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 Facts
Achievements 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.
THE COLISEUM !
Monuments
The many uses of the
arch showed the
world how talented
Roman engineers
were.
In many of their
public buildings
Romans used the
all-important
ARCH !
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 Art
The 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. Kennedy
1917-1963
“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 Activity
Groups 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
Spread of Greek Ideas
Describe advancement
Its effect on people today
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.