Life in Ancient Rome

Journey Across TimeChapter 9 Section 1

Roman Culture

In addition to their own developments in Science and engineering, Roman artists and writers borrowed many ideas from the Greeks

The rich and poor had very different lives in Rome, as did men and women

Greek vs. Roman Art & Cultures

Greeks talked about ideas, while to Romans, ideas were only important if they could solve everyday problems

Greek art was “perfect,” while Roman was more realistic

Romans used Greek-style porches and columns/colonnades, but added arches/vaults and domes

Romans were first to use concrete making the buildings sturdier

Roman Architecture

The buildings were so well built that many still stand today incl.

Colosseum: completed A.D. 80, and held

60,000 people Panthenon: temple built to honor

gods, with a doomed roof aqueducts: to carry water

long distances

Roman LiteratureThe Romans based much of their writing on the Greek

works. Some famous Roman writer’s include: Virgil: Aeneid, drew ideas from Homer’s

Odyssey Horace: wrote satires (poking fun at

human weakness), and odes (poems expressing strong emotions about life)

For more Roman writer’s, see pg. 304 in your SS book

Roman Science & Engineering

The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science Galen: Greek doctor bringing many ideas to

Rome incl. importance of anatomy (the study of body structure)

Ptolemy: lived in Alexandria, Egypt, studied the sky, mapped over 1,000 stars, and created rules explaining planets and stars’ movements.

Incorrectly placed Earth at center of universe, but people in Europe accepted his ideas for centuries

Engineering incl. aqueducts, and roads, “All roads lead to Rome.”

Romans used aqueducts to supply fresh water from hills to the city.Rome even had a sewer system.

Daily Life in Rome

The Romans also learned from the Greeks’ science Wealthy Romans: lived in large,

comfortable houses with nice furniture, and beautiful gardens

Most were poor: garbage on the streets, thieves, many lived in one room in poorly built apartment buildings, and fire was constant danger

To keep people from rioting, the government provided, “bread & circuses,” aka free bread and shows

Gladiators Romans of all classes flocked to the

chariot races and gladiator contests Gladiators fought animals and each

other Gladiators were enslaved people,

criminals, and poor people Gladiators were admired,

much like sports heroes are todayShow video-clips: Roman Amusements (ca 2min) & Games of Ancient Rome (ca 6min)

Roman Families Families were large incl. parents, young

children, married children, relatives, and servants

Paterfamilias = Father of the family, had complete control over family

Education (for boys) was important wealthy Romans hired tutors for children

Older boys went to school to learn reading, writing, and rhetoric (=public speaking)

Roman Families Girls did not go to school, but learned reading and

writing at home, as well as household duties Women had some rights, but were not full citizens.

However, men often sought their advice in private incl. Augustus’ wife, Livia, who later was honored as a goddess

Wealthy women could own land, run businesses, sell property, and study literature

Other women could help husbands at home-run shops, and could leave home to worship in temples, and visit friends

All women sat separate from men

Roman Families

Enslaved People Slavery was a part of Roman life from early on Thousands of prisoners from conquered lands were

brought to Italy By 100 BC, about 40% of people in Italy were slaves Worked in homes, fields, mines, and workshops Greek slaves were often well-educated and served

as teachers, doctors, and artisans Those earning wages could eventually buy freedom 73 BC slave revolt broke out, led by Spartacus:

70,000 defeating Roman armies Revolt was finally crushed: Spartacus and

6,000 of his followers were crucified

Roman Religion Romans believed in many gods and goddesses Also believed spirits lived in natural things, such

as trees Greek gods & goddesses were popular, but given

Roman names Every Roman had an altar for their household god As empire grew larger, they came in contact with

other religions These were ok, as long as they did not threaten the

government (incl. Christianity: to learn more, read chapter 10)

Roman Religion

Next: The Fall of Rome