CLAS/HIST 4091/5091 The Roman Empire

Lecture 1. Introduction: Why Rome?

I. How did Rome Change the Ancient World?

A. Positive Effects

-Rome's Destiny to Rule (Vergil Aeneid; Pliny)

-Political Unity of the Mediterranean

Peaceful rule: Pax Romana

Generous with citizenship: conquered peoples, even slaves

-Cultural Unity

Language: Latin / Greek

Literature

Law

Urban Culture

Architecture / Engineering: public buildings, aqueducts, roads/bridges

Christianity

B. Negative Effects

-Ongoing Warfare and Repression by Force

Military Mentality: triumph; monuments

Massive Expense

Civil War

Mass killing / enslavement

-Mass Elimination of Cultures: e.g. Nabataean

-Oppression: Slaves, Women

II. How does Rome change the Modern World?

A. Romance Languages

B. Classical Literature: Drama, Novel, Oratory, History

C. Law

D. Time: Julian Calendar

E. Urban Culture: European cities = Roman cities

F. Architecture: Jefferson Memorial

III. Areas of Concentration

A. The Emperor

B. Society and Culture

C. Multi-culturalism: Rome and Mediterranean Civilizations

D. The Rise of Christianity

E. Barbarians: Rome and non-Romans