Unit: Fall of the Roman Empire

Lesson Title: Roman Advancements(See pages 26-28 in textbook)

Roman Advancements

The Roman Empire ended over 1,500 years ago in the West and over 500 years ago in the East.

Does the Roman Empire still influence our life today?

(Hint: We already talked about some influences in our

government. Can you think of others?)

Key FactsAchievements in engineering, architecture, art, commerce, and philosophy helped the Roman Empire to last long. They have also influenced our modern world.

(Definitions)Engineering: the use of science and mathematics to design

useful things.Architecture: the use of science, mathematics and art to

design buildings.Commerce: the buying and selling of goods between cities

and/or nations.Philosophy: the love and pursuit of wisdom to understand

our world and human life.

Engineering

The Roman Empire had engineers that built roads, bridges and aqueducts. Some of their works have lasted over 2,000 years!

(Definition)Aqueduct: human-made channels that carried

water from distant mountain ranges into Roman cities.

AQUEDUCTS carried water into Roman cities.

Roman engineers created beautiful buildings (architecture) and many comforts for the Roman people.

Monuments

THE COLISEUM !

In many of their public buildings Romans used the

all-important

ARCH !

The many uses of the arch showed the world how talented Roman engineers were.

The Roman engineers also used the dome as an effective architectural method.

The Pantheon with its dome.

Today we find domes used in many of our buildings. Do you recognize these two?

Why do you think Americans use domes in

so many government and sports buildings?

The Roman engineers constructed good roads.

Why would good roads make Rome

stronger as a republic and an empire?

Roman roads made it easier to trade, and for ideas and armies to move more quickly!

America is strong too because of our many excellent roads which transport us and our goods, and help connect us to each other.

THAT’S A LOT OF ROADS !!!!

A common currency (money) also helped hold the Roman Empire together. Romans made their money the only money to be used in all the empire.

America is strong because we have one currency for the entire 50 states.

Europe now has one currency too ! It is called the EURO. One currency has helped unify Europe !

So, excellent Roman roads and a single currency helped hold the Empire together

and make it last !

Romans traded with other empires (commerce).

Commerce made the Roman Empire wealthy. It helped Rome influence other peoples.

Roman ArtThe Romans created many statutes and paintings.

They made them look as real as possible. Their art gave us a picture of the people of their time.

Roman Philosophy

A leading philosophy in Rome was called Stoicism. The Stoics were practical thinkers. They tried to teach people how to live well in the real world.

Key Ideas of Stoicism

• Be less concerned with possessions and more concerned about virtue.

• Civic Responsibility: People should act for the good of the city or country and not just personal gain.

Why would these ideas help make a republic or empire last long?

Is the idea of civic responsibility important to the United States?

Look at what this famous American president said in his inaugural speech in January of 1961:

President John F. Kennedy1917-1963

“Ask not what your country can do for you.

Ask what you can do for your country.”

What are things we can do for our country?

Left Side Notebook ActivityGroups of 4 work with placards of Roman advancements

Directions: Your group will examine each placard closely and read the information on the back. Then, take notes in your notebook describing the advancement and how it affects people today. You will have 4 minutes for each placard.

Title of advancement Describe advancement Its effect on people today

Spread of Greek Ideas The Romans studied Greek culture and spread their ideas and building styles to other places.

We can still see columns and arches in our buildings today.

Right Side Notebook Activity

For four of the advancements, draw one quick sketch or symbol. Give each picture a title.

Example:

The Roman Road to………..… Success

Think-Pair-Share

What do you think was Rome’s most important achievement/advancement? Share with your partner:

1. I think that _________________ was the most important advancement because__________.

2. My partner said that_______________. (Be prepared to share what your partner said)

Spread of Greek Ideas

Roman life was heavily influenced by Greek ideas and culture. Ancient Greece was an important civilization that existed before the rise of the Roman Empire. Educated Romans learned the Greek language and studied Greek art, literature, philosophy and architecture. Romans developed Greek architectural features such as columns and arches and used them in their buildings. This picture of the Baths of Caracalla shows the use of the arch in Roman bath-houses. Visitors came to Rome to see the city’s magnificent buildings, 37 monumental gate, 500 fountains and 36 marble arches. Many visitors returned to their own lands and began to imitate Roman and Greek styles.

Lesson Wrap Up

1. Name achievements of the Roman Empire that helped to make it strong and long lasting.

2. Name specific examples of how these achievements still affect our modern life.