Unit 1: Early CivilizationsPrehistory – A.D. 1570

Quick Review of Ch. 4

• Compare Spartan society to the society of Athens.

• What caused and resulted from the Persian Wars?

• Based on the teaching of men like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, what did the Greeks value?

• Why is Alexander of Macedonia referred to as ‘Alexander the Great’?

Ch. 5: Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity

• 509 BC – 476 AD• Key Idea: Rome began as a single city and

grew into a huge, diverse empire!

Section 1: The Roman World Takes Shape

• About 800 BC, the ancestors of the Romans migrate into Italy

• They borrow much from the Etruscans, Greek Colonists• 509 BC – drive out Etruscan ruler and found the Roman

State

The Romans Establish a Republic

• Republic = government officials are chosen by the people

• Patricians– Land-owing upper class– Served in the Senate and influenced laws

• Plebeians– Farmers, Merchants, Artisans and Traders– Gained the right to elect Tribunes to represent

them in government

Section 2: From Republic to Empire

• Key: As Roman society expands, the republic falls apart, but gives birth to a mighty empire.

Discussion Q: Why do you think the Roman Republic fell apart as Roman society expanded?

Rome Grows Through Conquest• Rome Defeats Carthage (N.E. Africa) in the

Punic Wars between 264 BC and 146 BC• Page 156

Rome’s defeat of Carthage secured their place as the dominant power in the region.

The Republic Ends and the Empire Begins

• Political Disagreements lead to Civil Wars.• Julius Caesar Attempts to lead the Romans but

is assassinated before he can take charge.• Octavian gains power and is given the title

Augustus, or ‘Exalted One’– This is the beginning of what would become the

Roman Empire

Roman Republic Roman Empire

The Pax Romana Brings Prosperity

• Pax Romana = Roman Peace• 200 year span from Augustus to Marcus

Aurelius (27 BC to 180 AD)• Brought peace, order, unity, and prosperity to

the Empire.

BC = Before ChristBCE = Before Common Era

AD = Anno Domini (The Year of Our Lord)CE = Common Era

Section 3 The Roman Achievement

• Key: By war and conquest, Rome took the achievements of Roman civilization (blended with Greek and Hellenistic Culture) to distant lands.

Discussion Q: Why do you think it took war and conquest in order to spread the achievements of Roman civilization? Why couldn’t there just be peace?

Roman Achievements• Romans Write Literature, History, and

Philosophy– Borrowed Heavily from the Greeks

• Roman Art and Architecture Develops– Roman Sculptures Stress Realism– Architecture emphasize grandeur (power)

• Romans Apply Science and Mathematics for Practical Use– Ex: The Aqueducts• Underground or bridge-like stone structures that

carried water from the hills into the cities

Section 4: The Rise of Christianity• Key: During the Pax Romana, a new religion

known as Christianity begins to spread throughout the Roman Empire. At first Christians are persecuted, but by about 400 AD it is the official religion of the Empire.

The Religion of Rome borrowed heavily from Greek mythology. Also, the Roman Emperor (Ceasar) was to be honored as a god. When Christians refused to worship the Roman gods, it brought them persecution.

The Teachings of Jesus• The life and teachings of Jesus are recorded in the Gospels:

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John• Jesus of Nazareth, born around 4 B.C., is a Jew living in a

Roman occupied Israel.• He builds upon Jewish teachings (Old Testament) and claims

to be the promised Messiah, offering salvation to anyone who believes in him.

• Jewish leaders who disagree with Jesus convince Roman authorities to have him crucified.

• The disciples of Jesus claim that he rose from the dead and begin to spread his teachings throughout the Roman Empire.

Jesus told his disciples he would

make them “fishers of men”.

Discussion Q: What were some of the most famous teachings of Jesus?

The Message of Christianity Spreads• The Apostle Paul travels throughout the Roman Empire helping

start churches and writing much of what would become the New Testament.

• Despite persecution from the Roman government, the message of Christianity continues to spread and is eventually accepted by Rome, later becoming the official Roman religion.

• The Early Christian Church Develops

– Scattered communities become an organized church

Section 5 The Long Decline

• Key Idea: Economic problems, foreign invasions, and a decline in traditional values eventually undermined stability and security in the Roman Empire.

Discussion Q: Throughout history empires rise and fall. Why do you think empires of the past were unable to continue their rule as the most dominant power?

Many Problems Cause Rome to Fall

• Military Attacks– Invasions from Germanic Peoples

• Political Turmoil– Corrupt Officials Lost the Support of the People

• Economic Weakness– Increasingly Heavy Taxes Drove Many to Poverty

• Social Decay– Loss of Patriotism, Discipline, and Duty

Quick Review of Ch. 5

• Where and when did Roman civilization begin?

• How did the Roman republic form of government operate? Why did it end?

• What does the phrase ‘Pax Romana’ represent?

• Describe the early stages of Christianity.• How did the Roman Empire lose it’s power?