Life in the Roman Empire Flashcards
How did the government encourage large families?
Tax relief and more soldiers for the army
How was family life in Rome organized?
Patriarchal
How did the Romans educate their children?
Taught boys and girls to read and write. Richer families would hire private Greek tutors
What rights did women gain in Roman society?
Greater freedom and influence, they dined out, attended theater and some even had highly visible public roles and exercised significant political influence
Describe the differences between the Romans and the Greeks in their attitudes toward women
Roman: education and took part in politics
Greek: no part in politics and no education
Where is the origin of the word “January”?
Named after the Greek god Janus, God of the beginnings and transitions (comes from the Latin word “iahua” meaning deer)
How did Romans adapt Greek religion into their own culture?
Blended Greek hellenistic and Roman achievements: art, literature, philosophy and science
What were the goals of Virgil when he wrote the Aeneid?
Tried to show Rome’s past was as heroic as the Greeks
How did the historians Tacitus and Livy differ in their interpretation of the Roman Empire?
Livy sought to arouse patriotic feeling and restore traditional Roman virtues by recalling images of Rome’s heroic past. Tacitus wrote bitterly about Augustus and his successors, who, he felt, destroyed Roman Liberty
Identify and state the reason for the two systems of Roman Law
Rome expanded and rule many foreigners who were not covered under the civil law. Gradually, the law of nations emerged, it applied to all people under Roman Rule, both citizen and non-citizen
5 common principles established in Roman Law that have become part of English and American common law
- People of same status are equal
- Accused is innocent until proven guilty
- Offer defense against charge
- Guilt must be established “clearer than daylight” through evidence
- Based on fairness allowing judges to interpret the law
How did Romans treat the Jews of Palestine?
They tolerated them but religious ferment was creating deep divisions
3 basic teachings of the new religion of Christianity that were rooted in Jewish tradition
- Monotheism
- Accepted 10 commandments
- Obedience of laws of Moses defend the teachings of Jewish prophets
Why did Christianity attract so many converts?
Welcomed all people, especially the lowly, the poor and the oppressed. Found comfort in his message of love, as well as in his teachings of equality, dignity and the promise of a better life beyond the group
Torah
First 6 books of the Bible
