey, Julius Caesar.

  • Caesar's rise led to reforms and unpopular declarations.

  • Assassination on Ides of March (44 BCE); power transitioned to Octavian (Augustus).

The Roman Empire

  • Augustus, a pivotal ruler transitioning from republic to control.

  • Julio-Claudian Dynasty followed Augustus.

  • Pax Romana (Roman Peace) characterized the empire's height under Five Good Emperors (96-180 CE).

  • Reached greatest territorial extent under Trajan.

  • Another name for the Persian Empire is the Achaemenid Empire, known for its vast territories and significant cultural achievements during the ancient period.

Roman Culture

  • Patronage system among social classes (patricians, plebeians).

  • Notable literary figures: Cicero, Ovid, Virgil, and Apuleius.

  • Roman art and architecture influenced heavily by Greek styles but included innovations.

  • Public works like aqueducts and the Pantheon demonstrated engineering prowess.

  • Archaeologists found rich Minoan culture at Knossos, which provided insights into the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations, including their influence on Roman society.

Religion in Ancient Rome

  • Roman religions mirrored Greek counterparts; chief priest known as Pontifex Maximus.

  • Religious tolerance for polytheism; issues with monotheistic sects, notably Judaism.

  • Christianity emerged during Roman rule, growing appeal through messages of hope and salvation.

Persecution of Christians

  • Faced persecution for refusing to honor Roman gods, martyrdom defied societal structures.

  • Growth of Christianity as a significant force, especially under emperors like Diocletian.

Crisis and Reform (235-284 CE)

  • Period of instability with civil wars and economic struggles.

  • Emperor Diocletian divided empire into four, creating the Tetrarchy.

  • His reforms aimed at stabilizing inflation and administration but did not last post-abdication.

Constantine's Era

  • Constantine's rise post-Diocletian; established Constantinople.

  • Prominent in Christian matters; council convened to determine doctrine.

  • Christianity became the state religion under Theodosius (395 CE).

Fall of the Roman Empire

  • Division into Eastern and Western Roman Empires post-Theodosius (395 CE).

  • Series of invasions from foreign tribes led to the Western Empire's decline.

  • Fall of Rome marked by sacking in 410 CE and the end in 476 CE.