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Questions and Answers
What was a significant development in Roman architecture that enabled the construction of grand scale and monumental buildings?
What was a significant development in Roman architecture that enabled the construction of grand scale and monumental buildings?
Which type of Roman building was often decorated with ornate sculpture and served as a center of public life?
Which type of Roman building was often decorated with ornate sculpture and served as a center of public life?
What was the primary material used in the construction of Roman roads and bridges?
What was the primary material used in the construction of Roman roads and bridges?
Who was the founder of the Roman Empire and ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD?
Who was the founder of the Roman Empire and ruled from 27 BC to 14 AD?
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What was the primary function of the Roman Senate and assemblies?
What was the primary function of the Roman Senate and assemblies?
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What was the result of the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD?
What was the result of the division of the Roman Empire in 395 AD?
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What was a key feature of Roman military engineering?
What was a key feature of Roman military engineering?
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What was a characteristic of Roman society?
What was a characteristic of Roman society?
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What was the legendary event that marked the founding of Rome?
What was the legendary event that marked the founding of Rome?
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Which group of people did Rome absorb their culture from during its early expansion?
Which group of people did Rome absorb their culture from during its early expansion?
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What was the result of Rome's conquest of southern Italy by the 2nd century BC?
What was the result of Rome's conquest of southern Italy by the 2nd century BC?
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What was the primary governing body of the Roman Empire?
What was the primary governing body of the Roman Empire?
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What was the social class composed of wealthy landowners and aristocrats in Roman society?
What was the social class composed of wealthy landowners and aristocrats in Roman society?
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What was the role of the Paterfamilias in Roman society?
What was the role of the Paterfamilias in Roman society?
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What was the characteristic of the Roman religion?
What was the characteristic of the Roman religion?
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What was the result of the Roman Empire's expansion into conquered territories?
What was the result of the Roman Empire's expansion into conquered territories?
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Study Notes
Archaeology Of Roman Architecture
- Influences: Roman architecture was influenced by Greek, Etruscan, and Italian styles
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Characteristics:
- Use of arches, domes, and vaults
- Development of concrete (Opus caementicium)
- Ornate decoration and sculpture
- Grand scale and monumental architecture
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Types of buildings:
- Temples (e.g., Pantheon)
- Basilicas (e.g., Basilica of Maxentius)
- Amphitheaters (e.g., Colosseum)
- Theaters (e.g., Theater of Pompey)
- Aqueducts (e.g., Pont du Gard)
- Roads and bridges
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Building techniques:
- Use of stone, brick, and concrete
- Construction of foundations, walls, and roofs
- Development of water supply systems
Roman Empire
-
Timeline:
- Founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar
- Divided into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires in 395 AD
- Western Empire fell in 476 AD, Eastern Empire in 1453 AD
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Government:
- Imperial system with emperors holding absolute power
- Senate and assemblies played advisory roles
- Provincial governors and administrators
-
Provinces:
- Divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman governor
- Provinces were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and providing infrastructure
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Military:
- Powerful and disciplined legions
- Conquests and expansions throughout Europe, North Africa, and Middle East
- Military engineering and infrastructure development
-
Society and culture:
- Hierarchical social structure with emperors, patricians, plebeians, and slaves
- Developed system of laws and justice
- Rich cultural heritage, including literature, art, and architecture
Archaeology Of Roman Architecture
- Roman architecture was influenced by Greek, Etruscan, and Italian styles
- Characterized by use of arches, domes, and vaults
- Development of concrete (Opus caementicium) enabled construction of larger structures
- Ornate decoration and sculpture were common features
- Grand scale and monumental architecture were distinctive of Roman style
Types of Roman Buildings
- Temples, such as the Pantheon, were built for religious worship
- Basilicas, like the Basilica of Maxentius, served as public meeting spaces
- Amphitheaters, including the Colosseum, hosted gladiatorial contests and public events
- Theaters, such as the Theater of Pompey, were built for entertainment
- Aqueducts, like the Pont du Gard, supplied water to cities and towns
- Roads and bridges facilitated transportation and communication
Roman Building Techniques
- Romans used stone, brick, and concrete in construction
- Foundations, walls, and roofs were built using advanced techniques
- Water supply systems were developed to support urban populations
Roman Empire
- Founded in 27 BC by Augustus Caesar, marking the end of the Roman Republic
- Divided into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires in 395 AD
- Western Empire fell in 476 AD, while the Eastern Empire lasted until 1453 AD
Roman Government
- Imperial system granted emperors absolute power
- Senate and assemblies played advisory roles, but had limited authority
- Provincial governors and administrators were responsible for regional governance
Roman Provinces
- Empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a Roman governor
- Provinces were responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and providing infrastructure
Roman Military
- Powerful and disciplined legions enabled Roman conquests
- Conquests and expansions occurred throughout Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
- Military engineering and infrastructure development supported Roman expansion
Roman Society and Culture
- Hierarchical social structure consisted of emperors, patricians, plebeians, and slaves
- Developed system of laws and justice maintained social order
- Rich cultural heritage included literature, art, and architecture
Roman Empire Origins
- Founded in 8th century BC by Romulus and Remus
- Legend has it that the twin brothers fought, and Romulus killed Remus, becoming the first ruler of Rome
Early Roman Expansion
- Expanded territories through the Italian peninsula
- Defeated the Etruscans and Latins, absorbing their cultures
Conquest of Italy
- Conquered the Apennine tribes and the Samnites by the 3rd century BC
- Gained control of central Italy
- Defeated the Greek colonies in southern Italy by the 2nd century BC
- Unified the entire Italian peninsula under Roman rule by the 1st century BC
Roman Government
- Rome was a republic
- Governed by the Senate, Assemblies, and Magistrates
- Senate advised the magistrates and governed Rome
- Assemblies elected magistrates and passed laws
Roman Provinces
- Empire divided into provinces
- Each province governed by a Roman governor and administrative staff
- Governors responsible for collecting taxes, maintaining order, and upholding Roman law
The Roman Military
- Roman legions were the empire's military backbone
- Responsible for expansion and defense
- Legionaries were Roman citizens, trained for combat and civic duties
Roman Social Classes
- Patricians: Ruling class, wealthy landowners, and aristocrats
- Plebeians: Common people, including merchants, artisans, and farmers
- Slaves: Captives and prisoners of war, used for labor and domestic service
Roman Family and Marriage
- Paterfamilias: Male head of the household, with authority over family members
- Marriage was monogamous, with the husband as the dominant partner
- Women held limited rights, with some women holding power through family ties
Roman Religion
- Polytheism: Worshipped multiple gods and goddesses, with Jupiter as the chief deity
- Adopted cults from conquered territories, incorporating them into their pantheon
- Believed in an afterlife, with rewards or punishment based on earthly deeds
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Description
Introduction to the Roman Empire- origins and expansions to Italy, structure and society
