Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the causes for the Fall

of the Roman Empire.
2. Give examples of Roman
influences on modern life.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire lasted
approximately 500 years, from 27 BCE
to 476 CE.

At its height, in 117 CE, the Empire
included 50 million people, from
Northern Africa to Britain, and from
Spain to Syria.
The Fall of the Roman Empire
The end of the Roman Empire marks the
end of the Ancient World, and the
beginning of the Middle Ages.

The Empire fell in 476 CE.

Why did the Empire end?
Reasons for the
Fall of the Roman Empire
1. Political problems: there
wasnt a peaceful way set up for
choosing the next leader.
Reasons for the
Fall of the Roman Empire
2. Economics and social
problems: a huge army meant
high taxes. Some leaders kept
the tax money for themselves.




Reasons for the
Fall of the Roman Empire
3. Weakening Boundaries:
because the Empire was so
huge, it was hard to defend.
Reasons for the
Fall of the Roman Empire
4. The Split: Emperor Constantine
moved the capital to Byzantium;
the Empire was now split in two.
Reasons for the
Fall of the Roman Empire
In 476 CE, the last emperor (in the
west), was driven from his throne.
The western half of the empire began to
dissolve into separate kingdoms ruled by
different tribes.
The Legacy of the Roman
Empire
Art:
Romans borrowed what they saw and liked
from other cultures, especially the Greek
culture.
Romans built on what they borrowed:
Sculpting
Murals
Mosaics
Frescoes
Gem cutting and metalworking (i.e. cameos)
Sculpting
Sculptures were very realistic
and lifelike.
Mosaics
Mosaics decorated the walls of wealthy
Romans homes; they usually showed
scenes of Roman life.
Mosaics Today
Murals
Wealthy families paid artists to
paint on the walls of their
homes.
Murals Today
Murals can be seen today on the
walls of both the inside and outside
of buildings.
Gem Cutting and Metalworking
Romans made
earrings from stones,
jewels and gold.
Ancient Roman artisans
are also famous for their
cameos, a carved
decoration showing a
portrait or scene.
Roman Architecture and Engineering
The Romans learned how to use the
arch, vault, and dome to build huge
structures.
Roman Architecture and Engineering
The Romans used concrete to help build
huge arches.
Roman Architecture and Engineering
Roman Architecture and Engineering
Roman Architecture and Engineering
Roman Architecture and Engineering
Roman Architecture and Engineering
Legacy of Roman Architecture
and Engineering in the U.S.
Legacy of Roman Architecture
and Engineering in the U.S.
Legacy of Roman Architecture
and Engineering in the U.S.
Roman Language and Writing
The language Romans used was Latin.
It continued to be used during the
Middle Ages.

Several modern languages developed from
Latin: Italian, Spanish, and French.

English is strongly influenced by Latin.

Legacy of Roman Language
and Writing




1. We use the Latin alphabet.

2. Many of our words show Latin influence
(i.e. August = Augustus).

3. Many English words start with Latin
prefixes (i.e. in = not). continued

Legacy of Roman Language
and Writing
4. Some English words come from Latin
root words (i.e. anima = animal).

5. Latin sayings are still
used today:
E pluribus unum.

Legacy of Roman Language
and Writing
Romans used a system of letters to write
numbers. We see Roman numerals on
clocks, books, and even during the Super
Bowl!
Roman Philosophy, Law, and
Citizenship
Popular Roman philosophy was that
people should live life with good
character, having self-control and
courage.

Romans had laws
regarding marriages,
inheritances,
contracts, etc.
Roman Philosophy, Law, and
Citizenship
Romans believed that there was a
universal law of justice that came from
nature (not the ruler).
By this natural law, every person had
rights.
Judges tried to make just, or fair, decisions
that respected peoples natural rights.
All free people of Rome were considered to
be citizens. They had to follow Roman law,
and had to be loyal to the emperor, but
enjoyed certain rights.
Legacy of Roman Philosophy






The Romans philosophy of natural
law is seen in our Declaration of
Independence: all men are
endowed by their creator with
certain inalienable rights

Legacy of Roman Law
Our judges today, like Roman judges,
make decisions on ideas of justice and
our laws.


Legacy of Roman Citizenship
Ancient Romans thought it
was their responsibility and
civic duty to their empire to
participate in the
government, including
going to assembly meetings
and voting in elections.
The idea of citizenship
as a privilege and a
responsibility can be
seen in our voting
system.