The Significance of Rome

Rome is the standard to which all civilizations are judged in WesternCivilization

Rome as an civilization in the West lasted about 1000 Years500 B.C. to A.D. 476

Roman civilization and influence in the East lasted almost another 1000 years until the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

In one fashion or another Rome influenced and set the standard for almost 2000 Years

Roman Government

Republican form of government: Rome was not a true democratic Republic, but did allow all classes to vote and elect individualsto express and defend their views.

Roman Law; question number 4

Roman Technology

Roman Arch = Stronger buildings, larger building

Concrete = Cheaper, strong, and easily found building material

Aqueducts = Abundant cheap potable water

Improved Roads = Faster, easier communication and trade

Sanitation (sewer) = More potable water, healthier environment

Concrete—cheap, durable, and versatile—was one of Rome's greatest contributions to architecture. Here, Tony Rook, a building materials specialist before he studied archeology, makes concrete the way the Romans might have.

An ancient recipe for concrete comes down to us from the Roman architect Vitruvius. The recipe calls for quicklime mixed with water, which turns into a fine powder. As more water is added, the powder becomes a putty that holds together the sand and small rocks that are added. The Romans added crushed tile or volcanic ash to waterproof the concrete, making it perfect for structures such as aqueducts and baths.

Roman Military Success

Punic Wars :Makes Rome great, defined and shaped RomeHannibal

Discipline :Tactics; formations, use of weapons, etc

: Strategy; Roman Legions, Organization, etc.

: Duty; Loyalty and expectations

Rise of Christianity

Roads: aided in the spreading the Christian Dogma

Philosophy: Stoicism set the stage

Languages: Greek and Latin aided in spread of the Gospels

Pax Romana: 200 years of peace helped the spread of the Gospels

Stoicism: The Greeks saw life brought many challenges to deal with life and Stoicism taught “accept what life brings one and remain indifferent to pain, pleasure, unhappiness or otherwise remain unemotional.

Stoicism taught the concept of moral virtue and the naturalorder of things and of each rational soul as a divine element providedone basis upon which later ideas of natural laws were based . Stoicism also taught the rational order of things suggests the Christian idea of conforming one's will to divine providence. The influence of Stoicismon subsequent Western ethical and religious thought testifies to itscontinuing importance.

Stoicism influenced religion and government

Roman Failures

Punic Wars victory, great number of war slaves and increased unemployment of the plebeians created an atmosphere in Rome of “what will Rome do for me?”The rise of dictators and the emperors and the loss of the Republic

Issues: unemployment, lost value of work, corruption of government, weakening of military (hired soldiers, i.e., mercenaries) welfare state, unequal wealth distribution, etc.

Roman Decline

Rome collapses really from within not from the outside (barbarians seeking refuge within the empires boarders)Barbarians allowed into the army confused loyalty, turn on Rome.

Barbarians threatening Rome from within and from outside (see map).

To save Rome divided Rome into two East and West (see map).East richWest poor.

Split of Roman Empire caused a split in The Church, The Western Church, from Rome dominated Western Europe and was led by the Pope. Eastern Church from Constantinople until A.D. 1453dominated Eastern Europe and was led by the Patriarch. The firstreal schism of the Christian Church.

Battle of Adrianople A.D. 378, Visigoths heavy horse defeat Roman foot legions, Shows Rome’s weakness and changes Western European warfare for thousand years.

Last Roman Emperor replaced in A.D. 476. Roman Empire in theWest declared ended.