Post on 04-Jan-2016
transcript
LAW & COMMERCERELIGION
GOVERNMENTDAILY LIFE & ENTERTAINMENT
The City of Rome (culture)
LAW & COMMERCE
Slaves were the backbone of the economy, slaves typically farmed the land, manufactured goods and worked as shop assistants
hand made bronze coins value based on metal content
Rural products came from surrounding countryside
Marine goods from port of Ostia
Various sales taxes
Laws written 450BC in 12 “tables” & studied as a “Science”
Lawyers trained in speaking skills & not paid
Speaking skills seen as “manly” attributes 2nd only to fighting ability
Only citizens protected by law
Pater familiarisCriminal cases heard by
juries of wealthy citizens
RELIGION
Polythiestic = many godstradition and customPoorer Romans had less
knowledgePrivate religion very different to
public religionPublic temple worship unpopular,
controlled by the gov’tdemonstrated nationalism &
loyaltyPontifex Maximus = chief priest,
but political
RELIGION continued
Private devotion to ancestors (Lares) protectors of the house & food
(Penates) cults from the Eastern Med. Introduced
by returning soldiers swamped with Greek gods &
philosophies e.g. Stoicism, Epicureanism & Cynicism
Obsessed with signs, omens, portents, auspices etc.
By late Republic public religion and temples to Roman gods were in decline
Materialism became popular
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Constitution never written down based on traditions of the past
Law written 450BC, studied as a “Science”
Senate - seat of powerSuccess in the Senate required
Oratory (speaking) skill Military success Respectable family Wealth Clients “good omens”
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS continued
Roman leaders were expected to embody: Pietas – doing a man’s duty Gravitas – being serious &
authoritive Constantia – holding your
ground being consistent Comitas – a sense of
humour Disciplina – self discipline Industria – hard working Servitas – tough on yourself
Even more GOVERNMENT & POLITICS
Two Consuls were the head of the government
There were both the govenment and Thheavily populated area on the Subura Way
trades and manufacturing area High levels of crime, prostitution,
and the poverty Inscriptions provide evidence of a
Jewish synagogue Suetonius writes that Julius
Caesar, once lived here Juvenal refers to fires, falling
rooftiles, assaults, and mille pericula saevae urbis, "the thousand dangers of a savage city" (Sat. 3.8-9 ).
Entertainment
Romans were passionate about entertainment
Their top 5 past times would have been; Bathing Gladiator contests Chariot Racing Gambling Board games
Entertainment continued
Entertainment had an important social function As the number of slaves increased, Roman
citizens found they had increasing social time Men and women were segregated With the exception of the baths, citizens would
be segregated by social class Seating reinforced the social hierarchy with
Senators having the best seats, followed by Equestrians, Plebeian citizens and finally slaves
Entertainers were considered the lowest in society, therefore actors, gladiators, chariot racers were usually slaves
Even more Entertainment
Important political & propaganda functions Plebeians were undermployed, there was fear that without something
to do they would revolt Games were seen as a way to keep the Plebs happy & entertained Aspiring politicians would host games as a means of political
advertising in the lead up to elections Victorious generals used games to display captured slaves and
animals from conquered territories (and hence promote their political career)
Gladiators role played stories from Rome’s past and dressed as enemies or heroes of Rome
Theatre promoted particular Roman ideals and justified Rome’s actions Factions (teams) in chariot races represented political ideas e.g.
Optimates & populares