Ancient Roman Civilization

Origins and History

• The Roman civilization originated from the city of Rome, founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus
• Initially, Rome was ruled by seven kings, with the last king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, being overthrown in 509 BC
• The Roman Republic was established, with a system of government based on the principles of democracy and representation

Government and Politics

• The Roman Republic was governed by a system of checks and balances, with three branches of government:
  • Senate: advised the consuls and governed the Roman state
  • Assemblies: made laws and elected officials
  • Consuls: executed the laws and governed the Roman state
• The Roman Republic was divided into three main social classes:
  • Patricians: aristocrats and nobles
  • Plebeians: common people and farmers
  • Slaves: owned by wealthy Romans

Military and Expansion

• The Roman military was a powerful force, with a strong infantry and cavalry
• Rome expanded its territories through a series of conquests, including:
  • Italian city-states
  • Carthage and North Africa
  • Gaul (modern-day France and Belgium)
  • Britain
  • Spain and Portugal
  • Dacia (modern-day Romania)
  • Middle East and Asia Minor

Culture and Society

• Roman culture was heavily influenced by Greek culture, with a focus on:
  • Architecture: development of the arch, dome, and aqueduct
  • Literature: poetry, drama, and historiography
  • Art: sculpture, painting, and mosaic
  • Engineering: roads, bridges, and public buildings
• Roman society was patriarchal, with men holding significant power and authority
• Women and slaves had limited rights and freedoms

Decline and Fall

• The Roman Empire began to decline in the 2nd century AD, with internal conflicts, corruption, and external pressures
• The empire was eventually divided into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western halves in 395 AD
• The Western Roman Empire fell to barbarian invasions in 476 AD, marking the end of the Roman Empire