The Early Roman Empire PDF

By the 100s AD, the Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. Its land area was about 3.5 million square miles, almost the size of the United States. As the empire grew, Romans came into contact with people who practiced different religions. Rome allowed these people to practice their...

By the 100s AD, the Roman Empire was one of the largest empires in history. Its land area was about 3.5 million square miles, almost the size of the United States. As the empire grew, Romans came into contact with people who practiced different religions. Rome allowed these people to practice their religions if they did not threaten the government. Roman law, Roman rule and a shared Roman identity united them all. In 212 AD, every free person within the empire was made a Roman citizen. All male citizens were treated equally under Roman laws. Women had many important rights, including ownership of property, but they were not equal with men. They served in a traditional role in the household, caring for their children and husbands. When they were young, wealthy boys and girls learned from private lessons at home. As they grew older, boys from wealthy families went to schools, and girls continued to study at home. Poorer Romans could not afford to go to school, but some learned enough reading, writing, and arithmetic to help them conduct business. Slaves who worked for wealthy families did domestic work and farmed. As in the republic, slaves had few rights and were often treated harshly. They were sometimes freed completely or allowed to buy their freedom. Agriculture remained the most important economic activity in the empire. Farmers in northern Italy and in the provinces of Gaul and Spain grew grapes and olives to make wine and olive oil. Grain from Britain, Sicily, and Egypt supplied Rome’s people with food. Skilled workers in the cities produced pottery, cloth, and jewelry. These goods were exported throughout the empire. By 100 AD, a common Roman system of money was available through the empire. Merchants could use the same money wherever they traveled. People also used a standard system of weights and measurements. A network of paved roads extended through the empire. The roads allowed the Romans to communicate and move armies and goods easily. The Roman navy eliminated piracy on the Mediterranean Sea and other water ways. As a result, goods could be shipped safely to and from the empire’s ports.