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Ancient Rome and Early Christianity, 500 B.C.-A.D

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CHAPTER 6 • OBJECTIVE Ancient Rome and Early Trace the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and analyze its impact on Christianity, 500 B.C.-A.D. 500 culture, government, and religion. Previewing Main Ideas Previewing Main Ideas Urge students to look for connections POWER AND AUTHORITY Rome began as a republic, a government in which elected officials represent the people. Eventually, absolute rulers between the three main ideas. For exam- called emperors seized power and expanded the empire. ple, point out that Rome’s rise to an Geography About how many miles did the Roman Empire stretch empire led to the spread of Christianity. from east to west? Emphasize the universality of human EMPIRE BUILDING At its height, the Roman Empire touched three desires for power and authority, as well continents—Europe, Asia, and Africa. For several centuries, Rome brought as for a spiritual connection. peace and prosperity to its empire before its eventual collapse. Geography Why was the Mediterranean Sea important to the Roman Empire? Accessing Prior Knowledge RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS Out of Judea rose a monotheistic, Ask students to list any ancient Romans or single-god, religion known as Christianity. Based on the teachings of that they can name (Possible Answers: Jesus of Nazareth, it soon spread throughout Rome and beyond. Julius Caesar, Mark Antony) and discuss Geography What geographic features might have helped or hindered the what they already know about them. spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire? Invite students to share their knowledge of early Christianity and Judaism. Tell them that Christianity comes from the INTERNET RESOURCES Greek word christos, meaning “messiah” • Interactive Maps Go to classzone.com for: or “savior.” • Interactive Visuals • Research Links • Maps • Interactive Primary Sources • Internet Activities • Test Practice Geography Answers • Primary Sources • Current Events • Chapter Quiz POWER AND AUTHORITY The Roman Empire stretched about 3,500 miles from east to west. EMPIRE BUILDING The Mediterranean Sea gave Rome access to the oceans for trade, conquest, and communication. RELIGIOUS AND ETHICAL SYSTEMS They had to control borders, protect distant territories, rule different cultures and peoples, and manage trade and commerce. 152 TIME LINE DISCUSSION Explain that the period of 500 B.C. to A.D.500 3. In what year was Italy invaded during the 6. After Diocletian became emperor of Rome, saw the rise and fall of an entire empire. The Punic Wars? (Italy was invaded in 218 B.C.) how long did the Western Roman Empire time line highlights some key events in 4. What events happened in the world around survive? (It survived 192 years.) this journey. the time of the Punic Wars? (Empires were 1. When did Rome become a republic? (Rome founded in India and China.) became a republic in 509 B.C.) 5. Notice the long time span between the 2. How many years passed between the start of second Punic War and Octavian’s defeat of the first and second Punic Wars? (46) What Antony and Cleopatra. What might this quiet can you infer about the outcome of the first time suggest about events in Rome during Punic War? (It was unresolved.) this period? (Rome was in a stable condition during this period.) 152 Chapter 6 CHAPTER 6 History from Visuals Interpreting the Map Ask students to locate Rome and other cities on the map. Which cities have place names that are familiar or still in use today? (Athens, Damascus, and Alexandria) Ask students to describe the territory called the “Roman World” in terms of the oceans and continents it touches. Then ask students to suggest two or three ways geographical location affected the development of Rome. (The Roman World stretched from the northern shore of Africa through most of Europe and into western Asia. It surrounded the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Rome’s location on the Mediterranean gave it access to many nations and to the oceans for trade). Extension Ask students to note the spread of the Roman Empire along the northern coast of Africa. Then have them turn to the political map of Africa in the textbook atlas. What modern African nations now appear in these lands? (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt) 153 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Books for the Teacher Books for the Student Videos Amker, Charlotte, ed. Rome: Echoes of Imperial Ancient Rome. McDougal Ancient Rome. VHS and DVD. Films for the Glory. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1994. Littell Nextext. Rome’s Humanities & Sciences, 1996. 800-257-5126. Ferrill, Arthur. The Fall of the Roman Empire. major historical figures, Three-dimensional re-creations allow students to London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd, 1986. events, and places are see Rome as it was before the empire collapsed. Excellent description of the Roman army. highlighted in this collec- Roman City. VHS. PBS Video, 1994. Kamm, Antony. The Romans. London and New tion of stories, primary 800-344-3337. Life in the frontier territory York: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1995. Overview sources, and visuals. of Gaul. of the Roman civilization. Adkins, Lesley, and Roy A. The Emperor’s Gift: Rome’s Colosseum. VHS Adkins. Handbook to Life and DVD. Films for the Humanities & Sciences. in Ancient Rome. New York, Oxford UP, 1999. 800-257-5126. The engineering, architecture, and civic function of the Colosseum. Teacher’s Edition 153 CHAPTER 6 • INTERACT What makes a successful leader? You are a member of the senate in ancient Rome. Soon you must decide whether to support or oppose a powerful leader who wants to become ruler. Many consider him Interact with History a military genius for having gained vast territory and wealth for Rome. Others point out that he disobeyed orders and is both ruthless and devious. You wonder whether Objectives his ambition would lead to greater prosperity and order in the empire or to injustice • Set the stage for studying the Roman and unrest. Empire and its legacy. • Connect the people and events of the chapter with students’ lives. EXAMINING the ISSUES Possible Answers • Results—Essential to keeping the state strong. Integrity—Leads to trust and respect. • Yes—Leaders can usually govern more effectively if they are admired and if people like and trust them. No—Power is what’s important. Discussion Discuss the leadership qualities and experiences of Alexander and Darius. (Both were brilliant military leaders. Darius also excelled at administration. Both were interested in and accepting of the customs of other cultures, which made them popular in some of the lands they conquered.) L This 19th-century painting by Italian artist Cesare Maccari shows Cicero, one of ancient Rome’s greatest public speakers, addressing fellow members of the Roman Senate. EXAMINING the ISSUES • Which is more important in measuring leadership—results or integrity? • Does a leader have to be likable in order to succeed? As a class, discuss these questions. Based on your discussion, think about what you have learned about other leaders in histor y, such as Alexander the Great and Darius of Persia. What qualities helped them to be successful or caused them to fail? As you read about Rome, see how the qualities of its leaders helped or hindered its development. 154 Chapter 6 WHY STUDY ANCIENT ROME AND EARLY CHRISTIANITY? • Modern Romance languages trace their origins to • Tensions between rich and poor continue to the language of the Romans. Italian, Spanish, affect society, as they did in the days of French, Portuguese, and Romanian have their patricians and plebeians. basis in Latin. • Classical sculpture and architecture are admired • The United States is a republic, as are many and copied today. other governments worldwide. Rome set the • Greek and Roman mythology is still widely read. stage for these republics. • Civil service—systems of paid workers who • Christianity, which arose during the Roman manage governments—still exists. Empire, remains one of the world’s • Sporting events, though not as violent as main religions. gladiator games, remain popular. 154 Chapter 6 wh10te-020601-0155-0159 8/8/03 2:40 PM Page 155 LESSON PLAN 1 Roman Amphitheater The Court of Theodora, OBJECTIVES of Pula: Arcades 6th century • Describe how geography influenced The Roman Republic Rome’s development. • Explain the main institutions of the Roman Republic. MAIN IDEA WHY IT MATTERS NOW TERMS & NAMES • Describe how the Punic Wars helped increase Roman power. POWER AND AUTHORITY The Some of the most fundamental • republic • senate early Romans established a values and institutions of • patrician • dictator republic, which grew powerful Western civilization began in the • plebeian • legion FOCUS & MOTIVATE and spread its influence. Roman Republic. • tribune • Punic Wars • consul • Hannibal Explain that the Roman Empire spread its culture to many lands. Ask students to While the great civilization of Greece was in decline, a SETTING THE STAGE suggest ways that American culture has new city to the west was developing and increasing its power. Rome grew from a small settlement to a mighty civilization that eventually conquered the spread to many lands in today’s world. Mediterranean world. In time, the Romans would build one of the most famous (Possible Answers: fast food, movies, and influential empires in history. clothing styles, music) The Origins of Rome TAKING NOTES Outlining Use an outline INSTRUCT According to legend, the city of Rome was founded in 753 B.C. by Romulus and to organize the main Remus, twin sons of the god Mars and a Latin princess. The twins were aban- ideas and details. The Origins of Rome doned on the Tiber River as infants and raised by a she-wolf. The twins decided to build a city near the spot. In reality, it was men not immortals who built the I.
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