The Lasting Contributions of Rome

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The Lasting Contributions of Rome

• Standard 7.1

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Architecture

• Public Works were structures built by the
  government for the use of the public. They built
  public baths, temples, bridges, forums, and
  marketplaces
• The three most important innovations were the
  arch, cement, and the baked brick

3
Engineering

• The Romans invented cement, which was stronger
  than stone and designed huge arches and domes
  with it.
• They also used concrete to build more than 50,000
  miles of roads. This helped unify the empire.
• Aqueducts carried water from the countryside to
  the city.

4
Water Supplies

• Public fountains supplied clean water to
  citizens.
• Sewer systems carried away wastewater.
• Public baths were available for all to enjoy.

5
Art

• Romans created
• masterpieces of art in sculpture, painting,
  pottery, and mosaics.
• Frescos were painted on walls throughout the
  cities.
• The arts were greatly influenced by the Greeks.

6
Roman Law and Citizenship

• In 451 B.C., the leaders of the Roman Republic
  wrote the Twelve Tables. This code of laws dealt
  with daily Roman life.
• Citizenship gave people the right to participate
  in government and gave them equal rights under
  the law.

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The Twelve Tables

• Table IV A dreadfully deformed child shall be
  quickly killed.
• Table V Females should remain in guardianship
  even when they have attained their majority.
• Table XI Marriages should not take place between
  plebeians and patricians.

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Influence of Roman Law

• The United States and many European and Latin
  nations have been influenced by Roman law.
• Principles of the Roman Republic, such as equal
  justice under the law, are still important.

9
The Legacy of Language

• The Romance languages (Spanish, Italian, French)
  are based on Latin, the language of the Romans.
• Our alphabet is based on the Roman alphabet.

10
The Christian Religion

• Christianity, based on the teachings of Jesus of
  Nazareth, urged followers to love God and one
  another.
• Though Jesus was executed under Roman rule, his
  message was carried throughout the empire by his
  followers.
• Early on, Christians were persecuted, but in the
  300s A.D., Emperor Constantine made it the
  official religion of the Empire.
• Today, Christianity is the largest religion in
  the world.