Roman Society and Culture

1. Roman Society and Culture • AP World History 1

2. Roman Literature • Most influenced by Greek models. • Most distinguished poet of the Augustan age was Virgil. • The most famous Latin prose work of the golden age was written by the historian Livy, whose masterpiece was the History of Rome. 2

3. Roman Law • Rome’s system of law was one of the chief gifts to the Mediterranean world. • The Twelve tables was the first code of law (had weaknesses). • The “law of nations” had standards that applied to both citizens and foreigners. 3

4. Roman Art & Architecture • The Romans adopted many features of the Greek style of art. • The Romans excelled in architecture (rows, columns, rectangular buildings; and curvilinear forms: arch, vault, & dome). • 1st people in antiquity to develop and use concrete on a massive scale. 4

5. The Roman Family • The paterfamilias was the supreme authority in the home, but this changed over time. • Women married early – legal age was 12. • Upper class women had considerable freedom and independence. 5

6. Slavery • The Romans had more slaves and relied on slave labor more than any other people in the ancient world. • The Roman conquest of the Mediterranean meant that large numbers of slaves were brought back to Italy as a result of their capture. • The most famous slave revolt was led by Sparticus in 73 B.C. 6

7. Daily Life in Rome • Rome was overcrowded, noisy, and dangerous at night. • There were enormous differences between rich and poor. • Entertainment such as horse and chariot races, dramas, and gladiator shows were free to the public. 7