ANCIENT ROME Chapter 7, Section 2-The Roman Empire

Roman Law

Roman law was based on "fairness."

Family Life

Romans placed great emphasis on family life

Provinces

Rome's empire was divided into areas called provinces. Each province had its own governor and army. Although the Romans did take slaves, most conquered people remained free to follow their own religion and way of life. Rome wanted the resources that each province offered and expected conquered people to be peaceful and pay taxes. Many learned Latin, accepted the Roman gods, and took on Roman ways.

Empire

many territories and people who are controlled by one government.

Good and Bad Emperors after Augustus' death

The BAD: Caligula-proclaimed himself the god Jove(Zeus), made his horse a senator. Nero-murdered his half-brother, mother, and wife. "Fiddled while Rome burned." The GOOD: Hadrian-best of the "good emperors", he built a good government that included a code of laws to be followed throughout the Roman empire and protected women, children, and slaves. He allowed soldiers to serve in their home provinces and encouraged learning. Marcus Aurelius-last of the "good emperors," his writing encouraged Romans to study Greek art, architecture, and government. Romans were most interested in Greek ideas that helped them build the things they needed to support their empire.

Aqueduct

a structure that uses a series of arches, stretching over many miles, to carry water great distances.

Art and Architecture

Using Greek math and science, as well as the arch, Romans were able to build larger structures. Large buildings were made of marble covered with bricks, however, with their invention of concrete buildings could be built taller and faster! The most famous Roman building was the 50,000 seat colosseum used for gladiator combat. (The Pantheon, built during Hadrian's reign, is another important Roman building.) The Romans built roads everywhere their empire reached, so many in fact, that the total distance would have traveled around the equator twice! These roads were very well built, straight, and would eventually lead back to Rome. Aqueducts were also built throughout the empire and greatly improved life for all those living within the Roman empire.

Roman Law

Was applied throughout the Roman empire. Emperor Justinian's code of justice included these ideas: "No one suffers a penalty for what he thinks. No one may be forcibly removed from his own house. The burden of proof is upon the one who accuses. In inflicting penalties, the age and inexperience of the guilty party must be taken into account." Many of these ideas were included in our nation's Bill of Rights.

Augustus' Rule(Octavian)

While governing as a king/emperor, Augustus was careful to respect the senate even declaring that he wanted to return to a republic. (He had seen what had happened to Julius Caesar!) The senate was grateful for the peace and wealth Rome enjoyed under Augustus and gave him as much power as he wanted.