Exploring the Legacy of the Roman Empire
Exploring the Legacy of the Roman Empire
Learning objective
Items in this lesson
Exploring the Legacy of the Roman Empire
Learning objective
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson, you will understand the rise, expansion, governance, culture, and legacy of the Roman Empire.
What do you already know about the Roman Empire?
Origins of Rome
Rome was founded in 753 BC by Romulus and Remus. It began as a small city-state on the Italian Peninsula.
Who founded Rome?
Nero
Romulus and Remus
Julius Caesar
Augustus
The Roman Republic
Founded in 509 BC, the Republic was characterised by a complex system of checks and balances and a Senate.
Expansion of the Republic
Through military conquests and alliances, Rome expanded across the Mediterranean Basin.
The Punic Wars
Fought between Rome and Carthage, these wars marked Rome's dominance over the western Mediterranean.
Transition to Empire
Julius Caesar's rise and assassination led to the end of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
Augustus and the Pax Romana
Augustus, Rome's first emperor, initiated a period of peace and prosperity known as the Pax Romana.
Roman Society and Culture
Roman society was hierarchical. Culture included Latin language, Roman law, and architectural innovations.
Engineering and Architecture
Romans built roads, aqueducts, and monumental structures like the Colosseum and Pantheon.
The Roman Economy
The economy was based on agriculture, trade, and slave labour, facilitating prosperity and growth.
Religion in the Empire
Roman religion was polytheistic, later including Christianity, which became dominant by the 4th century AD.
The Crisis of the Third Century
A period of military, political, and economic turmoil that almost caused the collapse of the empire.
Diocletian and the Tetrarchy
Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into a tetrarchy to better manage and control it.
Constantine and Christianity
Emperor Constantine legalised Christianity and moved the capital to Byzantium, later Constantinople.
The Fall of the Western Empire
In 476 AD, the last Roman emperor of the west was deposed, marking the fall of the Western Roman Empire.
Byzantine Empire Continuation
The Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, continued for nearly a millennium after the west fell.
Roman Legal System
Roman law laid the foundation for modern legal systems, with principles like equality before the law.
Roman Language and Literature
Latin, the language of Rome, influenced many modern languages. Roman literature includes works by Virgil and Ovid.
Legacy of the Roman Empire
Rome's legacy is evident in modern government, architecture, language, and law.
Interactive Quiz
Test your knowledge with a quiz on the Roman Empire's history and legacy.
Discussion and Reflection
Reflect on how the Roman Empire's legacy is visible in today's society.
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
