1

Lecture # 6: Ancient Roman Civilization:

Presented by Abul Kalam Azad

Senior Lecturer, GEDNorthern University Bangladesh

E-mail: kalamadd@gmail.com

Introduction The civilization that emerged in the Rome is

known as the Roman civilization. No doubt, the history of Roman civilization was quite gigantic. The rise and fall of many kings appeared in this civilization. Roman genius and industry were directed essentially towards agriculture, law, government and war. The culture of Roman represents the final stage of classical civilization in western Europe. Let’s discuss in detail.

Orientation of Ancient Roman Civilization: Geography

Roman civilization (present capital of Italy) located in the whole coastal area of the Mediterranean sea; more specifically, located on the bank of Tiber (river); a peninsula about 650 miles long and 100 miles wide shaped extending into the Mediterranean sea (Southern & Western area of Italy); The alps mountain is to the north of Italy; many small valleys in the central and southern part; Adriatic sea is to the north-east of Italy; Etruscan sea is to the south-east of Italy.

4

Social Studies SOL 3.1 The student will explain how the contributions of ancient Greece and Rome have influenced the present world in terms of architecture, government (direct and representative democracy), and sports.

.

Activity: Show these similarities and differences between Greece and Rome in a Venn Diagram

According to legend, the Roman civilization was founded by Romulus and Remus, in the year 753 BC.

Rise of Etruscan in 750 BC : A native or inhabitant of ancient Etruria. They contributed to writing system, religious practice, astronomy etc.

Rome City (14 miles distant from Etruscan sea) was founded by Romulus who killed his twin brother Remus in an argument over the building of Rome.

Chronology of Roman Government

End of Monarchy & Rise of Oligarchic Republic of Rome.

Struggle Between Patrician and Plebeian Imperialistic Character in The Republic Punic War-I (264 BC) between the Roman

(winner) & Carthage (surrendered) Dominance of Carthage on Spain in 218

BC& Punic War-II between the Roman (winner) & Carthage (surrendered)

In 149 BC Senate of Rome ordered Carthage to leave the coastal areas crossing 10 miles and then the Punic War III started between the Roman (winner) & Carthage (became slave)

7

End of Republic & Rise of Grachi Brothers: Tiberius Graechus & Gaius Graechus (representatives of the landless peasants). Tiberius Graechus being selected magistrate by Plebeian in 133 BC attempted to legislate against landlords in order that they could not own more than 310 acres of land but he was victimized by advantaged group and killed by them. Later, his brother Gaius Graechus being selected magistrate made a significant law through which landless people could buy the goods with half of the real price. Like his elder brother, he was later killed by the enemy. 8

War between the Roman & North African Numidia and Gaul, Mithridate of Pontus and ultimately the start of Military Dictatorship by Marius (107 BC)

Conflict between Pompey (was defeated & killed in 48 BC) and Julius Caesar (became the king / monarch)

Triumvirate by Octavian Caesar, Mark Antony & Lepidus: After assassination of Caesar, there were two groups: Republican and reformist followers of Caesar. Ultimately, republicans were defeated by Antony (a friend of Caesar), Caesar’s nephew, Octavian & Lepidus. Western part including Italy was under the control of Octavian, eastern part of Antony and African provinces were under Lepidus.

9

When Octavian was only twenty eight years of old, he had gained complete control of Italy and the Western part of roman state. Within 42-32 BC, Octavian defeated Lepidus.

In the meantime, Antony led a luxurious life with his wife Cleopatra in Alexandria. After marriage with Antony, high ambitious Cleopatra (a daughter of Ptolemy kingdom of Egypt) was enthusiastic to control the Roman empire. This news led Octavian to declare a war against Antony and ultimately in 31 BC, Octavian defeated Antony with his wife Cleopatra in the battle of Actium. Antony with his wife Cleopatra committed sucide.

10

Octavian Caesar as Augustus Caesar (A Glorious Reign): Octavian Caesar appeared as Augustus Caesar in 31 BC. Roman Senate designated him as Augustus. That period, he declared himself as the chief of Army and Roman religion. However, he established monarchy. Before the death of Augustus Caesar in 14 AD, some significant initiatives of his rule were~

Acute punishment of bribery; New Taxation system; Independence of Provinces Rigid Laws to prevent divorce, suicide,

adultery etc. Road building in Gaul, Spain, Syria and

Asia minor to link with Italy.

11

Rise of Anarchy after the death of Augustus

Popularity of Stoicism & Epicureanism: Stoicism (beginning at around 301 BC) is a school of thought that flourished in Greek and Roman antiquity. The main beliefs of stoics were~

that the goal of all inquiry was to provide man with a mode of conduct characterized by tranquility of mind and certainty of moral value; the suppression of the emotions and the subordination of immoral desire to the demands of reason;

truth can be distinguished from fallacy; freedom is secured not by the fulfilling of

one's desires, but by the removal of desire.

Epicureanism is the philosophy taught by Epicurus (341–270 BC). In ancient polemics, the term was meant as the equivalent of hedonism, the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the chief good. Epicureanism thus means devotion to pleasure, comfort, and high living with a certain nicety of style.

13

Roman Literature

Roman literature was influenced by Stoicism and Epicureanism. Famous poets were Vergil (his significant writing was Aeneid), Ovid, Livy (his significant writing was History of Rome), Cicero, Pertonius, Apuleius.

14

Roman Architecture

One of the significant architectures was Pantheon (temple) made by the king Hadrian . In addition there were some significant architectures in Roman empire.

15

Roman Science & Technology

Roman were not famous in science and technology like politics, military and law. Pliny the Elder was mentionable scientist who made an Encyclopedia of science naming it Natural History.

16

Roman Economy

Roman economy was mainly based on agriculture. Industry and commerce were developed much more slowly in the western part of the Roman empire than it did in the eastern. Most of the industrial works were done by the slaves.

17

Roman Law The most significant contribution of the

Roman was in the arena of law. Roman law was divided in three branches:1. Jus Civic (Non-Military Law) in both written

and non-written form: includes the laws and decrees concerning the status of Senate, Prince and high state incumbents

2. Jus Gentian (Laws of people) in order to encourage the unconscious people to the idea of nationality, rights of private property etc.

3. Jus Natural (Natural Law): This law said that all men are equal and they the fundamental rights on the property gotten congenitally. Even, the govt. will not breach this law. 18

Fall of Roman Law

Rise and fall is the universal phenomenon according to Ibn Khaldun. Roman empire was not the exception of this history. However, the most important causes of the fall of Roman empire was the imperialistic character of Roman ruler and the deterioration of their economy,.

19