While Greece is in decline, Rome is developing power

While Greece is in decline, Rome is developing power

• While Greece is in decline, Rome is developing power

• Began as a monarchy, but by 509BCE overthrown by the aristocracy, who created a republic (power is held by citizens who elect leaders to make decisions – representative democracy)

• 2 Groups competed for power:

• Patricians: aristocratic landowners, held the most power
• Plebeians: farmers, artisans, merchants; sought (and eventually gained) power

Roman gov. set up w/ separate branches

• Roman gov. set up w/ separate branches

• Executive: 2 consuls, chosen annually, headed army and ran gov.

• Legislative: Senate and 2 assemblies

• Senate made up of 300 landowners
• Made foreign policy, economic policy and advised consuls
• Assemblies – Council of Plebs, created 471BCE to protect plebeians

Twelve Tables, 451BCE: First written code of laws

• Twelve Tables, 451BCE: First written code of laws

• At first, civil laws only applied to Roman citizens, but as Rome expanded and brought conquered people under its rule had to create a universal system of laws, Law of Nations

• Based on reason and justice, applied to all peoples, protect citizens and property
• Principles:
• all citizens have equal protection under the law
• Innocent until proven guilty
• The burden of proof rests w/ the accuser
• Unfair laws repealed

By 528CE, Emperor Justinian compiled all laws throughout the Empire into 4 books:

• By 528CE, Emperor Justinian compiled all laws throughout the Empire into 4 books:

• The Code (500 laws)
• The Digest (legal opinions)
• The Novellae (new laws added after 534CE)
• The Institutes (law textbook)

• Created a government of laws, not of men

Roman republic lasted 5 centuries, but by 1st Century became an Empire

• Roman republic lasted 5 centuries, but by 1st Century became an Empire

• Expansion of empire too large for a republic to control

• Augustus (formerly Caesar Octavian) began the Roman Empire in 27BCE

• Pax Romana, period of peace and prosperity beginning under Augustus & lasting from 14-180CE.

The birth & expansion of Christianity occurred in the Roman Empire.

• The birth & expansion of Christianity occurred in the Roman Empire.

• Empire spread to Judaea (Palestine) by 6CE

• Jesus (ca. 6BCE-29CE), a Jewish prophet, preached simple message & told followers he did not want to destroy traditional religion

• Transformation of inner person most important, not strict following of laws

• Taught to love God and one another

• Ethical ideas: humility, charity, brotherly love

Conservatives believed he was undermining respect for traditional Judaism

• Conservatives believed he was undermining respect for traditional Judaism

• Romans believed he was a potential revolutionary

• Given up by opponents to Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, who ordered death by crucifixion

• Loyal followers spread story of his resurrection and proclaimed him the Messiah

Early Christianity viewed as small sect w/in Judaism

• Early Christianity viewed as small sect w/in Judaism

• Christians persecuted under Emperor Nero (54-68CE) after the “great Roman fire” of 64CE

• Refused to honor Roman gods & emperor

• Grew slowly anyway & spread widely by 3rd Century

Personal faith open to all

• Personal faith open to all

• All social classes welcome: women, slaves, rich, poor had “spiritual equality”

• Promise of salvation

• Familiar & easy to understand (Christ was human)

• Formation of communities, sense of belonging

313CE Constantine became 1st Christian emperor & proclaimed Edict of Milan, official tolerance of Christianity

• 313CE Constantine became 1st Christian emperor & proclaimed Edict of Milan, official tolerance of Christianity

• Under Theodosius the Great (378-395CE), Christianity became official religion of the Roman Empire, all others illegal

• Throughout Middle Ages, Roman Catholic Church dominated both religious

• & political life